Camphor
Camphor
Camphor commonly known as Kapur, is a white, crystalline substance with a strong odor and a pungent taste. Burning Camphor in the house helps to kill germs and purifies the air as it acts as a natural insecticide.
Camphor consumption in small amounts with jaggery provides relief from cough due to its expectorant activity. It expels the mucus from the lungs and helps ease breathing.
Camphor water is used to manage skin infections due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties. Washing your face regularly with Camphor water prevents bacterial growth and gives you youthful skin. Massaging with Camphor oil mixed with mustard or coconut oil on the scalp helps manage dandruff, itchy scalp and lice infestations.
It is recommended to use Camphor with coconut oil for better medicinal results. Camphor should always be consumed under medical supervision. It is advisable to consume Camphor in small amounts as over dosage of Camphor might cause indigestion, nausea and vomiting[2][3].
Camphor consumption in small amounts with jaggery provides relief from cough due to its expectorant activity. It expels the mucus from the lungs and helps ease breathing.
Camphor water is used to manage skin infections due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties. Washing your face regularly with Camphor water prevents bacterial growth and gives you youthful skin. Massaging with Camphor oil mixed with mustard or coconut oil on the scalp helps manage dandruff, itchy scalp and lice infestations.
It is recommended to use Camphor with coconut oil for better medicinal results. Camphor should always be consumed under medical supervision. It is advisable to consume Camphor in small amounts as over dosage of Camphor might cause indigestion, nausea and vomiting[2][3].
What are the synonyms of Camphor?
Cinnamomum camphora, Karpura, Karpur, Kapur, Karpuram, Chutakkapuram, Kaapurl, Kapura, Karpram, Karpuraamu, Riyaahi Kapphur, Kaaphoraa.
What is the source of Camphor?
Plant Based
Benefits of Camphor
How effective is Camphor?
Insufficient evidence
Low blood pressure
1. Cough
In Ayurveda, cough is known as Kas Roga and is caused by poor digestion. Poor diet and incomplete elimination of waste leads to the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the form of mucus in the lungs. Edible Camphor has a good role in reducing Ama and helps in expelling the mucus from the lungs in spite of its Sita (cold) property.
2. Indigestion
One of the reasons for indigestion is Agnimandya (weak digestive fire) and edible Camphor helps to improve the Agnimandya (weak digestive fire) because of its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. But it is advisable to consume Camphor in small amounts as over dosage of Camphor might cause indigestion, nausea and vomiting.
3. Obesity
According to Ayurveda, diet and lifestyle are one of the major causes behind obesity. This weakens the digestive fire, increases accumulation of Ama, and leads to an imbalance in Meda dhatu which ultimately causes weight gain. Edible Camphor improves the digestive secretions and reduces Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) because of its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. Edible Camphor also has Lekhana (scraping) property which removes excess fat from the body.
In Ayurveda, cough is known as Kas Roga and is caused by poor digestion. Poor diet and incomplete elimination of waste leads to the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the form of mucus in the lungs. Edible Camphor has a good role in reducing Ama and helps in expelling the mucus from the lungs in spite of its Sita (cold) property.
2. Indigestion
One of the reasons for indigestion is Agnimandya (weak digestive fire) and edible Camphor helps to improve the Agnimandya (weak digestive fire) because of its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. But it is advisable to consume Camphor in small amounts as over dosage of Camphor might cause indigestion, nausea and vomiting.
3. Obesity
According to Ayurveda, diet and lifestyle are one of the major causes behind obesity. This weakens the digestive fire, increases accumulation of Ama, and leads to an imbalance in Meda dhatu which ultimately causes weight gain. Edible Camphor improves the digestive secretions and reduces Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) because of its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. Edible Camphor also has Lekhana (scraping) property which removes excess fat from the body.
Precautions when using Camphor
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Avoid the consumption of Camphor in case of epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease as it may lead to some side effects.
Modern Science View
Take Camphor orally only after consulting with your doctor[4].
