Essential Oil - Borneol
Essential Oil – Borneol
Botanical Information
Borneol (Dryobalanops aromatica) belongs to the Dipterocarpaceae family and is a towering tropical tree that often exceeds 25 metres in height, with a thick trunk reaching up to 2 metres in diameter. Borneol occurs naturally as a crystalline resin found beneath the bark in the crevices and fissures of mature trees, while younger trees produce only a clear yellow substance known as liquid camphor. The tree is also known by several names, including Dryobalanops camphora, Borneo camphor, East Indian camphor, Baros camphor, Sumatra camphor, and Malayan camphor.
Distribution and Traditional Uses
Borneol is native to the tropical forests of Borneo and Sumatra. It should not be confused with Japanese or Formosa camphor, which differs chemically and is considered more toxic.
For centuries, borneol has been highly valued throughout Asia, particularly in ancient Persia, India, and China, where it was regarded as a universal remedy. Traditionally, it was used to help combat infectious diseases, including plague, as well as digestive disorders affecting the stomach and intestines. In China, borneol also played an important role in embalming practices and funeral ceremonies. Because its strong aroma naturally repels insects and ants, the timber has long been prized for constructing buildings and other wooden structures.
Essential Oil and Characteristics
Borneol essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the wood, while the crude crystalline borneol is collected directly from mature tree trunks after local harvesters test for its presence by making small incisions in the bark.
The oil ranges in colour from watery white to dark, viscous black depending on its camphor content. It possesses a distinctive camphoraceous aroma with warm, woody notes reminiscent of sassafras.
Chemical Composition
Crude borneol consists primarily of d-borneol, which is an alcohol rather than a ketone, distinguishing it from Japanese camphor. The essential oil contains approximately 35% terpenes, including pinene, camphene, and dipentene; about 10% alcohols, mainly d-borneol and terpineol; approximately 20% sesquiterpenes; and around 35% natural resin.
Therapeutic Benefits
Borneol essential oil possesses mildly analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, carminative, rubefacient, stimulant, and tonic properties.
In aromatherapy, it has traditionally been used to support skin health by helping soothe cuts, bruises, and repel insects. It may also assist with poor circulation, muscular aches, sprains, rheumatism, and general physical weakness. For the respiratory system, it has been used to help relieve bronchitis and coughs. Traditionally, it has also supported the immune system during colds, influenza, fever, and other infectious illnesses. Emotionally, its uplifting aroma has been valued for easing nervous exhaustion, neuralgia, stress, and mental fatigue.
Safety and Precautions
Borneol essential oil is generally considered non-toxic and non-sensitising when properly diluted. However, it may cause skin irritation if applied in concentrated form, so appropriate dilution is recommended before topical use.
Industrial Uses
Although relatively unfamiliar in Western perfumery and pharmaceutical industries, borneol has long been used in Eastern countries. It is traditionally employed to fragrance soaps and is also used in China and Japan in the manufacture of varnishes, inks, and as a solvent for artists’ paints. In addition, borneol continues to play an important role in traditional cultural and religious ceremonies throughout many parts of Asia.
