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I was shown a new trick by “Ali” from Bangladesh. I've seen people from India adding camphor blocks to a pot of hot boiling water but never knew why. I assumed they liked the smell or repelling bugs or evil spirits or something til Ali explained and showed me its usage.

He said, they use this method to clear Sinus Pain and Headaches from the head. It is also good for Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds, Cough, Breathing problems, Lung Congestion, Congestion of the Nasal tract.

Buy some camphor. It comes in small tiny blocks and can be purchased from drug stores, online or at an Asian grocery store.

Anchor Jai Santoshi Maa Camphor Tablets 100 Small Tablets is the brand I am using.
Source image: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Jai-Santoshi-Maa-camphor-Tablets-100-Small-Tablets-1-1oz/245121055

Take one paper wrapped cube (about 5 tiny blocks about 1.5 grams) crush them and put into a pot/basin of boiling water, put a towel over your head, and inhale the steam or which ever method you use. Inhale deeply.

Note: I was not prepared for how STRONG the camphor steam was. I was hacking the whole 10 minute session and about another 15 minutes afterwards. But after about an hour I noticed I was breathing much better, less phelgmy and all around felt better… HUM….?

Caution: Camphor water is very hot and strong, so make sure your first few breaths are shallow and not too close to the steam you burn yourself.

Why it works?

Steaming camphor is not a new idea. I'm assuming this therapy came to American with the Chinese in the early 1800's when they came here to work on the railroads if not earlier.

Back in the 1960's and 70's (I'm not that old), Mom would use a “Devilbiss Hot Steam Vaporizer-Humidifier” for those of you that can remember those (wish they were still made today, cuz THEY WORKED). They were a big glass jar basin with lite-blue lettering and a heating device that sat on top and sprayed hot steam into a room. Mom would put Vicks Vapo Steam Liquid Medication into the Hot Steam Vaporizers and it would help you breathe better.

Guess what “Vicks Vapo Steam Liquid Medication” ingredients are? Camphor (Synthetic) 6.2% w-v per 200ml, Alcohol 78%; Cedarleaf Oil; Eucalyptus Oil; Laureth-7; Menthol; Nutmeg Oil; Poloxamer 124; Silicone.

Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) is widely used in all the ceremonies and rituals of Hindus. Apart from its prominent role in religious aspects, it is considered with high regards for its natural therapeutic properties for thousands of years. Camphor plays a vital role in every Indian household, as it is an excellent home remedy for several ailments right from cough, insect bites to cardiac issues. This white cubed wonder never fails you when you need a magic healer to get better relief from several issues.

Camphor is known to strengthen the immune system and to protect the body against bacteria, even that which is airborne. Camphor has the ability to eliminate the congestion in the lungs, bronchial tracts and nasal region to promote normal breathing. The reason that camphor essential oil and gum is included as an ingredient in so many commercial decongestant remedies is that it can help provide immediate respiratory relief. It helps to relieve any blockages in the respiratory system including the nasal tracts, lungs, pharynx, larynx and bronchial tubes. Camphor oil, or some other products that contain it, can be applied externally on the neck and chest as a remedy for acute or chronic pneumonia and bronchitis.

Camphora officinarum.

From the Book: The Inhalation Treatment of Diseases of the Organs of Respiration Including Consumption page 194-195 by Arthur Hill Hassall · 1885

Administration. – In powder, in vapour, or as an atomized spray.

For the inhalation of the vapour of camphor, an oro-nasal inhaler may be employed charged with the spirit, or the camphor may be inhaled in the vapour of hot water. For vapour inhalation the compound tincture should not be used, as the opium in this is non-volatile, and it is best suited for use as a spray. the powder of camphor, 1 to 4 grains insufflated.

Indications. - The inhalation by the nostrils of the powder of camphor, or of a strong camphorated spray, will sometimes stop colds in the head, if employed at the outset; or if it does not arrest them, it will frequently give much relief. In aphonia, in hoarseness, in spasmodic affections of the organs of respiration, in whooping- cough, and in the coughs of bronchitis and phthisis. Camphor inhalations are sometimes useful in that trouble-some chronic complaint characterized by seizures of incessant sneezing and profuse watery running at the eyes and nose, the patient remaining well in the intervals. The attacks may occur daily, beginning early in the morning, and may last for a few minutes only or may persist for several hours ; and they may occur at any hour of the day, recurring several times daily. Sometimes several days intervene between the attacks, which may last 24 hours or even longer. They are generally accompanied by severe frontal headache, and in some instances an itching of a point inside the nose, denotes the imminence of the attack. This affection lasts for years (Ringer). It evidently closely resembles hay fever.

The powder of camphor is sometimes inhaled as a snuff, mixed with tannin, in nasal catarrh or coryza. Monobromate of camphor has been found useful as an antispasmodic in whooping-cough and in asthma, in doses of 3 to 6 grains. If employed as a spray, it may be dissolved in a little spirit made up with water to ½ or 1 ounce