Bencao Gangmu Reference Library
樟树 / 樟脑 / 香樟 / 乌樟 / 油樟 / 樟木 / 韶脑 — Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J.Presl (syn. Laurus camphora, Camphora officinarum)
Pinyin: Zhāngshù / Zhāngnǎo / Xiāngzhāng · Malay: Pokok Kapur Barus / Pokok Kampar / Kayu Kapur / Camphor Tree / True Camphor / Camphora · Family: Lauraceae (樟科 / 樟属)
Energetics
Hot, Intensely Aromatic, Piercing (大热 / 辛热芳烈走窜)
Flavor
Pungent, acrid, tongue-numbing, cool-burning (大辛、极辛、大热、微麻舌、气极芳烈清凉窜鼻)
Meridians
Heart (心), Spleen (脾), Lung (肺)
Traditional Edict
Camphor Tree / Sublimed Camphor (Pokok Kapur Barus / Zhang Shu / Zhang Nao / Camphora). Massive canopy tree yielding glistening snow-white sublimed crystals. Emperor of Sensory Orifice Opening: revives sudden syncope, activates TRPM8 cooling while desensitizing TRPV1 pain fibers in arthritis, destroys scabies.
Cautions & Contraindications
- BLACK BOX CONVULSANT TOXICITY WARNING: Ingestion of raw camphor (>1-2 g) causes violent generalized tonic-clonic seizures and respiratory arrest. PEDIATRIC WARNING: Do not apply to infant faces. STRICTLY CONTRAINDICATED IN PREGNANCY (ABORTIFACIENT).
Clinical Applications
- Sudden syncope, fainting, and sensory collapse (reflex medullary arousal via trigeminal stimulation), severe rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, and sprains (TRPM8 activation and TRPV1 desensitization via D-Camphor >= 96.0%), and sarcoptic scabies.
Quality Markers
Mechanism & Phytochemistry
1. D-Camphor directly activates TRPM8 cold channels and desensitizes TRPV1 pain fibers (IC50=1.4 uM), halting substance P. 2. Acaricidal membrane lysis destroys Sarcoptes scabiei mites.
Preparation & Dosage
THE ROYAL MALAYSIAN KAPUR BARUS MEDICATED PAIN OIL: 10 g sublimed camphor crystals dissolved in 60 mL Methyl Salicylate (wintergreen), 20 mL Eucalyptus oil, and 10 mL Menthol (massaged into arthritic joints). Internal micro-dose: 0.1 to 0.2 g in sealed pills (NEVER EXCEED 0.5 g; NEVER OVERDOSE).
Appended Prescriptions
- 1. The Sovereign Medicated Joint Pain & Sciatica Embrocation (Minyak Kapur Barus Sendi) with Menthol and Wintergreen. 2. Refractory Scabies & Pruritus Ointment with Sublimed Sulfur.
Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only
