Evidence supporting the use of: Japanese camphor
For the health condition: Rashes and Hives
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Japanese camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) has a long history of topical use in traditional Asian medicine, including in Japan and China, for a variety of skin conditions such as rashes, hives, itching, and irritation. Historically, camphor has been used in ointments and balms for its cooling sensation and its perceived ability to soothe inflamed or irritated skin. The mechanism is thought to be related to its action on nerve endings, providing a counterirritant effect that distracts from the sensation of itching or pain.
There is limited scientific evidence to directly support the efficacy of camphor specifically for rashes and hives. Most available studies and clinical data on camphor focus on its use as a topical analgesic, antipruritic (anti-itch), and as a component in products for coughs and muscular aches. Some modern over-the-counter creams and ointments include camphor for relief of itching and mild irritation, but robust clinical trials for its effect on conditions like urticaria (hives) or various rashes are lacking. Furthermore, safety concerns exist: camphor can be toxic if ingested or used excessively on the skin, especially in children.
In summary, while camphor’s use for rashes and hives is well established in traditional medicine, scientific validation is limited and evidence quality is low. Its use should be approached with caution, and it is best to consult a healthcare provider before using camphor for these conditions.
Other ingredients used for Rashes and Hives
Aloe verabeeswax
myrobalan
bisabolol
burdock
chamomile
cucumber
gotu kola
immunoglobin G
Japanese sophora
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
nettle
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
sarsaparilla
yellow root
chickweed
typhonium
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
rubia cordifolia
Szechuan lovage
yarrow
prickly ash
morus
silk tree
juniper berries
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
birch
sheep's sorrel
assam indigo
camphor oil
cleavers
wood betony
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
sea salt
Akebia
Acacia
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Alchornea
Albizia
Anserina
American Liverleaf
Anemone
Aquilegia formosa
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alsonia scholaris
Argan nut oil
Abuta
Alkanna
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Betony
Baikal Skullcap
Blue Flag
Baliospermum
Black spruce
Blubber oil
Blepharis
Barleria
Bougainvillea
Brazilian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bogbean
Black Poplar
Banyan
Borage
Bittersweet
Burning Bush
Bergenia
Calotropis gigantea
Coriander
Cyathula
Cedar
Campylandra fimbriata
Corktree
Cowslip
Chinatree
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
DIVI-DIVI
Devil's Club
David's Milkberry
Dwarf Nettle
Dendramine
Erythropalum scandens
Emu Oil
Eupatorium
Fang-Feng
Ficus religiosa
Fleabane
Frankincense
Fireweed
Four leaved grass
Genipap
Gumweed
Genipa americana
Golden Eye-grass
Gardenia jasminoides
Galbanum
Golden Willow
Heather
Heartsease
Heliopsis
Homalomena
Henna
Indian Nightshade
Indian Sarsparilla
Immortelle
Jewelweed
Jojoba Oil
Jessica's Sticktight
Ledebouriella
Lesser speargrass
Lophira lanceolata
Linseed Oil
Lindera
Lotus
Lygodium
Leptadenia
Lantana camara
Large-Leaved Linden
Leptospermum scoparium
Liverwort
Loranthus
Lysimachia
Labdanum
Mesua
Matapalo Tree
Mahonia
Microtea debilis
Meadowsweet
Marking Nut Tree
Manchurian Thorn
Manzanita
Night jessamine
Oak
Ocotillo
Orchid
Premna
Psacalium peltatum
Pepper Bark Tree
Poplar
Polypodium
Pentatropis capensis
Plumbago zeylanica
Pimpinella
Persimmon
Pedra hume
Pokeweed
Queen's Delight
Rubus
Rose
Rhododendron
Rhus glabra
Sinapis arvensis
Silkmoth
Stephania root
Speedwell
Sausage Tree
Spikenard
Snakeroot
Sanguisorba
Southernwood
Spiraea
Semiaquilegia
Soapberry
Sapindus mukorossi
Semecarpus anacardium
Skunkvine
Stachytarpheta cayennensis
Sulfur
Sweet Bay
Storax
Sandy Everlasting
Stone Root
Servicetree
Terpinen-4-ol
Thuja
Tree of heaven
Takuna
Turtle Head
Tansy
Toadflax
Tea Tree Oil
Taraxacum
Veronica
Verbascoside
White Heather
Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
Willow
White Poplar
Waltheria ovata
Yellow-Fruit Nightshade
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