Camphora

Introduction of Camphora

Common name: 

Camphor[1]

Synonyms

benzoin.
witch-hazel.
menthol.
turpentine.
patchouli

Family / Group / Class / Order

Vegetable kingdom 

Habit and habitat / Description

Cinnamomum camphora is native to Taiwan, southern
Japan, southeast China and Indochina, where it is also cultivated for camphor
and timber production. The production and shipment of camphor in a solid, waxy
form was a major industry in Taiwan prior to and during the Japanese colonial era
(1895-1945). It was used medicinally and was also an important ingredient in the
production of smokeless gunpowder and celluloid. The wood was chipped; these chips were steamed in a retort, allowing the camphor to crystallize on the inside of a crystallization box, after the vapour had passed through a cooling
chamber. It was then scraped off and packed out to government run factories
for processing and sale. Camphor was one of the most lucrative of the several
important government monopolies under the Japanese.

Formula / Symbols

C10H16O2

Name of prover

Dr. Samuel Hahnemann

Introduction and history

Cinnamomum camphora (commonly known
as Camphor tree, Camphor wood or Camphor laurel) is a large evergreen tree
that grows up to 20-30 metres tall. The leaves have a glossy, waxy appearance
and smell of camphor when crushed. In spring it produces bright green foliage
with masses of small white flowers. It produces clusters of black berry-like fruits
around one centimeter in diameter. It has a pale bark that is very rough and
fissured vertically.
Camphor is a white crystalline substance, obtained from the tree – Cinnamomum
camphora. Camphor has been used for many centuries as a culinary spice, a component of incense and as a medicine. Camphor is also a bug repellent and a
flea killing substance.

Doctrine of signature

Strong, Penetrating Odour
Volatility and Cooling Sensation
White, Crystalline Appearance
Preservative Qualities

Active principles

A gum obtained from
Camphor tree – C10H16O.

Preparation

Its solution is prepared in rectified spirit.[2]

Constitution of Camphora

Physical make up

Especially suited to scrofulous children;
irritable, weak, blond people who have a cool and dry body. Extremely sensitive
to cold; cold and chilly. Old, withered people.

Temperament

Nervous, irritable

Diathesis

Scrofulous

Relation with heat & cold

Extremely chilly patients

Miasm

Psora

Clinical conditions of Camphora

Angina pectoris. Bed-sores. Cholera Asiatica. Chordee. Cold. Convulsions. Epilepsy. Eruptions, suppressed. Erysipelas. Gonorrhoea. Heart affections. Hyperpyrexia. Influenza. Measles. Memory, loss of. Priapism. Rheumatism. Sexual mania. Shivering. Sleeplessness. Snake-bites. Spasms Strangury. Sunstroke. Taste, disordered. Tetanus. Tobacco habit. Twitching Urethra, spasmodic stricture of. Urine, suppression of.[3]

Sites of action / Pharmacodynamics

Camphor is an anodyne, stimulant, refrigerant, diuretic and diaphoretic. It increases the action of the heart and arteries, and renders the pulse softer and fuller; but such effects are very transitory and are
followed by depression. In large, but not over doses, it allays pain and spasm, and
induces sleep. In over doses, it excites narcotic symptoms like those of an irritant
poison, and has proved fatal. It acts chiefly on the mind, cerebrospinal system,
nervous system, mucous tissues, gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system and
extremities.

Causation (Causes / Ailments from)

Shock from injury, suppressed eruptions, cold air, sunstroke, vexation.

Physiological action

Applied externally, camphor is an irritant. It stimulates
local circulation. It has feeble antiseptic power and is sedative to the nerves after
first stimulating them. Internally, it acts as a carminative and antispasmodic,
gives increased force and fullness to the pulse, and stimulates the cerebrospinal
nerves. When large doses (grain xx.-xxx.) are given, the pulse falls and a feeling
of lassitude and giddiness is produced.

