"A treasured salve from 1901, Camphor Ice combines the refined touch of Victorian and Edwardian homes and apothecaries with the quiet wisdom of ancient Sumatra. Once a fixture in every household, this soothing balm calms sprains, swellings, and skin ailments from eczema to dermatitis—an indispensable heirloom remedy reborn for modern skin."
Camphor Ice – An Heirloom Remedy from 1901
Step back into an era when kitchen cupboards doubled as apothecaries and every well-ordered household swore by the virtues of Camphor Ice. Crafted from a 1901 recipe, this classic salve draws upon centuries of tradition—from Ancient Sumatra’s treatment of sprains and inflammation to the quiet utility tucked within every Victorian and Edwardian-era medicine cabinet.
Cooling, clarifying, and skin soothing, our Camphor Ice can offer gentle relief for dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, chest colds, and minor skin woes. A must-try for anyone longing for a practical balm with old-world soul and no-nonsense results.
A Glimpse into the History of Camphor Ice
First introduced in the 1880s, Camphor Ice quickly became a household staple for soothing chapped lips, dry hands, and a host of skin irritations. Crafted with lard and other nourishing animal fats, it was prized for its cooling relief and versatile healing powers. From easing pain and calming coughs to acting as an expectorant and gentle stimulant, Camphor Ice was the multitasker in every well-prepared medicinal cabinet.
As petroleum-based skin care rose to prominence in the 20th century, the original fat-based formula of Camphor Ice quietly faded from the apothecary shelf. Today, many now only know the modern, petroleum-based version.
At our apothecary, we believe some traditions are worth preserving.
By returning to the 1880s roots of Camphor Ice, we’ve honored the original blend—made with lard, beeswax, and rich natural oils—reintroducing the deep, skin-nourishing benefits that once defined this product. In a time when opinions on petroleum-based products are increasingly divided, our choice is deliberate: a revival of substance, simplicity, and sensory comfort.
Camphor itself is what makes this remedy timeless. It sits at the crossroads of medicine and mysticism, a waxy wonder that’s journeyed across centuries and continents. Found in temples and apothecaries, plague-time fumigants and perfumed rituals, it carries a legacy of healing steeped in both science and spirit.
Now, with our historically faithful blend, Camphor Ice returns to reclaim its place—one dab at a time.
Camphor - Traditional Practices Across Cultures
Here's what sets it apart:
• Universality: From Sumatra to Salisbury, camphor transcended geography. Nearly every major medicinal tradition—Ayurvedic, Chinese, Islamic, Greco-Roman, and European—found value in its cooling, clarifying properties.
• Versatility: It’s been inhaled, infused, rubbed, burned, and embalmed. Used as a balm for sore joints, a salve for skin, a stimulant for the heart, and even a fumigant during pandemics—camphor has proven a renaissance remedy.
• Spiritual Depth: In Hindu and Islamic rites, camphor was a symbol of purity and transcendence. Burning it wasn’t just aromatic—it was a sacred act of surrender and ego dissolution.
• Cultural Prestige: Once considered an exotic and luxurious import in ancient Rome and Renaissance Europe, camphor was prized in perfumes and spiritual formulas—often regarded as possessing mystical or divine qualities.
• Scientific & Industrial Utility: Beyond healing and ritual, it played a pivotal role in early pharmaceutical chemistry and was even a key ingredient in the first commercial plastics (hello, celluloid film reels).
Camphor’s legacy is both aromatic and iconic—a natural compound that spans medical scrolls, sacred texts, and apothecary cabinets.
Why Choose Our 1901 Camphor Ice?
This is no ordinary balm—it's a revival of a remedy that once reigned supreme in kitchen drawers and historical pockets alike.
Handcrafted from a 1901 recipe, our Camphor Ice blends time-tested ingredients with the elegance of Edwardian-era apothecary know-how. Lard offers a rich, skin-loving base (just like great-grandmother swore by), while jojoba and almond oils lend a gentle glide and nourishing depth. Beeswax locks in moisture, and camphor—our storied star—brings cooling relief, clarity, and centuries of cross-cultural healing wisdom.
From dry heels to dermatitis, eczema to Kleenex burn, this versatile salve soothes cracked skin, calms psoriasis, softens chapped lips, eases sore muscles, relieves windburn, and even helps clear up congestion with a gentle aromatic touch.
A must-have for lovers of natural care, historical charm, and products that earn their place on the shelf.
Why We Think You’ll Love It
Our 1901 Camphor Ice is more than a balm—it’s a revival of simple and natural, yet still beneficial remedies. Whether you’re battling the dry drafts of winter, soothing the sting of a tissue too many, or treating tired heels after a long promenade (or, let’s be honest, a supermarket run), this salve meets you with gentle efficacy.
You'll love it if you crave:
• Natural relief for dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis
• Aromatherapeutic calm for congestion and sore muscles
• A kiss of moisture for chapped lips, cracked skin, and dry heels
• A whisper of nostalgia in every use, wrapped in the charm of another era
From the first whiff of camphor to the last dab of beeswax, it’s comfort in a glass jar.
Camphor Ice ~ 1901 Recipe ~ Sore Muscle & Chest Rub ~ Chapped Hands
- Almond oil - is a gentle, nutrient-rich emollient celebrated for its skin-healing properties. It’s packed with vitamin E, vitamin A, and essential fatty acids that help moisturize deeply, reduce inflammation, and support skin repair. Traditionally used to soothe dry skin, eczema, and minor wounds, it also improves skin tone, calms irritation, and may help fade scars and stretch marks.
- Beeswax – A cornerstone of healing in Roman, Greek, and African remedies, beeswax locks in moisture and shields skin from infection. It also provides the balm’s creamy texture—protective, stable, and smooth to the touch.
- Camphor - is a time-honored botanical with a bold scent and even bolder benefits. Derived from the wood of the Cinnamomum camphora tree, it’s been used for centuries across cultures to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and soothe skin irritations. With natural antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, camphor is a multitasking marvel—easing everything from eczema and cracked heels to congestion and sore muscles. It also stimulates circulation, promotes wound healing, and offers a cooling sensation that calms both body and spirit.
- Jojoba - is a golden, vitamin-rich liquid wax that closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum, making it an exceptional moisturizer and skin soother. Packed with vitamin E, B-complex vitamins, and essential minerals like zinc and copper, it helps calm inflammation, support wound healing, and improve skin elasticity. Its antibacterial and antioxidant properties make it ideal for treating dryness, irritation, and even conditions like eczema and sunburn—without clogging pores.
- Lard - is a time-honored skincare staple known for its deep moisturization and skin-healing benefits. Rich in vitamins A, D, and E, it closely mimics our skin’s natural oils—helping to soothe irritation, restore the barrier, and nourish dry or damaged areas. Gentle, non-comedogenic, and surprisingly effective, it’s a natural choice for those seeking simple, restorative care.