/oss/taxonomy/term/6166/all en /oss/article/you-asked-general-science/there-legitimate-medical-use-camphor <p>It wasn't so long ago that mothers would treat their children's colds by hanging little bags of camphor around their necks. The strong medicinal smell probably had some effect in opening up congested nasal passages, but the real value of the treatment undoubtedly was in stopping the spread of the cold by keeping friends at a distance. Camphor can be isolated from the camphor tree which grows in the Orient by a process known as steam distillation.</p> Tue, 29 Mar 2022 18:16:19 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 9067 at /oss