Patho-physiological changes / Pathogenesis

1. Acts powerfully upon the cerebrospinal system, depressing both the motor
and intellectual centers, causing a general prostration of the system, giddiness
and cerebral oppression.
2. The mucous tissues are involved in catarrhal irritation, giving rise to coryza
and diarrhoea, though the primary effects of Camphora upon the mucous
lining of the stomach and bowels are manifested by extreme coldness and
torpor of these parts, and a similar condition is also found upon the skin.
3. The genitourinary system is involved. Genital organs become cold and
relaxed; and in the urinary tract a condition of strangury is established.
4. Action of Camphora is rapid and intense, though comparatively evanescent.
Its chief sphere of usefulness is in the treatment of choleric conditions, and
the effects of cold.

Characteristic Mental Symptoms (psychology) of Camphora

1. Anxiety with fretfulness.
2. Great anguish and discouragement.
3. Quarrelsome and combative humour.
4. Mania to dispute.
5. Dullness of senses.
6. Loss of memory.
7. Indescribable wretchedness.
8. Extreme anxiety and restlessness.
9. Great lethargy.
10. Complete loss of consciousness.
11. Better when thinking about the present troubles.

Guiding Symptoms of Camphora

Generalities

Clonic spasm, with loss of consciousness. Convulsive rotation of the arms. Subsultus tendinum. Rapid sinking of strength. Opisthotonos. Restless. Easily startled, with throbbing. Weakness, with rapid sinking of strength. Great sensitiveness to cold, to cold air, which increases all the troubles. The patient is only partially conscious of most of his pains.

Head

Vertigo, tendency to unconsciousness, feeling as if he would die. Influenza; headache, with catarrhal symptoms, sneezing, etc. Beating pain in cerebellum. Cold sweat. NOSE COLD AND PINCHED. Tongue cold, flabby, trembling. FLEETING STITCHES IN TEMPORAL REGION AND ORBITS. Head sore. OCCIPITAL THROBBING, SYNCHRONOUS WITH THE PULSE.

Eye

Fixed, staring; pupils dilated. Sensation as if all objects were too bright and glittering.

Ears

Ear-lobes hot and red.[5]

Nose

Cold and pinched. *Coryza; in old age. Inhaled air seems cold. Persistent epistaxis, with goose-flesh state of the skin.

Face

Haggard, pale, bluish, old, pinched. Pale and red by turns. Cold sweat. Upper lip retracted. Lockjaw. Distorted. Grimaces. Froth or foam at the mouth.

Mouth

Tongue, bluish. Cold, trembling. Speech; broken, feeble, hoarse. Cold breath. Boiling hot tea seems cold. Toothache better beer.

Stomach

Pressive pain in pit of stomach. COLDNESS, followed by burning.

Abdomen

Cramps in the abdomen. Cutting colic at night. Belly-ache as if diarrhoea would follow. Drawing pain, as from a bruise, on the entire of right side of the abdomen. Sensation of fullness in the abdomen. Sensation of cold or of burning heat in the epigastrium and in the abdomen.

Stool

Blackish; involuntary. ASIATIC CHOLERA, with cramps in calves, coldness of body, anguish, great weakness, COLLAPSE, tongue and mouth cold.

Urinary Organ

Burning and STRANGURY, with tenesmus of the neck of the bladder. Retention with full bladder.

Sexual Organ

Desired increased. Chordee. PRIAPISM. Nightly emissions.

Respiratory System

Praecordial distress. Suffocative dyspnoea. Asthma. Violent, dry, hacking cough. Palpitation. BREATH COLD. Suspended respiration.

Heart & Pulse

INSOMNIA, with cold limbs. Subsultus and extreme restlessness.

Neck & Back

Tension and stiffness of the neck on moving it. Heat with an inward vibration spreads from neck and from between shoulders into limbs. Drawing stitches through and between shoulder-blades, extending into chest when moving arms. Pressure in small of back with leaden-like heaviness of lower limbs. Coldness in small of back and loins, inner coldness worse by walking a few steps. Sensation as if cool air was blowing on back.

