Maria,

While I also use essential oils in my practice, I do so as a trained aromatherapist. PLEASE do not advocate the uneducated use of essential oils as part of a 'first aid' kit or as part of an emergency kit for the tsunami victims. Camphor in particular is very difficult since it is commonly obtained from several sources and has a very wide variety of chemical components depending on the source. The literature is filled with references to champhor but almost always fails to specify the origin (Laurus camphora, Camphor officinialis, Dryobalanops camphora, crystalline camphor (obtained as a production byproduct), Cinnamomum camphora ( with 4 well known commercial subspecies). Each of these has very different chemical components!

When properly used, certain forms of camphor are excellent for use in respiratory infections (particularly bacterial infections), muscular pain, as an insect repellant, and general tonic to the central nervous system (used for shock, fainting, debility, etc.). If not diluted and used properly it is very neurotoxic, abortive, causes irritation and sensitization, and certain varieties are carcinogenic.

Donna