Crystalline camphor is a substance of white color with a pronounced specific odor, which is a medicinal product. Get natural camphor from the subtropical tree - the camphor laurel, whose homeland is East Asia. There are also semi-synthetic camphor, which is extracted from their fir oil, and synthetic, obtained from turpentine, but they contain less medicinal substances. We learn what the properties and scope of camphor are.
Therapeutic properties and application of crystalline camphor
This substance is an analeptic agent that exerts a rather versatile effect on the human body. The main medicinal properties of camphor are as follows:
- antibacterial (especially in the case of coccal forms of bacteria);
- anti-inflammatory;
- anesthetic;
- vasoconstrictive;
- locally irritating;
- softening;
- expectorant;
- cardiotonic;
- metabolic, etc.
With external application, camphor preparations, irritating skin receptors, cause a feeling of cold, which quickly gives way to burning sensation. With prolonged exposure to the skin, the sensitivity of the receptors decreases.
A solution of camphor for subcutaneous administration causes the following effects:
- toning of the respiratory center;
- stimulation of the vasomotor center;
- narrowing of peripheral blood vessels;
- increased blood pressure;
- narrowing of the vessels of internal organs;
- dilated coronary vessels;
- improvement of the heart;
- improved separation of sputum.
Indications for the use of camphor in medicine
Previously, camphor was often used as a cardiovascular and respiratory device in such pathologies:
- heart failure (acute, chronic);
- collapse;
- respiratory depression due to pneumonia and other infectious and inflammatory diseases;
- poisoning with sleeping pills and narcotic drugs.
Today, this drug is not used for internal administration. it was replaced by more effective means. However, the widespread use of camphor preparations, which is recommended for:
- burns ;
- small wounds, cuts;
- pustular lesions of the skin;
- pressure sores;
- rheumatic diseases;
- arthritis;
- sciatica;
- radiculitis;
- muscular pain;
- inflammation of the middle ear;
- toothache, etc.