# Camphor

> Camphor is an isolated compound rather than a whole plant drug. INTERNAL: 60-125mg purified camphor (Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia); CAUTION: internal use only under expert supervision—toxic at >500mg doses. Bioavailability: Excellent absorption via all routes: dermal (rapid transdermal penetration due to terpene structure), inhalation (near-complete pulmonary absorption), and oral (rapid and complete GI absorption—hence toxicity concern).

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Camphor |

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Derived from constituent herbs (see individual herb profiles)
- Standardized on primary bioactive markers

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** External Taila (medicated oil), Balm/ointment, Inhalation (steam/vapor), Lepa (paste), Internal use: highly restricted (1-2mg doses only, purified Bhimseni Kapoor)

**Standard Dosage:** EXTERNAL: 1-5% in balms/oils; steam inhalation: 1-2 crystals in hot water. INTERNAL: 60-125mg purified camphor (Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia); CAUTION: internal use only under expert supervision—toxic at >500mg doses.

**Bioavailability:** Excellent absorption via all routes: dermal (rapid transdermal penetration due to terpene structure), inhalation (near-complete pulmonary absorption), and oral (rapid and complete GI absorption—hence toxicity concern). Hepatic metabolism via CYP2A6 to hydroxycamphor and camphor glucuronide. Half-life: 2-4 hours. Crosses BBB readily. Dermal absorption is the preferred therapeutic route for safety.

**Optimal Timing:** External application as needed for pain/congestion; steam inhalation at bedtime for respiratory relief; internal use: only as prescribed by qualified Vaidya

**Standardized Extract:** Natural camphor (Bhimseni Kapoor): purity NLT 96% by GC; specific rotation [alpha]D +41° to +43° (d-camphor). Essential oil of camphor: camphor content NLT 50%.

**Shelf Life:** 3 years (crystalline camphor, sealed); 2 years (balms/ointments); 3 years (medicated oils)

**Storage:** Airtight containers essential—sublimes at room temperature. Keep away from heat and flame. Separate from food products. Child-proof packaging mandatory. Store below 25°C in well-sealed glass or HDPE containers.

**Marker Compounds:** d-Camphor (1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one), [Borneol](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#borneol), [Camphene](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#camphene), 1,8-[Cineole](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#cineole), Alpha-pinene, [Safrole](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#safrole) (in crude oil—must be below limits)

### Extraction Methods

- Steam distillation from Cinnamomum camphora wood (natural camphor)
- Sublimation purification for Bhimseni Kapoor (natural camphor)
- Synthetic production from turpentine (synthetic camphor—not acceptable for Ayurvedic use)
- Fractional distillation of camphor oil

### Synergistic Combinations

- With Nilgiri Taila ([eucalyptus](/herb/eucalyptus/) oil) for chest rub decongestant formulations
- With [Menthol](/herb/menthol/) for [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) balms
- With [Sesame oil](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#tila-taila) as base for anti-inflammatory Taila
- With [Ajwain](/herb/ajwain/) for digestive and carminative vapors
- With [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) in certain traditional formulations

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/camphor/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- AgeAyurveda Product Catalog
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.