Evidence supporting the use of: Camphor
For the health condition: Stiff Neck

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Synopsis

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

Camphor has been traditionally used in various cultures, particularly in Asian and Ayurvedic medicine, as a topical remedy for muscle aches and stiffness, including conditions like a stiff neck. It is commonly incorporated into balms, ointments, and liniments that are massaged into the affected area. The rationale for its use is based on its counterirritant properties: when applied to the skin, camphor creates a cooling or warming sensation, which can help distract from deeper musculoskeletal pain and may temporarily relieve symptoms of stiffness by increasing local blood flow. However, scientific evidence supporting camphor's efficacy specifically for stiff neck is limited and mostly anecdotal. Most available studies focus on its general analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects when used topically, and these tend to be small in scale or of low methodological quality. Regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, allow camphor in over-the-counter topical preparations for minor muscle and joint pain, but do not specifically endorse it for stiff neck. Therefore, while its use is rooted in tradition and there is some general support for its use in musculoskeletal discomfort, robust clinical evidence for its effectiveness in treating stiff neck is lacking.

More about Camphor
More about Stiff Neck

Other ingredients used for Stiff Neck

turmeric
arnica

Products containing Camphor

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