Camphor, Camphortree

Cinnamomum camphora

Physical Characteristics

Cinnamomum camphora is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from March to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Diptera. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Condiment Young shoots and leaves - cooked[105, 177]. Some caution is suggested because there is a report that the plant is poisonous in large quantities. The old leaves are dried and used as a spice[105, 177].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Anthelmintic Antianxiety Antiarrhythmic Antirheumatic Antispasmodic Aromatherapy Cardiotonic Carminative Deodorant Diaphoretic Odontalgic Rubefacient Sedative Stimulant Tonic Camphor has a long history of herbal use in the Orient with a wide range of uses. It has occasionally been used internally in the treatment of hysteria, but in modern day herbalism it is mainly used as the essential oil and internal use is not advised[254]. The wood and leaves are analgesic, antispasmodic, odontalgic, rubefacient, stimulant. An infusion is used as an inhalant in the treatment of colds and diseases of the lungs[46, 57, 176, 178, 238]. The plant is more commonly used in the form of the essential oil which can be obtained by distillation of the chipped branches, trunk and wood of the tree, or from the leaves and twigs. Wood 24 - 40 years old is normally used[268]. The essential oil is anthelmintic, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, cardiotonic, carminative, diaphoretic, sedative and tonic[4, 218, 238, 240]. It is used externally in liniments for treating joint and muscle pains, balms for chilblains, chapped lips, cold sores, skin diseases etc and as an inhalant for bronchial congestion[238]. Some caution is advised, excessive use causes vomiting, palpitations, convulsions and death[238]. It is possible that the oil can be absorbed through the skin, causing systemic poisoning[238]. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Piercing'[210]. It is used in the treatment of digestive complaints and depression[238]. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Cinnamomum camphora for Arrhythmia, Cough/bronchitis, Hypotension, Nervous heart complaints, Rheumatism.

Known Hazards

The plant is poisonous in large quantities[4]. Large doses can cause respiratory failure in children[268]. See the report below on medicinal uses for more information.