My great Aunts used to use this when they were alive, never knew it could be so lethal if used incorrectly..
At one time a small block of camphor was worn around the neck in a red flannel bag to ward off colds and flu (Dorothy Hall, Creating Your Herbal Profile).
Column 1
1
NOTE: Camphor is a cystallized substance (aromatic terpene ketone).Similar compounds come from Borneo Camphor (Dryobalonops aromatica) and Ngai Camphor (Blumea balsamifera). Can be found in cavities (wounds) in the trunks of trees.
!!WARNING!!!PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY!
1
• 1 gram can be LETHAL for a child!• 20 grams in an ADULT can be fatal!• NOT APPLIED TO OPEN WOUNDS OR BURNS!• NOT USED DURING PREGNANCY!• Can be absorbed through the skin and cause SYSTEMIC POISONING!• Symptoms of OVERDOSE are delirium, intoxication, spasms, vomiting, heart palpitations, convulsions, and breathing difficulties!• Camphor salves are NOT used on infants and small children as external application can cause skin irritation and lead to POISONING through INHALATION!• Can cause contact eczema or aggravate existing eczema!• In Chinese medicine it is used internally, but ONLY the natural plant extract is used as commercially prepared camphor contains other chemicals!• SUBJECT TO LEGAL RESTRICTIONS IN SOME COUNTRIES!
CONTRAINDICATED: NOT applied to broken skin or burns. NOT used near the faces of infants and small chidren and especially not in the nasal area.
There is a list of uses at this site and more info..
