Evidence supporting the use of: Japanese camphor
For the health condition: Scratches and Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Japanese camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) has a longstanding history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Japanese and Chinese medicine, for a variety of skin ailments such as scratches, abrasions, and minor wounds. Its topical application is believed to have soothing, antiseptic, and mild analgesic properties, which are thought to help with symptoms like pain, itching, and minor inflammation associated with superficial skin injuries.
However, the scientific evidence supporting camphor’s efficacy for treating scratches and abrasions is limited. Most modern clinical research has focused on camphor’s role in cough suppression, pain relief (as a counterirritant), and as an antipruritic agent, rather than its direct effects on wound healing. Some laboratory studies have indicated that camphor possesses mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, which in theory could be beneficial for minor skin injuries, but these findings have not been extensively validated in clinical trials for wound care.
In summary, the use of Japanese camphor for scratches and abrasions is primarily justified by tradition and historical usage, rather than robust scientific validation. While there are plausible mechanisms for benefit, current evidence does not warrant strong recommendations for its use in this context.
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chamomile
turmeric
dyer’s woad root
iodine
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lauric acid
mucin
protease
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
zinc
parthenium
chickweed
paederia foetida
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yarrow
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geranium
arnica
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Achyranthes
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Anemone
Aquilegia formosa
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Alkanet
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Abuta
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Blackthorn
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Bloodroot
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Black root
Bittersweet
Calochortus
Comfrey
Candleberry
Calotropis gigantea
Cattail
Columbine
Cornflower
Common Thatching grass
Common Zinnia
Cynoglossum grande
Cedar
Campylandra fimbriata
Campsiandra angustifolia
Cranesbill
Chinese Thoroughwax
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cyanthillium cinereum
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Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Calyptridium umbellatum
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Deerbrush
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
European hazel
English Elm
Emu Oil
Elkweed
Eupatorium
Elemi
Fiesta Flower
Figwort
Formosan Sweet-Gum
Fleabane
Fireweed
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Gleditsia
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Gambir
Genipa americana
Golden Ragwort
Golden Willow
Heliopsis
Hartstongue
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Henna
Hairy Arnica
Immortelle
Jewelweed
Jojoba Oil
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Kochia
Kelloggii's Monkey-flower
Lacquertree
lac resin
Lygodium
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Lysimachia
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Mahonia
Microtea debilis
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Manchurian Thorn
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Poloxamer
Potentilla
Quebracho
Queen's Delight
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Rosa californica
Rhus glabra
Sanicle
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Soapberry
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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