Karpura Camphor
Karpura (camphor) is an isolated compound rather than a whole plant drug. It is used in balms, camphorated oil, inhalation preparations and, under supervision, in small internal doses.
| Substance type | Isolated compound or extract, not a whole plant drug |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Karpura Camphor, KarpuraCamphor |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit | Karpura |
| English | Camphor |
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Tikta, Katu | Primary taste |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| Virya (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Tablet (with excipients to prevent sublimation), Taila (camphorated oil), Balm/Ointment, Inhalation preparation, Lepa (paste), Arka (distillate)
Standard Dosage: Internal: 60-125 mg with appropriate Anupana (honey, ghee); External: 2-10% concentration in oil/ointment base; Inhalation: 2-5% in steam
Optimal Timing: External applications: as needed, 2-4 times daily; inhalation: before bed for respiratory congestion; internal: after meals under medical supervision only
Storage: Store in airtight, hermetically sealed containers at 15-25°C. Camphor sublimes readily, loose containers will lose content. Keep away from heat, flame (highly flammable), and children. Double containment for bulk camphor storage.
Marker Compounds: d-Camphor (natural), dl-Camphor (synthetic), Borneol, Camphene, 1,8-Cineole, Alpha-pinene, Linalool
Synergistic Combinations
- Menthol for cooling analgesic balms
- Nilgiri Taila (Eucalyptus oil) for respiratory decongestant
- Ajwain for topical pain relief
- Kapoor Kachri for aromatic medicinal preparations
- Gandhapura Taila (Wintergreen oil) for counter-irritant formulations
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
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