Evidence supporting the use of: Camphor
For the health condition: Itching

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Camphor has a long history of use in traditional medicine for relieving itching (pruritus), and there is also some scientific validation for its use in this context. Camphor is a naturally occurring terpene that, when applied topically in low concentrations (typically 3-11%), acts as a counterirritant. It produces a cooling sensation by activating and desensitizing sensory nerve endings, specifically the TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors, which can help mask the sensation of itching and provide symptomatic relief.

Several over-the-counter topical preparations, such as ointments and creams, include camphor as an active ingredient for the temporary relief of itching associated with minor skin irritations, insect bites, and rashes. The US FDA recognizes camphor as a safe and effective external analgesic and antipruritic agent when used appropriately. However, scientific studies directly assessing camphor's efficacy in treating itching are limited, and most evidence is based on its mechanism of action and historical usage, as well as supportive data from its use in combination with other agents (such as menthol).

In summary, while there is a strong traditional basis and plausible physiological mechanism for camphor's use in treating itching, direct scientific evidence is moderate, and its effectiveness is generally accepted for mild, temporary itch relief. Care must be taken to avoid excessive application, as high concentrations of camphor can be toxic.

More about Camphor
More about Itching

Other ingredients used for Itching

Aloe vera
myrobalan
betel
bisabolol
chamomile
turmeric
Japanese sophora
licorice root
marshmallow
Peppermint
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
vitamin D
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
chickweed
typhonium
ferula assafoetida
yarrow
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
sheep's sorrel
camphor oil
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agrimony
Anamu
Abrus
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alsonia scholaris
Argan nut oil
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
benzyl alcohol
Babchi
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Balsam
Barleria
Brazilian peppertree
Black Nightshade
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coconut oil
Colloid
Cinquefoil
Cocoa Butter
Carry Me Seed
Cornflower
Cajuput
Catechu
Cedar
Calamus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castor Oil
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Dendramine
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Emu Oil
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fang-Feng
Fleabane
Fringed Pink
Giant Blazingstar
Gardenia jasminoides
Golden Shower Tree
Homalomena
Houttuynia
Honey loquat syrup
Hydrocolloid
Henna
Indian Nightshade
Jewelweed
Jojoba Oil
Jessica's Sticktight
Ledebouriella
Lesser speargrass
Lichen
Lophira lanceolata
Lycopodium
Labrador Tea
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Lysimachia
Marsh Tea
Mallow
Malva sylvestris
Matico
Matapalo Tree
Mahonia
Marking Nut Tree
Macaranga indica
Oak
Onosma bracteatum
Pagoda Tree
Pulsatilla
Pepper Bark Tree
Pellitory
Plumbago zeylanica
Polygonum
Plectranthus amboinicus
Potentilla
Quisqualis
Rue
Rubus
Rhus glabra
Sabadilla
Spilanthes
Speedwell
Spanish Needle
Self-Heal
Sweet Annie
Spikenard
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Snakeroot
Sanguisorba
Southernwood
Slippery Elm
Sagebrush
Semiaquilegia
Soapberry
Sandalwood
Scabrous Gentian
Sapindus mukorossi
Sumac
Sulfur
Sweet Bay
Storax
Sandy Everlasting
Tannins
Terpinen-4-ol
Thymol
Tea Tree Oil
Vervain
Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
Waltheria ovata
Winter Savory

Products containing Camphor

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