Modern Science View
Avoid the oral consumption of Camphor if you have liver diseases as it may lead to liver damage[4].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Avoid the consumption of Camphor during breastfeeding[4].
Patients with heart disease
Ayurvedic View
Avoid the consumption of Camphor or take it under medical supervision if you have hypertension as it may increase blood pressure.
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Avoid the consumption of Camphor during pregnancy[4].
Recommended Dosage of Camphor
- Camphor Granules - Take as per your doctor's recommendation[6].
- Camphor Powder - 1 pinch once or twice a day.
How to use Camphor
1. Camphor Powder with Jaggery
a. Take 1 pinch of edible Camphor powder.
b. Add some mishri or jaggery to it.
c. Take this mixture after meals twice a day.
2. Camphor Granules
a. Take 1 pinch of edible Camphor granules.
b. Add some jaggery to it.
c. Take this mixture after meals twice a day.
a. Take 1 pinch of edible Camphor powder.
b. Add some mishri or jaggery to it.
c. Take this mixture after meals twice a day.
2. Camphor Granules
a. Take 1 pinch of edible Camphor granules.
b. Add some jaggery to it.
c. Take this mixture after meals twice a day.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Camphor contains 1,8 cineole, Limonene, Sabinene, P-cymene, Camphene, B-mycerene and each of its constituents are responsible for some specific therapeutic benefits like bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, relaxant, antidepressant, antimicrobial and antioxidant.
Modern Science View
Camphor can be synthesized in the laboratory by using turpentine oil. There are different uses of synthetic Camphor such as in perfumery, insect repellent, and religious ceremonies. It is generally advisable to check the authenticity of the Camphor before using it.
Modern Science View
Camphor balls are also called as moth balls. They are white in colour, small balls that are used for storing clothes and other articles susceptible to insects and pests.
Modern Science View
Camphor used in cooking in India is the 'edible camphor' and is known as Pachha Karpooram which means "green camphor”. Camphor is also used as a flavoring agent in various dishes.
Ayurvedic View
Camphor is of two types one is edible and the other is non-edible. It is the edible camphor that is used for making Ayurvedic medicines. But it is advisable to use edible camphor under medical supervision as it might cause some side effects.
Ayurvedic View
According to Ayurvedic books, Kaiyadeva Nighantu explained three types of Camphor: Ishavasa, Him Camphor, and Pitashrya. Further, it was divided into two types: Pakva (artificial) and Apkva (natural). Nowadays, Camphor is also synthetically prepared using terpentine; this is however used for offerings to God and is not meant for medicinal use.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1.Volume 1.
- Singh R, Jawaid T.Cinnamomum camphora (Kapur): Review.Phcog J.2012;4(28):1-5.
- Hamidpour R, Hamidpour S, Hamidpour M, et al. Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora), a traditional remedy with the history of treating several diseases.Int J Case Rep Imag.2012; 1-4.
- WebMD.Camphor: Uses, Side effects, Interactions, Dosage [Internet]. Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Chen W, Vermaak I, Viljoen A.Camphor—A fumigant during the black death and a coveted fragrant wood in ancient Egypt and Babhttps://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-709/camphor ylon—A review.Molecules.2013;18(5):5434-5454.
- Garg N, Jain A.Therapeutic and medicinal uses of karpura-A review.IJSR.2017;6(4):1174-1181.
- Shah A, Krishnamurthy R. Swine flu and its herbal remedies.The IJES.2013;2(5):68-78.
- Keller E.Aromatherapy handbook for beauty, hair, and skincare.Health and Fitness.1999.
- Arora P, Nanda A, Karan M.Screening of plant essential oils for Antifungal activity against Malassezia furfur.Int J Pharm Pharm Sci.2013;5(2):37-39.
- Nivetha R, Murthykumar K, Kumar N, et al. Effects of natural products on oral health: A review.Asian J pharm clin res.2014;7(5):279-282.
- Fydd C.The Young Housewife's Daily Assistant: On All Matters Relating to Cookery and Housekeeping.Simpkin Marshall. 1864.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.