Can Camphor help to increase oxygen levels and fight COVID-19? Here's what experts say

There are many homemade remedies for COVID-19 surfacing on social media. Here's what we know about Camphor.

First Published Apr 28, 2021, 4:59 PM IST

With the rise of Covid cases every day in India, social media is trending with homemade remedies to fight the virus. While some are turning to be fake, some actually are helping to deal with the problems.

Many people on social media are saying that Camphor or 'Kapur can help improve oxygen levels and respiratory issues. Union Minister of Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, in a Facebook post which is now deleted, mentioned, "Camphor, lavang (clove), ajwain, few drops eucalyptus oil can help improve oxygen levels. Make a potli (ingredients wrapped together in a cloth) and keep smelling it throughout the day. This helps increase oxygen levels and congestion. This potli is given to tourists in Ladakh when oxygen levels are low. It's a home remedy."

Camphor is a waxy, flammable substance. As per research studies, "Camphor is a naturally occurring essential oil (volatile oil). Historically, it has been claimed that Camphor was mentioned by Marco Polo in the 13th century and Camoens in 1571, who called it the 'balsam of disease'. Camphor is highly prized by the Chinese, who used it for embalming purposes and to scent soap."

Well, doctors have something else to say. They believe it doesn't increase the oxygen levels; instead, it gives a cooling and calming sensation, which helps to breathe. As per the doctor's statement, it's mostly a myth, but if you smell camphor, it proves that your smelling sensation is there, and it also clears the nasal pathway.