camphorated oil /kam″fərā′tid/ [Malay, kapur, chalk; L, oleum, oil] , a colorless to yellowish liquid with the penetrating, pungent odor of camphor. It is derived from a combination of a dozen organic chemicals, including terpenes, safrole, and acetaldehyde obtained from the camphor laurel plant. It is used mainly as a liniment, counterirritant, and to increase local blood flow. In the 1980s, 20% solutions of camphorated oil were removed from the U.S. market because of safety concerns. It continues to be available without a prescription in lower concentrations and in Canada.
