Synopsis

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

Camphor oil has a long history of traditional use in the management of headaches, including those associated with sinus congestion. In various systems of traditional medicine, especially in South Asia and East Asia, camphor oil has been applied topically to the forehead or inhaled as a vapor to relieve headache symptoms. The rationale behind this use is rooted in camphor’s strong, cooling, and aromatic properties, which are believed to help clear nasal passages, reduce the sensation of pressure, and provide a soothing effect on the nerves. Although some small studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that inhaling camphor vapor or applying camphor-containing balms can temporarily relieve symptoms such as nasal congestion and headache, robust scientific evidence is lacking. The mechanism is thought to be related to camphor’s counterirritant effects, which can produce a cooling sensation and distract from underlying discomfort. Additionally, camphor’s scent may help open nasal passages, thereby indirectly reducing sinus-related headache. However, there are significant safety considerations, as camphor is toxic in high doses and should never be ingested or applied to broken skin. While its use for sinus headache relief is well established in folk and traditional medicine, the current scientific validation for these effects remains limited, and therefore, the evidence rating is moderate at best.

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