Camphor Was Distilled From Wood Chips

Natural camphor was historically obtained by heating or steam-distilling pulverized Camphor Laurel wood, then cooling the aromatic vapor so waxy white camphor crystals condensed.

Surprising takeaway: The familiar camphor aroma released while cutting Camphor Burl comes from volatile compounds once harvested as a valuable forest product—the wood effectively supplied both timber and crystalline fragrance.