Camphor is a powder that originally came from the bark and wood of the camphor tree Today, most camphor is synthetic It s in some products that are applied to the skin including FDA approved treatments. It s a common ingredient in remedies applied to the skin for cough and skin irritation. 1. For Curing Breathing Problems Camphor can eliminate the congestion in the lungs bronchial tracts and nasal region to promote normal breathing. Add a teaspoon of camphor to boiling water and steam for 10 minutes for clearing the mucus.