Cinnamomum camphora (camphor tree)
Medicinal Plant from the Healing Plant Collective

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Although not indigenous to South Africa (it is native to China, Japan and Taiwan), the camphor tree was introduced and has adapted well to our climate, growing as tall as 26m. The bark and leaves have a characteristic camphor smell.


Bark is steam distilled to obtain the essential oil. This ‘gum camphor’ is toxic in large doses and should not be used internally without the correct supervision. Camphor is commonly used in modern medicine as a topical anti-infective and internally as a stimulant and carminative (combating flatulence by preventing or expelling gas formation in the gastrointestinal tract).

Camphor is used to treat colds, inflammation, heart conditions, fevers, infections, pneumonia, hysteria and diarrhoea as well as externally as an antiseptic and counter-irritant. Additionally the bark is also used in the treatment of colds, influenza and fevers. Leaf extracts have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Information largely taken from “Medicinal Plants of South Africa“, 2009.

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Tradition peoples still make use of these healing plants. The Healing Plants Collective aims to learn and share this knowledge. Through respect, sensitivity and openness we can learn how to work with nature. 
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