The smell of camphor is familiar to almost everyone. It is difficult to confuse it with anything, it is so peculiar. No less original is the laurel itself, from the wood of which camphor is obtained.
Camphor tree. Description
Camphor laurel, or camphor cinnamon, is an evergreen tree that grows up to 30-50 meters in height. Forms a tent-shaped spreading crown. A strong trunk with a gray bark in diameter reaches 5 m. The leaves are smooth, up to 10 cm long, ovate, pointed, green above, below - light green, as if covered with wax, with numerous translucent dots - these are drops of essential oil.
The flowers of the plant are small, greenish-white or yellowish. The camphor tree blooms from July to late autumn. The fruits are drupes, red or purple-black, up to 1 cm in diameter. Ripens in November. A white crystalline substance, camphor, is obtained from essential oil, wood and tree resin. Grows in China, Japan, Taiwan, Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and Madagascar.
Fun fact:
The island of Itsukushima, in Japan, is famous for its Shinto shrines. The gates of the sanctuary - torii, are located directly in the sea. These torii are the symbol of Japan. The gate that exists today was built in 1875. Their height is 16 meters. And they are made from a single trunk of camphor laurel
Biological features
The camphor tree grows very quickly and has a great ability to give growth from the trunk, branches and even from the stump. Confirms the vitality of camphor laurel and the fact that in Australia and Florida it is recognized as a harmful species. Indeed, brought to Australia in 1822 as an ornamental plant, the camphor tree “responded” to the favorable climate of the subtropics so much that it is now declared a weed. And for good reason.
Viable and strong camphor laurel, growing, destroys city communications with rhizomes. Spoils river embankments, and the content of terpene components in the leaves adversely affects water quality and destroys freshwater fish. Camphor laurels have become a real threat to eucalyptus trees, which are on the verge of extinction in Australia, in addition, serving as the only source of food for koalas - the pride of the Australian continent.
Fun facts:
- The oldest camphor tree was discovered in Taiwan. The age of the centenarian is 1400 years.
- The viability of the camphor tree is also evidenced by the fact that its roots survived at the epicenter of the nuclear explosion in Hiroshima. 5 species of trees, including camphor laurel, have revived - gave fresh shoots and saved the Hiroshima Botanical Garden.
Camphor
From camphor laurelextract essential oil. The raw material for it is old trees, since a large amount of oil is contained in the lower part. The tree is cut down, divided into parts to get camphor oil. To process a cut on a tree and grind it into powder - the work of a special apparatus with water vapor. As a result, camphor oil is formed. Colorless crystals with a characteristic odor are obtained from it - this is natural camphor.
Fun facts:
- In ancient times, camphor was worn around the neck in bags in order to inhale its aroma. Chinese healers were sure that the smell strengthens the lungs and nerves, and also cleanses the brain. Children wore a charm with pieces of camphor as a protection against diseases.
- In southeast Asia, camphor is valued as a meditation incense that purifies space and promotes relaxation. According to Ayurveda, camphor reveals feelings, gives clarity to the mind.
Camphor oil in medicine
Camphor has long been known for its healing properties. It is a stimulant, antiseptic, expectorant, analgesic, antispasmodic. Special properties lie in its ability to restore body functions. Before the advent of modern machines, patients were injected with camphor for asphyxia to maintain breathing.
Camphor has a vasoconstrictive effect, promotes the release of sputum from the lungs. A camphor solution is also used in the treatment of heart failure, pneumonia, and poisoning. It is currently mainly used asantiseptic and local irritant.
Camphor tree is widely used in medicine. Treatment methods are different. Currently in pharmacies you can find the following drugs:
- camphor ointment - for rubbing with pain in the joints;
- camphor solution in paraffin oil - for inflammation of the middle ear;
- camphor alcohol - for rubbing;
- 10% camphor oil - externally for rheumatism, sciatica, arthritis;
- 20% solution - injected subcutaneously for heart or respiratory failure;
- "Denta" - tooth drops with camphor oil, used for toothache.
Fun fact:
Avicenna emphasized the healing properties of camphor, saying that there are two cures for all diseases, and one of them is camphor. Already at that time, he noted all the therapeutic effects of camphor, described them in detail in the "Canon of Medicine"
Camphor oil in cosmetology
Camphor tree oil has become quite a popular component in cosmetology. It is used both as part of preparations and as an independent remedy. Camphor oil has the ability to regulate the sebaceous glands. Therefore, it is a component in the composition of care products for problematic and oily skin.
The anti-inflammatory properties of camphor have also come in handy in cosmetology. Creams, masks and tonics gently cleanse the skin and are successfully used in the treatment of acne and acne. As representatives of the fair sex note, if a few drops of camphor are added tocare product, the skin tone is evened out. Masks with camphor eliminate age spots and freckles.
What else is camphor laurel good for?
Tree camphor high-growing, so it is widely used as forest plantations, parks and gardens. Roads, alleys are planted with laurel, hedges are created.
Camphor laurel wood is of no particular value. But a pleasant smell that lasts for a long time and a beautiful cut attract the attention of furniture makers. Considering that the tree is practically immune to insect damage, it is widely used for the manufacture of furniture and products.
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