PRODUCT NO.: 1-0140 GCC: DS-FR-GP
COMMON NAME: White Camphor, Camphor, Hon-sho, Laurel Camphor
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cinnamomum camphora, Laurua camphora
FAMILY NAME: Lauraceae(Laurel)
INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Japan, Taiwan, China
COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: China, India, Ceylon, Egypt, USA
HISTORY INFORMATION: In Victorian times, camphor was used to revive women after faint spells (probably from lack of oxygen because of their tight under-garments). Camphor has been used in China for thousands of years. There is large amount of confusion surrounding white camphor. Valnet reported on Borneo Camphor (dryobalanops camphora) not white camphor. There are two different camphors with the same scientific name, thus making it impossible to tell them apart. They are hon-sho and ho-sho (it is amazing what an "n" can do). Hon-sho is white camphor. Ho-sho is Formosan camphor which produces two oils: one from the wood which does not crystallize as white camphor does, the other from the leaves (but it can be labeled as "wood oil" adding to the confusion).
GENERAL INFORMATION: Crude camphor is produced by the tree as a crystalline substance. The tree must be at least fifty years old to produce this crude. The extraction process is very involved. After the wood is distilled it must be rectified producing three grades of oil. White camphor is the lightest fraction and the is the one used in aromatherapy. The other two fractions are called brown or middle fraction and yellow or heaviest fraction. Brown and yellow camphor are considered not safe for personal use. The brown and yellow fractions have safrol, a carcinogen, in them. The white has no safrol. There is a Japanese camphor that does have safrol. The camphor without safrol but higher linalool is called Taiwan camphor. With all this confusion, you can see why many caution the use of this oil.
DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: A tall handsome, evergreen tree growing to 90 feet. The trunk is 8 to 10 feet in diameter running to 20-30 feet before it branches bearing red leaves that turn green and clusters of small white flowers followed by dark red berries.
PARTS PROCESSED: Wood, branches, root stumps.
PROCESSING METHODS: Steam distilled rectified under vacuum and filter pressed.
COLOR RANGE: Clear to light yellow.
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Ketone. Camphor up to 50%, cineol, pinene, terpineol, menthol, thymol, no safrol.
YIN\YANG: Yin/Yang
PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, counter-irritant, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, rubefacient, vermifuge. Used for acne, inflammation, oily conditions, arthritis, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, sprains, bronchitis, chills, coughs, colds, fevers, flu and infectious diseases.
MENTAL USES: I am fully present in my body. I am aware, I am directing my life.
EMOTIONAL USES: Feeling hurt, abused, jealous, out-of-it TO grounded, alive, aware.
SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate damage to the etheric field and the possiblity of physical distress or disease. The etheric field is the area immediately surrounding your physical body. If you look hard enough, there is a glow around the body extending a few inches. You can also feel it if you place your hand on your body and begin to move away from the body feeling where it ends.There is a definite difference. The etheric body is most often damaged by unhealthy habits such as abusing with food, drinking alcohol, pushing the body too hard, not getting enough rest, inappropriate sexual practices, severe trauma or extreme emotion and medical procedures. Camphor heals the etheric body and helps to remove energy blocks from the field that could become physical.
APPLICATIONS: Bath, compress, inhalation, lotion, massage, salve and traumatic situations where consciousness is required.
WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: Nontoxic, avoid with pregnancy and with infants and young children, avoid if prone to seizures.
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