The physical properties of this organic compound, specifically, are a melting point of 179 degrees Celsius, a boiling point of 209 degrees Celsius, and its characteristic odor. History Marco Polo gave mention of camphor to the Chinese in the thirteenth century, which may be one of the earliest records of the C. camphora tree and its value. As mentioned previously, the Chinese attribute many virtues to camphor. Camphor has long been valued for its great medicinal properties among its other uses. There are two derivatives of the oil of Camphor, both which serve similar purposes, but are found in commerce as separate substances, Cinnamomum camphora and Dryobalanops aromatica .
Camphor is commonly mixed with other ingredients to aid in the relief of particular ailments.
Camphor treats many ailments and medical conditions. These conditions include chills, cholera, cold, colic, constipation, depression, diarrhea, fever, flatulence, and gout. Also, hypotension, hysteria, infectious disease, influenza, insomnia, muscular disorders, nervous tension, pneumonia, rheumatism, shock, toothache, tuberculosis, ulcers, urinary tract infection, vomiting, and wounds can be treated with camphor. One common misconception of treating a medical condition with camphor is that camphor acts as a preventive to infectious diseases. In some cases, such as heart disease, camphor should be used with extreme caution.