Dryobalanops
sumatrensis. D. aromatica, D. camphora
香
樟 Xiāng zhāng
Borneol camphor tree,
Lime tree
Family: Dipterocarpacea
冰 片 Bīng
piàn- "Ice tablet"
Borneol
Borneol can be found in several
species of Artemisia, Dipterocarpaceae, Blumea balsamifera and Kaempferia galanga.
Natural straw-colored, semi-translucent crystals are
collected from fissures, or by tapping the trunk of the magnificent evergreen
camphor trees which grow to over 40-50 m. These trees are considered holy by
the Chinese and provide us with the gift of its crystalline resin.
Heating and cooling the substance and allowing it to harden into a clear crystalline
substance. Although some borneol is still made by tapping trees, the vast majority
of it is created synthetically from turpentine oil or camphor. The compound
is ground down into a fine powder before it can be used medicinally.
FLAVOR: Pungent, acrid, bitter.
FUNCTIONS
GROUP: Aromatic Stimulants
1. Clears body passageways.[1,2]
Disperse Heat. Dispels Fire.[1]
2. Heal inflammation. Relieve pain.[1,2]
3. Eliminates pterygiums and restores vision, reduces edema.[1]
INDICATIONS
1. Coma.[1,2]
Heatstroke.[1,2]
Convulsion.[1] Vomiting and
diarrhea in cholera.[1]
2. Laryngeal numbness and pharyngeal edema, canker sores and ulcers.[1]
3. Conjunctivitis and pterygiums.[1]
External applications for the following symptoms- sore throat,
swelling and pain in gums, mouth and tongue ulcer, red eyes, otitis media.[2]
PREPARATIONS: 0.15-0.3
g.[2] Product not used in decoction,
though prepared mostly in pill or powder form, the amount determined by the
original prescription.[1]