Camphor and coconut oil is a home-made vapor rub. Camphor and coconut oil topical application is believed to clear congestion in babies and kids to make them sleep peacefully.
Camphor is an FDA-approved chest rub for cold and cough, provided the concentration should be very minimal. Camphor is the main active ingredient in most of the commercially available vaporubs including vicks ! This homemade vaporub is free of threatening inactive ingredients of commercial vaporubs.
Camphor-dissolved warm coconut oil massage passes warm signals to kick out congestion and the gently massaging mom’s hand passes love warmth signals for faster relief.. Even if the former treatment fails, the latter one will make the kid to sleep peacefully 🙂 That’s the magical touch of mom 🙂
Traditionally, in India, Camphor-dissolved coconut oil is applied before bedtime for 1+ year babies(without any skin problems) suffering from cold and congestion… I have tried this for my kid(above 3 years) when she suffers from cold and congestion. Alternatively, you can use oregano/karpuravalli/omavalli/sambarballi chestrub(click here for link). I have used this more SAFER chestrub, when Nila was under 3 years.
Warning: Camphor is poisonous when it reaches mouth or blood(via damaged skin). It might not be suitable to some sensitive skin. Discuss with your Pediatrician for safer side. Do not apply this more than 3 days. First-timers, do test a small area and observe for allergies.
Camphor & Coconut oil preparation & usage– Stepwise pic follow the below printable description:
- Virgin Coconut oil - 1 tbsp
- Small round camphor - 1 or just ½ for small babies and first-timers
- Take a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil in a dry pan. Heat in low medium flame until it is nicely hot. Switch off before smoke escapes as it might catch up fire.
- Add one(or half for small babies or first time use) small round camphor and it will dissolve completely in hot oil. Be sure that the stove is switched off when u add camphor. Once dissolved, transfer to a bowl.
- When it is still warm, apply gently in the chest.
- Then, some on the back, some on the back-ears and some on each sole.
- Make sure baby doesn't touch this oil. Put a soft cloth or a dress over the chest, so that the baby could still inhale the vapours of the rub. Do not apply in face(nose or eyes or mouth). Do not apply this on damaged skin or skin with any type of allergies.
If you are trying this for first time, apply very little and check for skin allergies like redness, rashes, itching.
Wash your hands with soap after applying.
Preparation – How to make homemade vaporub using camphor and coconut oil?
1.Take a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil in a dry pan. Heat in low medium flame until it is nicely hot. Switch off before smoke escapes as it might catch up fire.
2.Add one(or half for small babies or first time use) small round camphor and it will dissolve completely in hot oil. Be sure that the stove is switched off when u add camphor. Once dissolved, transfer to a bowl.
3.When it is still warm, apply gently in the chest.
4.Then, some on the back, some on the back-ears and some on each sole and cover it with socks.
Make sure baby doesn’t touch this oil. Do not apply in face(nose or eyes or mouth). Do not apply this on damaged skin or skin with any type of allergies.
Tips/Tricks in applying camphor and coconut oil
- Apply few drops as per age.. Do not be tempted to apply the whole prepared oil.
- If you are trying this for first time, apply very little and check for skin allergies like redness, rashes, itching.
- Wash your hands with soap after applying.
Where can I find Those small Camphor tablets? I keep Looking online only to find big blocks of camphor that say they are used for bed bugs :/
@Bonnie, it should be available in Asian or specifically Indian shops .. I could see in Amazon too.. Link: https://www.amazon.com/Camphor-Tablets-tablets-Charminar-Kanaiya/dp/B003EIL2T8/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1515443954&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=camphor&psc=1
Known globally for its hygienic and medicinal qualities, camphor is predominantly used in India for religious purposes. An integral part of Hindu rituals, it has a pleasant smell and is regionally known as karpur, kafur, kappur, kapooram, etc. Camphor is used in the medical industry as an antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory. Camphor oil activates nerve endings and stimulates the circulatory system. The cold sensations that arise after the application of these creams can also distract one from the pain. Soaking your feet in a solution of camphor and water can also help soften cracked heels. One of the leading brands that have managed to efficiently capture the miraculous qualities of camphor in their products is Mangalam Campure. Campure products are great products when it comes to improving health of your house. To know more about their products visit http://campure.in/
Do you use regular camphor or edible camphor (pacchai karpooram)?
And can I reheat/warm left over mixed oil for subsequent applications or do I need to do this from start every time?
Regular one and not the edible camphor.. You can reheat once or twice.. Freshly made ones will be more effective though..
This is such a useful post, thank you so much. Can I apply this on my 3 year old son twice – before bedtime at night and before nap time in the morning, so that he will get interrupted sleep?
Also, will this not be effective if I use edible camphor? Even it is used to treat cold and congestion, rite
Hi.. You can just use once before bedtime.. Too much of this is not recommended.. Also, not more than 3 days in one episode of cold.. Never heard of using edible camphor for topical application..
I am so glad to find those as I am using liquid albuterol for my 9 month old for some wheezing that came after getting cold. He still has some congestion and occasional cough and was told about camphor. I only have the block of it so can I just scrape off some since I don’t have the cubes? And if scraping what measurement of the camphor to use with 1tbsp of coconut oil please? Also my baby does have mild eczema so would that b even safe to use on his skin as I see the warning about it? Thank you so much! Hope to hear back soon
A teeny bit, a very lil pinch of camphor should do. Try Aveeno Eczema Therapy moisturizer as it is the best for Eczema. When you apply camphor, do not apply over any moisturizing cream.
Thank you for replying!!! I actually ended up just breaking off a small piece and put it in a sock, tied the sock and put it under the pillow he sleeps on and the whole pillow smelled like it still! Guessing it helped along with some medication he had to get. And I do use aveeno for his eczema so I have seen a difference since using it!!!
Glad that he is better now..