Camphor

Camphor used to be made by distilling the bark and wood of the camphor tree. Today, camphor is usually manufactured from turpentine oil. It is used in products such as Vicks VapoRub.

People apply camphor to the skin to relieve pain and reduce itching. It is also applied to the skin on the neck and chest so that it can be breathed in to reduce the urge to cough. It is also used for other purposes.

Camphor seems to stimulate nerve endings that relieve symptoms such as pain and itching when applied to the skin. Camphor is also active against fungi that cause infections in the toenails.