August 6th, 2009Camphor- The Chinese Magic
Camphor is usually a native of China & Japan but today because of its magical medicinal and aroma therapeutic value, it is grown worldwide even in European countries. This tree is cultivated to be as tall as possible and deliberately aged for to extract the best. The camphor is usually obtained from the bark and the leaves of this tree.
The bark and the leaves of this tree are generally steamed to give out white crystals with a soothing and a powerful aroma. This substance is cure to many respiratory problems and used extensively in natural aromatherapy. This steaming is either done in a vaporizer where directly the aromatic fumes are produced or otherwise the crystals are produced elsewhere and the aroma is obtained via a vaporizer review later.
The camphor tree evolve at a very slow pace hence today to keep up to the demand, major portion of the camphor is synthetically generated. The best camphor is obtained from a tree with the average life span of 50 years. Camphor when extracted is either converted to balms, oils or just vaporizing tablets.
The history of camphor extends long back in the times of Marco Polo. The substance was then and till date is used for its scent and its relaxing feel. It serves as a treatment for respiratory congestion in the form of inhaling fumes or by vapor balms. It is also used as an analgesic for pain and also as an external heart medicine. Today camphor is the primary ingredient of all the balms available for nose, chest and throat congestion.
