All parts of the camphor tree have secretory cells containing a volatile oil which crystallizes when it comes in contact with air.
In the past the whole tree was utilized in the extraction of the oil, usually from trees that were at least 50-60 years old.
Today, only the leaves are used allowing for recurring harvest without killing the goose that lays the golden egg so to speak.
The aromatic leaves can be harvested three to four times a year.
The essential oil containing the camphor is extracted from the leaves by steam distillation. The essential oil is removed by compressing or centrifuging and the remaining raw camphor is then purified by sublimation.
In the distillation process of the essential oil, three fractions are separated.
These are known as white, brown and yellow camphor. White is the lightest fraction with the lowest boiling point, then the brown followed by the yellow as the heaviest.
The brown and yellow varieties should never be used therapeutically, either internally or externally as they are very toxic. The white one can be used for medicinal purposes, mostly externally, but with caution.
It is also used as a solvent in the paint and varnish industry, as a fragrance in cleansers, soaps, disinfectants and household cleaning products.
In addition, it is used in the production of celluloid, elastic and extremely flammable substance produced by a mixture of nitrocellulose and camphor.
[Read more about Camphor Tree…]
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