Cinnamomumcamphora（L.）Presl
Aliases：Dispels wind, disperses cold, warms the middle jiao, regulates qi, invigorates blood, and unblocks the collaterals.
Zhangmu (Camphorwood) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is the wood of Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl, a plant of the Lauraceae family. It is an evergreen large tree with aromatic properties throughout the plant. The medicinal material appears as irregular pieces or small blocks, with a reddish-brown to dark brown outer surface, a strong camphor-like aroma, and a pungent, cool taste. It was first recorded in the Supplements to the Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Shiyi).
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels wind, disperses cold, warms the middle jiao, regulates qi, invigorates blood, and unblocks the collaterals.
Indications
Used for wind-cold colds, cold epigastric pain with distension, cold-damp vomiting and diarrhea, rheumatic arthralgia, beriberi (edema of the feet), traumatic pain, and pruritic skin conditions such as scabies and tinea.
Modern Pharmacology
Central Nervous System Effects: It is generally used as a central nervous system stimulant, with cardiotonic, antispasmodic, and expectorant effects. Local Irritant Effects: Used as a topical irritant. Insect Repellent Effects: Exhibits insect-repellent properties. Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antitumor Effects: Exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor biological activities. Sedative and Hypnotic Effects: Exhibits sedative and hypnotic effects. Stomachic and Digestive Effects: Promotes digestion and stomach health.
Ingredients
Terpenoids: Camphor, 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, camphene, limonene, α-terpineol, cadinene, bisabolene, α-camphorene, azulene, etc. Aromatic Compounds: Safrole, carvacrol, eugenol, etc. Others: A novel cyclopentenone compound, 5-dodecanyl-4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-cyclopentenone, has been detected in the heartwood. Compounds isolated from camphorwood: β-sitosterol, quercetin, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, 10–20g; ground into powder, 3–6g; or steeped in wine for consumption. Topical Application: Appropriate amount, decocted in water for washing.
Contraindications
Contraindicated during pregnancy: Camphorwood has blood-invigorating and collateral-unblocking effects, which may cause miscarriage. Avoid prolonged exposure: The volatile gases released from camphorwood may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa. Placing it in the bedroom may affect sleep quality.
Selected Formulas
For stomach cold with distension and pain (Hong Kong Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 15g of camphorwood (Zhangmu). Decoct in water to yield two bowls and drink. For stomach pain (Jiangxi Herbal Medicine) Take 5 qian of Zhangmu. Decoct in water and drink. For beriberi with phlegm congestion, vomiting, chest fullness, and loss of appetite (Puji Fang, Zhangmu San) Take 30g of Zhangmu (brush with ginger juice and roast until yellow), grind and sieve into powder. Take 3g each time, mixed with rice water, at any time. For gout with cold pain in hands and feet, as if bitten by a tiger (Yixue Zhengzhuan) Take 1 dou of camphorwood sawdust and 1 dan of water. Boil the water, place the sawdust in a large bucket, and have the patient sit by the bucket with one foot inside. Wrap the surrounding area with a straw mat to prevent steam from entering the eyes (to avoid damage). This method works quickly. For centipede bites (Yanfang Xuanji) Take fresh camphorwood branches. Decoct in water to yield two bowls and drink. For intestinal cramping (Weisheng Yijian Fang) Take equal parts of aged camphorwood, Chenpi (tangerine peel), and Dongbitu (old wall soil). Decoct in water, strain, and drink.
Daily Consumption
Camphorwood Decoction for Oral Use: Take 10–20g of camphorwood, decoct it in water, and drink the liquid. It may be used as an adjunctive treatment for wind-cold colds, cold epigastric pain with distension, and other related conditions. Camphorwood External Fumigation and Wash: Take an appropriate amount of camphorwood, decoct it in water, and use the liquid for fumigation and washing of the affected area. It is suitable for rheumatic arthralgia, beriberi (edema of the feet), pruritic skin conditions such as scabies and tinea, and other related conditions.
Medicinal Parts
Dried wood.
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry, airtight container in a cool place. Alternatively, store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture.