Extremities

Rheumatic pain between shoulders. Difficult motion. Numbness, tingling and COLDNESS. Cracking in joints. Cramps in calves. Icy cold feet, ache as if sprained.

Skin

COLD, pale, blue, livid. Cannot bear to be covered. [Secale.].

Sleep

Strong desire to sleep in the day. Coma, with incoherent words. Nocturnal sleeplessness, from nervous excitement. Snoring and tossing during sleep. During sleep, the inspirations are shorter than the expirations. Dreams: anxious, fearful, visions of spirits, about what is intended or what has happened in morning hours. Extreme restlessness with anxiety.

Fever

Pulse small, weak, slow. ICY COLDNESS OF THE WHOLE BODY. Cold perspiration. CONGESTIVE CHILL. TONGUE COLD, flabby, trembling.

Important characteristic features

Keynotes / Redline

1. Icy coldness of surface, yet aversion to covering, and then on alternately with internal burning heat and anxiousness.

2. Collapsed condition with coldness and lividity.

3. Scantiness or retention of discharges. Dry collapse with little vomiting and purging.

4. Cramps in the stomach and bowels spreading to other parts of body especially in calf muscles.

5. Pains are > thinking of them.

Guiding

– Bad effects of SHOCK from injury, infection or exposure. Surface of the body cold, face pale, blue lips, livid profound prostration.

– COLDNESS, CRAMPS and CONVULSIONS with mental anguish.

– Patient becomes icy cold yet he is AVERSE TO COVERS (Carb-v, Sec) or wants them off and then on alternately with internal burning heat and anxiousness. Very sensitive to cold air or taking cold. Inhaled air seems cold. Skin and breath cold. (Verat, Jatr).

– Internal heat and external coldness.

– Feeling as if cold wind were blowing over the body.

– COLLAPSED CONDITION with coldness and lividity.

– SCANTINESS or RETENTION of discharges. i.e. Dry collapse with little vomiting and purging in cholera.

– In acute complaints, there is VIOLENT THIRST, in chronic complaints, thirstlessness.

– Camphor antidotes nearly every vegetable medicine; also tobacco, fruits containing prussic acid. Poisonous mushrooms should not be allowed in the sick room in the crude form.

– Cramps in the stomach and bowels spreading to other parts of body, especially in calf muscles, until there are convulsions and opisthotonos.

– Tetanic spasms, with showing of the teeth, with retraction of the lips, followed by stupor with coldness.

PQRS

cy coldness of the whole body surface, yet throws off all coverings.
Sudden and complete collapse with extreme weakness and coldness.
Painful symptoms are better when thinking of them.
Burning sensation internally despite external icy coldness.
Ill effects (especially collapse, coldness) from suppressed eruptions or discharges.

Confirmatory

1. Icy coldness of the body in collapsed condition, yet aversion to covering, alternating with internal burning heat and anxiousness.

2. Scantiness or retention of discharges.

3. Cramps in stomach and bowels spreading to other parts, like calf muscles.

4. Very sensitive to cold air or taking cold.

5. Pains are better by thinking of them.

Nucleus symptoms

– A state of collapse or shock with coldness, cramps, convulsions and mental anguish.

– Icy coldness of the body, yet aversion to covering, throws off all the covers, alternately with internal burning heat and anxiousness.

Therapeutic Value of Camphora

Angina pectoris, Bedsores, Cholera Asiatica, Chordee,
Cold, Convulsions, Disorders of taste, Epilepsy, Erysipelas, Gonorrhoea,
Heart affections, Hyperpyrexia, Influenza, Loss of memory, Measles, Priapism,stricture of urethra, Spasms, Strangury, Suppressed eruptions, Suppression of
urine, Sunstroke, Tetanus, Tobacco habit, Twitching.
Rheumatism, Sexual mania, Shivering, Sleeplessness, Snake bites, Spasmodic

Modality

Aggravation

During movement, at night, from cold open air and contact.

