Age Ayurveda Nighantu

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).

Key facts
Substance typeIsolated compound or extract, not a whole plant drug

Names and identification

LanguageName
EnglishCamphor

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, Camphene, 1,8-Cineole, Alpha-pinene, 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 oil) for chest rub decongestant formulations
  • With Menthol for analgesic balms
  • With Sesame oil as base for anti-inflammatory Taila
  • With Ajwain for digestive and carminative vapors
  • With Guggulu in certain traditional formulations

Published research

Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses3

  1. Boroujeni SN, Malamiri FA, Bossaghzadeh F and others. 2022. The most important medicinal plants affecting sperm and testosterone production: a systematic reviewJBRA assisted reproduction. PMID 35234023 · doi:10.5935/1518-0557.20210108
  2. Alam MA, Gani MA, Shama G and others. 2021. Possible role of Unani Pharmacology in COVID-19 - a narrative reviewReviews on environmental health. PMID 33155997 · doi:10.1515/reveh-2020-0106
  3. Wang G, Wang L, Xiong ZY and others. 2006. Compound salvia pellet, a traditional Chinese medicine, for the treatment of chronic stable angina pectoris compared with nitrates: a meta-analysisMedical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research. PMID 16369479

Other clinical studies and reviews7

  1. Shabbir A, Parvinzadeh Gashti M. 2026. Camphor's Therapeutic Uses and Potential Hazards: An In-Depth Review of Its Medicinal ApplicationsMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 41752424 · doi:10.3390/molecules31040648
  2. Yan X, Wang P, Zeng Z and others. 2026. Review of Cinnamomum camphora Seed Kernel Oil: Extraction, Composition, Health Benefits, Safety, and Food ApplicationsComprehensive reviews in food science and food safety. PMID 41940721 · doi:10.1111/1541-4337.70476
  3. Lee SH, Kim DS, Park SH and others. 2022. Phytochemistry and Applications of Cinnamomum camphora Essential OilsMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 35566046 · doi:10.3390/molecules27092695
  4. Alam MA, Quamri MA, Ayman U and others. 2021. Understanding Humma-e-Wabai (epidemic fever) and Amraz-e-Wabai (epidemic disease) in the light of Unani medicineJournal of complementary & integrative medicine. PMID 33544515 · doi:10.1515/jcim-2020-0124
  5. Parvizi MM, Zare F, Handjani F and others. 2020. Overview of herbal and traditional remedies in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis based on Traditional Persian MedicineDermatologic therapy. PMID 32401415 · doi:10.1111/dth.13566
  6. Chen W, Vermaak I, Viljoen A. 2013. Camphor--a fumigant during the Black Death and a coveted fragrant wood in ancient Egypt and Babylon--a reviewMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 23666009 · doi:10.3390/molecules18055434
  7. Biswas NR, Gupta SK, Das GK and others. 2001. Evaluation of Ophthacare eye drops--a herbal formulation in the management of various ophthalmic disordersPhytotherapy research : PTR. PMID 11746845 · doi:10.1002/ptr.896

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