In 1964 "Gomer Pyle, USMC," was one of the most popular shows on television. Jim Neighbors played the dolting Gomer Pyle. In the episode entitled "Sergeant of the Week," which premiered on 12/25/1964, Gomer gets a cold and uses Camphor to relieve the symptoms. I had a lady tell me when one of her children would catch cold the first thing she would reach for was Camphor Oil.
The trees growing this pale yellow thin oil are indigenous to China and Japan and must be at least 50 years old to produce oil. The Cinnamomum camphora tree can grow up to 100 feet and live for a thousand years. It is a multi-branched evergreen, which has white flowers and produces a fruit of red berries like cinnamon.
Some of the therapeutic properties of Camphor oil include: anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, cardiac, carminative, diuretic, febrifuge, insecticide, laxative, rubefacient, stimulant and vulnerary. Camphor oil can be used in the treatment of nervous depression, acne, inflammation, arthritis, muscular aches and pains, sprains, rheumatism, bronchitis, coughs, colds, fever, flu and infectious diseases. It is a well-known preventive of moths and other insects.
Camphor oil has a strong, penetrating, fragrant odor. It was used as a remedy against the plague in Persia (now Iran ) and was also used in embalming. Camphor wood was excellent for shipbuilding by the Chinese because of the woods durable and aromatic properties.
Another good use for Camphor is its help relieving the pain of arthritis in a bath. Run a hot bath and add 3 drops of Camphor oil just before getting in to the bath tub and soak 15-20 minutes.
To make a Spirit of Camphor for bruises, sprains, muscle spasms, aches and pain because of its antispasmodic quality. Use 3 drops for 1 oz. Pure grain alcohol and store in a spray bottle and spray on affected area up to 6 times daily.
This Spirit of Camphor can also be used as a Tincture for minor skin wounds and tissue regeneration. Add Rose Water and Lavender to the Spirit of Camphor in a glass for storage. Shake well before using. To use apply 15-20 drops on a cotton ball, dabbing gently and use four times a day until would heals.
1oz. of olive oil, 2 one inch cubes of bees wax, 2-5 drops of camphor and 3 drops peppermint essential oils. Warm olive in sauce pan and add wax, stirring gently until wax is fully melted. Remove from heat and add peppermint and camphor. Pour balm into a glass container, don't cover until cool and then rub on chest to relieve congestion. Mixture will store for one year.
Please Note: Camphor oil is a powerful oil and should be used with care and should not be ingested. Overdosing can cause convulsions and vomiting. Pregnant women or persons suffering from epilepsy, high blood pressure and asthma should not use it.
If you would like more information about Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils, please visit my website: Http://HealWithOil.com.
Mark Totilo is a US Navy Veteran, author and speaker.
I loved this episode of Gomer Pyle USMC. Thanks for the memories :) I also read this in a newsletter recently for Rebecca at the Well Foundation's "Heal With Oil." You must be an up and coming author. Congratulations!
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