Amelioration

When thinking of the existing complaints, in warm air, drinking cold water.

Remedy Relationship of Camphora

Complimentary

Canth

Inimical

Kali-n

Antidoted By

Op, Nit-s-d, Dulc, and Phos

It Antidotes

nearly every vegetable kingdom remedies

Comparison

Agar, Aloe, Ars, Carb-an, Carb-v, Croto-t, Cupr, Dulc, Op, Phos, Verat

Dose of Camphora

Tictures as well as potencies

Potency

6,30,200.

Duration of Action

1 day[6] 

Terminologie of Camphora

Main words

Totality of Symptoms:

In homeopathy, treatment is based on the entire picture of the patient’s symptoms – mental, emotional, and physical – rather than just the disease diagnosis. When considering Camphora, a homeopath would look at the whole constellation of symptoms the patient presents.

Paradoxical Symptoms:

These are symptoms that seem contradictory or unexpected. Camphora‘s characteristic of feeling intensely cold yet wanting to uncover is a prime example of a paradoxical symptom. These can be very important in selecting the correct remedy.

Acute Conditions:

These are illnesses that have a sudden onset and usually run a short course. Camphora is often indicated in acute situations characterized by sudden collapse, intense anxiety, or rapid changes in temperature.

Potentized Medicine:

Homeopathic remedies are prepared through a process of serial dilution and succussion (vigorous shaking). "Potentized Camphora" refers to the remedy prepared in this manner, as opposed to the crude substance (like the Camphor bottle mentioned in Kent’s lecture). Homeopaths believe potentization enhances the therapeutic action and reduces toxicity.

Shock:

In a homeopathic context, shock refers to a sudden disturbance of the vital force, often resulting from injury, trauma, or overwhelming physical or emotional stress. Camphora is a key remedy for conditions arising from shock, characterized by coldness, prostration, and anxiety.

Collapse:

This describes a state of extreme exhaustion and loss of vital energy, often accompanied by a drop in blood pressure and other signs of circulatory failure. Camphora‘s indications frequently involve states of sudden and profound collapse.

Affinity:

This refers to the specific tendency of a remedy to act on certain organs or systems of the body, as well as on particular mental or emotional states. Camphora has an affinity for the circulatory system, nervous system, and the mind, explaining its symptoms related to coldness, anxiety, and altered consciousness.

Puerperal Fever:

This is a fever occurring after childbirth, often due to infection. Kent mentions Camphora‘s use in this condition when specific mental and physical symptoms align.

Congestion of the Brain:

This refers to an excessive accumulation of blood in the brain. Camphora might be indicated in cases of sudden brain congestion with associated symptoms like delirium or loss of consciousness.

Other words

Antidote:

A substance that counteracts the effects of a remedy. While not a symptom of Camphora itself, understanding its antidotes (like Opium or vegetable acids) is crucial in homeopathic practice if its effects are too strong or unwanted.

Aggravation/Amelioration:

These terms describe changes in a patient’s symptoms after taking a remedy. An aggravation is a temporary worsening, while amelioration is an improvement. Understanding what aggravates or ameliorates Camphora symptoms (e.g., cold air often ameliorates the desire for covering during the cold stage) helps in its application.

Constitution:

This refers to the overall physical, mental, and emotional makeup of an individual. While Camphora can be used in acute situations regardless of constitution, understanding a patient’s constitutional tendencies can sometimes provide additional context.

Idiosyncrasy:

An unusual or peculiar reaction to a substance that is not commonly observed. The paradoxical symptoms of Camphora (like wanting to uncover when cold) could be seen as an idiosyncratic response pattern.

Nosode:

A homeopathic remedy prepared from diseased tissues or secretions. Camphora is not a nosode; it’s derived from a plant source. Understanding this distinction is fundamental in homeopathic pharmacy.

