Borneolum
Syntheticum
Source
The resin of Dryobalanops aromatica Gaertn.f., family Dipterocarpaceae,
or chemically synthesized from camphor and turpentine oil.
Characteristics
Resin: Appearing as semi-opaque, irregularly multiangular pieces or granular
crystals, 1-7 mm in diameter, about 1 mm thick, nearly white to light
brown, fragrant in odour. Only a small amount of black smoke emitting
when burnt. Synthetic Product: Semi-opaque, lamellate crystals, 5-15 mm
in diameter, 2-3 mm thick, white and bright; surface with ice-like cracks.
Loose and brittle in texture and severable into lamellae. Fragrant in
odour. Heavy black smoke emitting when burnt. 
Acrid
and bitter in taste, cool in nature, and attributive to heart and spleen
and lung channels.
Indication
1. Wake the patient from unconsciousness: For coma of sthenic type, especially
that of heat origin.
2. Clear away heat, alleviate pain, prevent putrefaction and relieve swelling:
For sorethroat, aphthae, toothache, otopyorrhea and cervical erosion,
used together with Borai, Cinnabaris , Natril Sulfas Exsiccattus, for
topical use; also indicated for skin infection, used together with Calculus
Bovis.
3. Remove nebula to improve visual acuity: For conjunctivitis, blepharitis
and external oculopathy, usually used together with Calamina and Rhizoma
Coptidis for external use.
Pharmacological
Action
1. Inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus hemolyticus
and Diplococcus pneumoniae in vitro, the minimum inhibitory concentration
(MIC) being 0.5%.
2. Local use as analgesic, owing to its action on the sensory nerves.
Administration
Pill or powder: 0.03-0.1g..
External use: Appropriate amount.
Caution
Oral use is contraindicated for pregnant women; be careful for external
use.