Camphor Oil, 1 oz

Powerful and medicinal are two words to describe the unique scent of camphor. Because of its strong aroma, peasants used to wear lumps of camphor around their necks to repel infectious diseases. For over 5,000 years Ayurvedic medicine has utilized camphor mainly as a germ killer. Camphor was also used in Persia (now Iran) as a remedy for the plague. Even modern day people turn to camphor to fight cold symptoms. Besides fighting colds, camphor has many other uses. Ancient inhabitants of India used camphor in a variety of religious rituals. The Chinese used camphor wood to build ships and temples, not just for the wood's durability, but also because of its aromatic properties. Camphor has another unique use: that of a moth repellent. Therefore, it's a great natural way to protect much-loved wardrobes from the damage moth infestation causes.

• Cinnamomum camphora