Evidence supporting the use of: Camphor
For the health condition: Bites and Stings

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Camphor has been traditionally used in many cultures as a topical remedy for bites and stings due to its cooling sensation and mild analgesic properties. Historical records and traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, note the application of camphor oil or ointments for minor skin irritations, itching, and inflammation caused by insect bites. The rationale is primarily its counterirritant effect—camphor produces a cooling feeling that can temporarily distract from itching or mild pain associated with bites and stings. However, scientific validation for its efficacy specifically for insect bites or stings is limited. Modern studies focus more on camphor’s general analgesic and antipruritic (anti-itch) effects rather than its specific benefit for bites or stings. Regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. FDA, allow camphor in over-the-counter topical products for temporary relief of minor skin irritations, which may include bites, but do not cite robust clinical trials supporting its use for this particular indication. Therefore, while its use is largely justified by tradition, there is some low-level indirect evidence supporting its symptomatic relief properties, though not specifically for bites and stings.

More about Camphor
More about Bites and Stings

Other ingredients used for Bites and Stings

Aloe vera
basil
beta caryophyllene
beta-pinene
betel
bisabolol
black cumin
black walnut
bасора
chamomile
citrus oil
turmeric
curcumin
echinacea purpurea
goldenseal
green tea
hemp oil
horseradish
honeysuckle
lavender
mustard seed
oregano
phenolic compounds
plantain
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
chickweed
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
shen-chu
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
boxthorne
buckthorn
lemongrass
siler root
fern
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
wintergreen
camphor oil
menthol oil
paw paw
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
impatiens
Ash
Avens
Asclepias cordifolia
Angel's Trumpet
Ardisia
Angelica
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Aconite
Adrenergic amines
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Alsonia scholaris
Asteracea
Abuta
Amor seco
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Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Brazilian peppertree
Bisabolene
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Black root
Borneol
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cedar
Centipeda
Castile Soap
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Devil's Club
Dichrostachys glomerata
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Eclipta
Echinacea
Emu Oil
Essential Oil Blend
Eupatorium
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Eugenol
Fomes fomentarius
Fang-Feng
Ficus religiosa
Fleabane
Fir
Gnaphalium
gamma-terpinene
Giant Blazingstar
Glechoma hederacea
Gallotannin
Guazuma ulmifolia
Honey
Heal-All
Homalomena
Hydrocolloid
Hound's Tongue
Helicteres isora
Henna
Hairy Arnica
Herb Robert
Hyaluronidase
Hemp
Horsemint
Huang Hua
Ilex
Indian Coraltree
Isobutylamides
Jessica's Sticktight
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Lysimachia
Lewis's monkey flower
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Malva sylvestris
Matico
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Mahonia
Milkweed
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Marigold
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Macaranga indica
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portulaca
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Petiveria
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Sesbania
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Products containing Camphor

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.