Fact Check: Does inhaling camphor increase blood oxygen level, relieve respiratory distress?

Recently, a viral message claiming that inhaling the vapour of camphor, clove, ajwain and eucalyptus oil can increase blood oxygen level and even relieve respiratory distress is being  shared across WhatsApp and Twitter.

The viral message read, ” Camphor, lavang (clove), ajwain, few drops eucalyptus oil. Make potli and keep smelling it throughout the day. This helps increase oxygen levels and congestion. This potli is given to tourists in Ladakh when oxygen levels are low. It’s a home remedy.”

Union Minister of Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi had also shared the message on Facebook

However, it is said that the claim is fake. inhaling camphor is dangerous and could be life-threatening in some cases.

Inhaling camphor can lead to the irritation in nose, eyes and throat. It can also cause mental confusion, stomach ache and seizures.

On the other hand, there is no evidence to suggest that clove, carrom seeds, or Eucalyptus oil can increase blood oxygen or relieve respiratory distress.