Evidence supporting the use of: Japanese camphor
For the health condition: Boils
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Japanese camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) has been traditionally used in various cultures, including Japan and China, as a topical remedy for skin ailments such as boils, abscesses, and other inflammatory conditions. The rationale for its use is based on its sensory effects (cooling, numbing) and its perceived antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Historical texts and traditional pharmacopeias describe the application of camphorated ointments or oils directly onto boils to help soothe pain, reduce swelling, and potentially draw out pus.
From a scientific perspective, camphor is known to possess mild analgesic and antimicrobial activity in vitro, but robust clinical studies demonstrating its efficacy specifically for the treatment of boils are lacking. Most modern medical guidelines do not recommend camphor as a primary treatment for boils due to limited evidence and potential toxicity concerns, especially if misused or applied to broken skin. Nevertheless, the traditional use persists in some communities and forms the basis for its inclusion in certain over-the-counter topical preparations.
In summary, the use of Japanese camphor for boils is primarily justified by traditional practices and anecdotal reports rather than by strong scientific validation. Its evidence rating is moderate (2/5) because while there is a plausible mechanism and a history of use, clinical proof remains insufficient.
Other ingredients used for Boils
activated charcoalajoene
allspice
aloe vera
bayberry
black walnut
burdock
bасора
chamomile
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
curcumin
garlic bulb
goldenseal
Japanese sophora
lavender
LH01-myoviridae
magnesium
oregano
oregon grape
parsley
plantain
purified silver
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
squawvine
typhonium
xanthium (cockleburs)
shen-chu
mugwort
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
punarnava
commiphora
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
boxthorne
buckthorn
myrrh
siler root
amber
fern
hyacinth bean
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
wintergreen
camphor oil
stillingia
paw paw
white oak
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
arnica
Ash
Avens
Aquilegia viridiflora
Anthraquinone
Ardisia
acacia
Agave
Agrimony
Allicin
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Aconite
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Asteracea
Alliin
Abuta
Alkanna
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Bermuda Grass
Babchi
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Brazillian peppertree
Bael
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
Bletilla
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Black root
benzyl isothiocyanate
Bassia scoparia
Boerhavia diffusa
Borneol
Coconut
Curry leaf
Calendula
Croton seeds
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Carry Me Seed
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cynoglossum grande
Cedar
California Pitcher Plant
Centipeda
Cedrus libani
Castile Soap
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Chrysophanics
Dianthus
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Davilla rugosa
Dichrostachys glomerata
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Eclipta
Echinacea
Emu Oil
Essential Oil Blend
Elephant's Head
Eupatorium
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Embelia
Eugenol
Garlic
Iris
Little ironweed
Mallow
Oak
Poppy
Spikenard
Other health conditions supported by Japanese camphor
AbrasionsAthlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Blisters
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Bruises (prevention)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Fungal Infections
Insect Repellant
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Itching Ears
Lesions
Lice
Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
Scabies
Scratches and Abrasions
Sunburn
Ulcerations (external)
Wounds and Sores