Camphor essential oil, distilled from the wood of Cinnamomum camphora trees, has been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries. Steam distillation of the tree’s wood, bark, or leaves extracts the essential oil, producing a clear to pale yellow liquid with a strong, medicinal fragrance. Camphor oil is widely used to relieve symptoms of coughs, congestion, and colds. Its vapors help open airways and can be found in many chest rubs and inhalants.