Camphor, an herbal ingredient commonly found in lip balms, plays a role in pain relief when applied topically. An essential oil is extracted from the camphor laurel tree which grows in the South Pacific. It can also be mass-produced using a synthesis with turpentine.
Pain Relief
When used with phenol, camphor becomes a mild pain reliever that can be topically applied to most skin surfaces. It provides a cooling effect that helps soothe chapped and inflammed skin.
How it Works
Camphor cools and soothes skin by numbing the nerve endings present in the area of pain. It works quickly and absorbs easily into the skin.
Infections
Camphor will not cure infections that are manifested in chapped lips or skin, such as herpes simplex, which causes cold sores. It will also not protect against these or any other viral or bacterial invasion.
Use Camphor
Use the lip balm or other products per the instructions on the label. Pure essential camphor oil should be used externally in moderation as it may become toxic after long periods of use. A doctor may prescribe the use of camphor internally, and only do this under professional supervision.
Warning
Do not use camphor if you have a predisposition to seizures as camphor fumes can induce seizures.
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