Organopathy:

A focus on treating specific organs or diseases. While homeopathy aims for holistic treatment, understanding Camphora‘s affinity for the circulatory and nervous systems relates to organopathic considerations.

Palliative:

Treatment that aims to relieve symptoms without necessarily curing the underlying condition. While homeopathy strives for cure, Camphora might be used palliatively in severe acute situations to provide immediate relief.

Polycrest:

A remedy that has a wide range of action and is frequently indicated for various acute and chronic conditions. While not always classified as a top polycrest, Camphora‘s strong and characteristic symptom picture makes it an important remedy in many homeopathic practices.

Repertory:

A systematic index of homeopathic symptoms, arranged anatomically, by sensation, modalities (what makes symptoms better or worse), and concomitants (associated symptoms). Homeopaths use repertories to find remedies whose symptom pictures most closely match the patient’s totality of symptoms, and Camphora has a significant representation in these repertories under its characteristic symptoms.

Temperament:

Similar to constitution, this refers to the characteristic emotional reactivity of an individual. Understanding a patient’s temperament might offer clues, although Camphora‘s acute use often transcends constitutional types.

Reference 

[1] Allen’s keynotes

[2] Gems textbook of homoeopathic materia medica by Dr.Patil 

[3]Dictionary Of Practical Materia Medica (All 3 Vol.) By Clarke J. H.

[4]Materia Medica By Boericke W.

[5] Concise Materia Medica Of Hom. Remedies By S.R. Phatak

[6] Zomeo

Also Search As of Camphora

1.Academic & Research Databases:

These are the best places for finding scientifically reviewed studies or scholarly articles.

PubMed (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov):

This is a primary database for biomedical literature. Use search terms like:
homeopathy AND Camphora
homeopathic proving Camphora
Camphora effects homeopathy
You might find studies investigating Camphora within a homeopathic context, toxicology studies relevant to its use, or reviews.

Google Scholar (scholar.google.com):

This searches across many disciplines and sources, including journals, theses, abstracts, and court opinions. It often picks up more niche or less formally published work than PubMed. Use similar search terms as above.  

CORE-Hom Database (if accessible):

This was a database specifically for homeopathic clinical research. While its current status might vary, searching for it ("CORE-Hom database homeopathy") might lead to relevant resources or archives.  
Homeopathic Research Institute (HRI) (hri-research.org): HRI often compiles and publishes research related to homeopathy. Check their website for publications or research summaries mentioning Camphora.

2.Homeopathy-Specific Journals:

Search the archives or websites of journals dedicated to homeopathy. Some prominent ones include:

Homeopathy (formerly British Homoeopathic Journal)  
Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy
Similia
American Journal of Homeopathic Medicine
Search their websites directly using "Camphora."

3.Online Homeopathic Resources & Materia Medica:

Websites dedicated to Homeopathy:

Many websites compile information, including summaries of Materia Medica (descriptions of remedy effects) and sometimes links to articles or provings. Search on reputable homeopathic educational or organizational websites. Be mindful of the source’s credibility.

Digital Materia Medica:

Search online versions of classical homeopathic Materia Medica (e.g., by Hahnemann, Kent, Allen, Boericke). These aren’t modern "articles" but are the foundational texts describing Camphora’s effects and uses in homeopathy.

Search terms like:

Camphora materia medica
Boericke materia medica Camphora
Kent repertory Camphora (Repertories list symptoms associated with remedies)

Tips for Effective Searching:

Vary Keywords:

Use synonyms (e.g., "homoeopathy," "homeopathic medicine") and related concepts (e.g., "proving," "materia medica," "clinical trial," "case report").
Check Publication Dates: Use filters if you need recent research.

Evaluate Sources:

Prioritize peer-reviewed journals and reputable academic databases for scientific studies. Materia Medica provides classical descriptions but isn’t contemporary research in the same way.

Look for Different Study Types:

Be aware that you might find different kinds of information: provings (testing on healthy volunteers), case studies, clinical trials (testing on patients), literature reviews, or basic science research.