Kapoor Benefits in Ayurveda: Uses, Properties & Remedies
What are the benefits of Kapoor?
Kapoor benefits have been recognized in Ayurveda for centuries. Also known as camphor or Karpura, this powerful natural substance is widely used for respiratory health, skin care, pain relief, and purification.
In Indian homes, kapoor is used in pooja rituals, but its medicinal value is equally important. In Ayurveda, kapoor benefits include cooling the body, reducing inflammation, clearing congestion, and balancing Pitta and Kapha doshas.
Let’s explore kapoor benefits in detail.
Names of Kalmegh in different languages
- Latin Name: Cinnamomum camphora
Vernacular Names: - Hindi: Kapoor
- Bengali: Kapur
- Tamil: Karpooram
- Telugu: Karpooram
- Marathi: Kaapur
- Gujarati: Karpur
- English : Camphor
Sanskrit Names :
Ayurvedic properties of Kapoor
Understanding kapoor benefits requires knowing its Ayurvedic nature:
Ras ( Taste)
- Tikth ( Bitter)
- Katu ( Pungent)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Sheet (Cold)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Katu (Pungent)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Laghu (Lightness)
- Ruksha (Dry)
Also read Basics of Ayurveda: Learn about Vata, Pitta, Kapha
Dosha Effect
Reduces Pitta and Kapha
Can increase Vata if taken in excess
These properties explain why kapoor benefits are mainly seen in inflammatory and congestion-related conditions.
Health Benefits of Kapoor
1. Kapoor benefits for cold and 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. Kapoor benefits for Skin
Kapoor helps reduce itching, acne, rashes, and fungal infections due to its cooling and antimicrobial properties.
3. Kapoor benefits in relieving joint pain
When mixed with oil, kapoor improves blood circulation and reduces muscle stiffness and pain it has a shotha hara (anti-inflammatory) effect that helps in relieving the muscular pain and the pain due to inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Kapoor benefits for heart and cholesterol
Chedana, Lekhana – Kapoor has scraping property, useful in balancing Kapha, in respiratory disorders and in cholesterol / clot deposition in blood vessels
Medohara – reduces fat and cholesterol levels
Camphor acts as a blood thinning agent. It is also used in low blood pressure.
5. Improves Digestive Health
It helps in secreting digestive juices thus helps in improving the digestive system health. The wonderful antispasmodic and analgesic effect of kapoor provides instant relief from pain, spasm and cramps . 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.
Actions (Karma) of Kalmegh in Ayurveda
Mukhashoshahara – Relieves mouth dryness
Mukha vairasyahara – Relieves bad breath problems. This is why camphor has been used as an ingredient in betel leaf combination.
Kanta Doshahara – clears throat. relieves toothache
Vishahara, Vishapaha – Anti toxic
Chakshushya – improves vision, good for eyes, useful in eye disorders
Madakaraka – overdose may cause intoxication.
Yogavahi – acts as a catalyst
Dahahara – being a coolant, it relieves burning sensation
Vrushya – acts as aphrodisiac in lower doses. However, higher doses decrease sexual performance.
Medhya – improves intelligence
Kruminashana – relieves intestinal worm infestation
How to use Kapoor
Kapoor is available in different forms. The choice depends on the condition and convenience.
1. Kapoor Granules :
Take as per your doctor's recommendation.
2. Camphor powder
1 pinch once or twice a day
Parts used :
Niryasa (extract)
Dosage : 125-375 in divided dosage
Home Remedies
- By adding kapoor in coconut oil, apply it on the affected skin in all types of skin diseases such as dermatitis, itching, burning sensation, etc.
- It is effective in case of epistaxis (nasal bleeding) – add kapoor in lukewarm cow’s ghee and administer 2 drops in both nostrils.
- If you are having a Tooth problem – rubbing kapoor powder will help with it.
- It helps in alleviating fever also – 1 pinch of kapoor, 1 pinch of hing, little amount of honey, 2-3 drops ginger, mix all these and take it twice a day.
- It is a very good disinfectant – you can burn kapoor and make your home free from infections.
- By adding sesame oil in kapoor, massage it on the affected area with pain, it will help in reducing pain.
What are the side effects of Kapoor ?
Like any other Ayurvedic herb kapoor is having many health benefits . However , it may have some side effects as well They include
Allergic Rashes
If someone is sensitive to kalmegh they may see skin rashes or redness and itching. In this condition it is advisable to discontinue the use .
It may also increase Vata dosha in the body and therefore increase dryness.
Precaution
During breast feeding avoid consuming Kapoor
Avoid consuming Kapoor during pregnancy due to lack of research on safety during pregnancy.
Always use Kapoor in recommended dosage to avoid potential side effects such as nausea and bloating. It is better to ask Ayurveda doctor about dose and suitability for your body type.
If you have pre existing medical conditions or taking any medications, consult a doctor before using Kapoor. This ensures that there are no harmful interactions or contraindications.
Don’t use Kapoor continuosly for long period of time . Take break to allow your body to respond appropriately. Also when we use any herb continuosly ,then the body becomes use to it and it don’t respond to it.
Store Kapoor in cool and dark place to maintain its potency and prevent it from contamination. Proper storage helps in retaining its therapeutic value.
Ayurvedic medicines that contains Kapoor
- Chandraprabha vati : This is ayurvedic medicine used in treatment of various health problems especially urinary disorders and diabetes.
- Karpoorasav : A very useful ayurvedic medicine for digestive problems such as diarrhea and vommiting.
- Manasmitra Vattkam : A very effective remedy for psychiatric conditions and also improves speech problems and cognitive issues.
Research
Research articles related to Camphor:
Camphor in treatment of cancer,diabetes, alzheimer's: A study on camphor (Cinnamomum camphora), a conventional treatment with a history of treating various diseases, focused on using camphor as a quick household remedy to solve everyday minor issues in addition to learning about the new applications of this traditionally used, naturally occurring medication to treat or prevent some serious acute diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
Conclusion
Kapoor (Karpura) is a valuable Ayurvedic substance known for its cooling, cleansing, and pain-relieving qualities. It helps manage respiratory issues, skin problems, muscle pain, and more when used properly.
However, it is strong and should be used carefully. For internal use or long-term treatment, always consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
When used wisely, this simple household ingredient becomes a powerful natural healer.