Camphor safety?

May 3, 2005

Hi all,

I'm making a muscle rub & for some reason, thought I needed camphor oil in my

recipe. I forgot that it's considered a hazardous oil (not sure why I even have

it in the house). Can someone tell me what the negative affects are of this

oil? I've already added a few drops to 4oz of oil & the recipe includes some

emu, grapeseed, eucalyptus, peppermint, cayenne, black pepper & cinnamon.

Thanks a bunch!

Tammy Tivis

http://www.ElementsBathandBody.com

Wholesale Soapmaking & Toiletry Supplies

May 3, 2005

On May 3, 2005, at 8:34 AM, Tammy Tivis - Elements B & B wrote:

> I've already added a few drops to 4oz of oil & the recipe includes

> some emu, grapeseed, eucalyptus, peppermint, cayenne, black pepper &

> cinnamon.

Hi Tammy,

Just some thoughts about safety. You have lot's of strong skin

irritating oils- be careful with percentages and be sure to warn for

adult use only. It may seem obvious from the formula but LOTS of people

think these products because they are " natural " can be used on children

of any age. Lot's of children have " growing pains " / cramps and pain in

the legs and feet and I get a lot of requests for products of this

nature. It's always a good idea to make it clear what not to use on

children as well as what is safe.

Are you using Cinnamon Leaf or Cinnamon Bark? Remember that the bark is

much more irritating. I always like to consider the source of the need

for the product. In a muscle rub is it for pain, inflammation,

circulation, warming, etc. Before sports? After sports? To an area that

is injured? Where on the body is it going to be used and the safety

issues that go with that and obviously age and health.

I don't know that I would use Cinnamon, Peppermint, Cayenne, and Black

Pepper all together in a blend for skin.

Seems a little risky to me, but it has a lot to do with the formula

what will work and be safe or not. Products like Tiger Balm have

similar ingredients and are quite strong but used in a very small

areas- not all over a leg for instance. I don't want to discourage you

at all, but just to raise some issues so you are making something very

safe and effective. It sounds like you are going for an " icy-hot " /

Tiger Balm sort of effect for pain.

Often times sore muscles are relieved by soothing and gentle oils mixed

into bath salts or a body oil or lotion.

Oils like German Chamomile, Lavender, and Geranium. I like to add a

little infused St. John's Wort oil to a product like this too and

Arnica too when the skin is not broken. When there is cramping I would

think of Cypress

and Marjoram as well and I like Eucalpytus smithii. I prefer the

gentlest oils whenever possible- the gentlest remedy is often most

effective. it just depends on what you are going for of course. Never

assume your customer will know anything about safety (especially when

it comes to what they might put on their children) - is a good way to

go too.

Good luck!

Elizabeth

Whole Life Essentials

http://www.WholeLifeEssentials.com

952-928-6922

May 4, 2005

Hi Elizabeth,

LOL, I should've mentioned that I was making this massage oil for my

Dad... his neck has been really bothering him & he has arthritis in

his hands. I would NEVER offer this product on an open market.

There are some very sensitizing oils here & you must've been

flipping out reading my post! In 4 oz, I only added a couple drops

of the Cinnamon (Leaf), Camphor, Cayenne & Black Pepper. The

majority of the recipe was emu & sunflower, then 2% eucalyptus &

less than 1% peppermint. Yes, I was trying to get an " Icy Hot "

effect. We were at a craft/home show together several months ago &

a woman put some eucalyptus blend on his neck & he said it hasn't

really bothered him since. So, I started out w/just eucalyptus, emu

& sunflower. But, I had been wanting to make him something for his

arthritis, so I probably went a bit overboard. Because it's my Dad,

I know he's not going to be drinking the stuff & he'll only be

applying to a small area. My dilution rates were very low, so I

felt *safe*... obviously, this is my Dad & I don't want him to have

any adverse affects, though. He's not on any meds & is healthy as a

horse. I asked him to try it once & see how he feels in a couple of

days, then apply again.

Thanks so much for the *gentle* post.. I know you must've been

biting your tongue wanting to tell me I was insane! lol

Best wishes,

Tammy Tivis

http://www.ElementsBathandBody.com

Wholesale Soapmaking & Toiletry Supplies

, Elizabeth@W... wrote:

> Just some thoughts about safety. You have lot's of strong skin

> irritating oils- be careful with percentages and be sure to warn

for

> adult use only. <snip>

It sounds like you are going for an " icy-hot " /

> Tiger Balm sort of effect for pain.

><snip>

Good luck!

>

> Elizabeth

> Whole Life Essentials

> http://www.WholeLifeEssentials.com

> 952-928-6922

May 4, 2005

On May 3, 2005, at 10:32 PM, elementsbathandbody13 wrote:

> There are some very sensitizing oils here & you must've been

> flipping out reading my post!

Lol- No, seriously- not at all! Since you mentioned the recipe I wanted

to inquire because

I figured it might be helpful in some way to you or maybe even others-

not because I was shocked by the formula. It's not unlike Tiger Balm.

> In 4 oz, I only added a couple drops

> of the Cinnamon (Leaf), Camphor, Cayenne & Black Pepper. The

> majority of the recipe was emu & sunflower, then 2% eucalyptus &

> less than 1% peppermint. Yes, I was trying to get an " Icy Hot "

> effect.

Yeah, that is what I figured. The thing is it may be helpful but it may

also only be very superficially helpful and can irritate the skin.

Using very gentle oils but ones that are still strongly anti

inflammatory or analgesic may be more helpful at a deeper level. It all

depends. I have had the best results for this kind of thing with gentle

remedies. There are always very many choices and ways of choosing.

I was a little concerned (not alarmed) about so many of the hot oils

together and how you'd be using it and because so many people read this

group and some beginner may think- oh yeah Cinnamon Bark, Black Pepper,

Camphor, etc...egads! It could spell trouble indeed if they try to do

this at home for who knows what ache or pain- you know?

> We were at a craft/home show together several months ago &

> a woman put some eucalyptus blend on his neck & he said it hasn't

> really bothered him since. So, I started out w/just eucalyptus, emu

> & sunflower.

> But, I had been wanting to make him something for his

> arthritis, so I probably went a bit overboard. Because it's my Dad,

> I know he's not going to be drinking the stuff & he'll only be

> applying to a small area.

> My dilution rates were very low, so I

> felt *safe*... obviously, this is my Dad & I don't want him to have

> any adverse affects, though. He's not on any meds & is healthy as a

> horse. I asked him to try it once & see how he feels in a couple of

> days, then apply again.

>

> Thanks so much for the *gentle* post.. I know you must've been

> biting your tongue wanting to tell me I was insane! lol

Not at all!! I KNOW you are not insane.

Good luck! I hope he feels better ;-)

>

> Best wishes,

>

> Tammy Tivis

>

Take care ;-)

Elizabeth

Whole Life Essentials

http://www.WholeLifeEssentials.com

Request Free Samples with your order!

May 4, 2005

Try eucalyptus and rosemary. The rosemary will help with the inflammation. I

make one with rosemary and frankincense for my arthritis and it helps without

that irritation.