Camphor is a white, crystalline substance with a strong odor and pungent taste that was historically produced by distilling the bark and wood of the camphor tree. Also known as Kapur in India, camphor has been used for various purposes in Indian homes, including purifying air, killing germs, and as a natural insecticide when burned. Combined with jaggery, camphor provides cough relief by loosening mucus and easing breathing. Camphor's antifungal and antibacterial properties make camphor water an effective skin treatment for infections when used regularly to wash the face, as it prevents bacterial overgrowth and maintains youthful skin. Massaging oils infused with camphor, such as mustard or coconut oil, onto the scalp helps treat issues like dandruff, itchy scalp, and lice due to camphor's medicinal effects.
