Overview
Camphor is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for immunity & disease prevention. Karpura (Camphor) is the first substance described in the Karpuradi Varga, the second chapter of Bhavaprakash Nighantu. Four types are described: (1) Bhimseni — the best, from Dryobalanops camphora trees in Borneo/Sumatra, naturally deposited in wood crevices; (2) Chini — from Cinnamomum camphora, obtained by distillation; (3) Pachi/Bapani — from Blumea species; (4) Synthetic — chemically prepared. Bhimseni is preferred for medicinal use. Camphor is cold in potency, aromatic, and used extensively in heart diseases, burning sensations, fevers, and eye conditions. It is a cardiac stimulant in small doses. Excessive use can reduce sexual potency. Applied externally for skin conditions and pain relief. Book reference: Karpuradi Varga, shloka 1-3.
How Camphor Helps with Immunity & Disease Prevention
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Camphor has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing immunity & disease prevention:
- Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent), Madhura (sweet)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Tikshna (sharp)
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu), Sweet (Madhura)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- C₁₀H₁₆O — Camphor is a terpenoid ketone. Bhimseni camphor contains d-borneol. Camphor oil of Borneo type produced. Chemical formula same for all types but optical rotation differs.
- Also Known As
- English: Camphor, Borneo Camphor, Baros Camphor
Sanskrit: कर्पूर, घनसार, चन्द्र, हिमवालुक, सितांशु, हिमांशु
Hindi: कपूर, कर्पूर
What the Classical Texts Say
- Daha (burning sensation)
- Trishna (excessive thirst)
- Jwara (fever)
- Mukha Roga (oral diseases)
- Hridroga (heart diseases)
- Kasa (cough)
- Shwasa (asthma/dyspnea)
- Netra Roga (eye diseases)
- Krimi (worms/parasites)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
Other Herbs for Immunity & Disease Prevention
See all herbs for immunity & disease prevention on the Immunity & Disease Prevention page.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.