Your Essential Guide To Karpura (Camphor)
-
Roopashree Sharma - Posted on
- 3 comments
In Ayurveda, only one variety of Karpura (Camphor) was referred up to the period of Dhanvantri Nighantu (oldest Ayurvedic materia medica placed between 8th -10th AD).
The camphor found on tree pits and branches of trees was referred to as Natural camphor (apakva Karpura), whereas that obtained by distillation with water of the wood/ tree/ plant was called the Pakva variety.
This prized botanical has been used in India, China, and other southeast Asian countries as a medicinal curative for centuries.
In Japan, they derive Camphor from the distillation of Cinnamomum camphora trees (Pakva). However, India has a practice of deriving Camphor from the leaves and tree pits of the genus Dryobalanops camphor trees (Apakva). Natural Camphor is also known as ‘Bhimseni Kapur’, ‘Shuddh Kapur’ or ‘Desi Kapur.’
Beware of Synthetic Camphor
What most of us don’t know is that Camphor can also be produced synthetically from turpentine oil and is commonly sold in the market. It is used in most products for cold and pain relief, aromatic candles, soaps, etc.
The synthetic Camphor is non-edible and poisonous if consumed. It is also known to contain chemicals that can cause cancer
Purity check
Although the natural camphor is known to be edible and has many benefits for internal use, but you should not consume until you are completely confident of its purity.
Here’s how you can check if your Camphor is of the purest form
- It burns completely without sparking and leaves NO residue.
- Pure camphor settles down in the water. Read more here
- Pure camphor oil is also white in color, the brown and yellow variants are not safe for use as they contain a high amount of safrole.
You can also watch some of these videos showing the process –
Testing of Original Camphor
Karpur uses in Ayurveda
Ayurveda prescribes the use of Natural Karpur also known as “Pachchaa karpooram” in Telugu, “Pachai karpooram” in Tamil, and “Kachha karpoor” in Hindi.
It acts as a catalyst for balancing Kapha and Pitta doshas and is a coolant in Veerya (nature). It gives a cooling sensation because it is absorbed by our skin and activates the ion channels in our body.
It has many medicinal benefits, due to its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, such as
- Cures respiratory disorders
- In oral disorders, it helps with mouth dryness, sore throat, toothache and even to get rid of bad breath.
- Camphor is also a blood-thinning agent that helps reduce cholesterol in blood vessels
- Helps reduce fats when diluted with mustard oil and rubbed over fat deposit areas. (Read more)
- It also acts as a digestive and cures Pitta dosha.
- In lower doses, it’s an aphrodisiac, but higher doses can rather decrease sexual performance. It also improves blood circulation, thus helping with erectile dysfunctions.
- Relieves skin irritation and itchiness and may help to improve the overall appearance of the skin.
- Camphor Oil (only white camphor oil is safe to use)
- Cures arthritis pain and rheumatism
- It is an ingredient of many vaporub and decongestants
- Camphor oil is great for hair, reduces dandruff, and promotes hair growth
- Purifies the surrounding air by destroying harmful bacteria and viruses and improves the air quality. Also known to keep mosquitoes away. A simple way to use it is in modern-day diffusers, but please use only pure natural camphor.
Any oral usage should be done under the strict supervision of Ayurveda/ medical supervision. Should not be consumed by children, pregnant and lactating mothers. Strong or high usage is not suitable for patients with high blood pressure and asthma.
SCIENCE OF RITUALS:
Due to its high UV absorption maxima, camphor emits immense energy upon burning. When we wave our hands over its flames, our palms absorb this energy-enhancing body’s chakra system. If closely observed, one can notice the white gold aura of natural camphor once lit.
The practice of burning camphor in morning prayers (arti) is a simple way of getting a daily dose of this wonder resin.
As per our scriptures, pure camphor symbolizes union with God as it burns completely, leaving behind no trace.
This ancient mantra prayer to Lord Shiva signifies the purity of Camphor with its white color and its property of completely dissolving into the universe, leaving no trace behind.
कर्पूरगौरं करुणावतारं (Pure White like Camphor, an Incarnation of Compassion)
संसारसारम् भुजगेन्द्रहारम्। (The Essence of Worldly Existence, Whose Garland is the King of Serpents)
सदावसन्तं हृदयारविन्दे (Always Dwelling inside the Lotus of the Heart)
भवं भवानीसहितं नमामि॥ (I Bow to Shiva and Shakti Together)
HomeImprov Ideas @Atharvan
Use Kapur in your electric or normal diffuser for an amazing fragrance that is soothing and relaxing to the senses. Its nose-tingling vapors uplift the mood and energy levels. Buy Kapoor Burner
We hope you benefit from this information. Stay healthy, do read our other articles on Staying Healthy with Mind, Body, and soul.
- Physio Chemical Evaluation and Characterisation of different types of camphor used in Ayurvedic Formulation. Read more
- The raw material is oleo pine resin, extracted from pine trees. From this comes turpentine, and from this comes alpha-pinene which is used to make synthetic camphor.
Read more - A 2018 Trusted Source animal study found that an ointment containing camphor, sesame oil, and honey decreased the healing time for second-degree burn wounds and was found to be more beneficial than using Vaseline. Read more
- Mantra meanings and simple translations. Source
Dheemahi Ayurveda centre The Best ayurvedic hospital in Kerala
The Best ayurvedic hospital in Kerala for complete detox and rejuvenation programs
To provide a complete detox and rejuvenation program within a cost that anyone can afford was a dream of our founder Dr. B Gireesh. Following the footprints, Dr. Jayakrishnan G BAMS MD in Kayachikitsa has done extensive research on the tradition of knowledge and implemented in the current lifestyle needs and lifestyle disorders.
The thousands of people who come and experience the detox and rejuvenation programs in our hospitals and ayurvedic centers is a testimonial to our comprehensive quality programs.
What makes us best, we believe in the following four vital factors makes us one of the best ayurvedic hospitals in Kerala for complete detox and rejuvenation programs
Best Ayurvedic Doctor
Best Ayurvedic medicine
Best Ayurvedic therapists
The patient who trusts and follows the Doctors.
Dr. Gireesh and Dr. Jayakrishnan put their efforts to make these basic factors to perfection and the result is an ayurvedic center that provides best in class ayurvedic treatments.
Best Ayurveda Hospital in India for Panchakarma treatment
Dheemahi Ayurveda stands firmly rooted in the timeless tradition of Ayurveda, with an unwavering dedication to prioritizing the health and well-being of our patients. Our heritage boasts a rich lineage of Ayurvedic wisdom spanning five generations, underscoring our enduring commitment to the principles and practices of this ancient healing system.
Our team comprises expert doctors and skilled professionals who are deeply committed to guiding patients on their journey toward optimal health. With a focus on personalized and comprehensive care, we ensure that each individual receives tailored treatment plans aligned with their unique needs and goals.
At Dheemahi Ayurveda, we place a profound emphasis on the supervision and follow-up of patients, particularly during Panchakarma therapies. Our attentive approach ensures that patients receive continuous support and guidance throughout their treatment journey, facilitating a safe, effective, and transformative experience rooted in the holistic principles of Ayurveda.
best ayurvedic eye treatment hospital |
There are some ophthalmic diseases, which lead to blindness. But if treated in time, with the skill of experience, the sight can be protected; at least, minimize the deterioration. The right treatment helps preserve your existing eyesight and then make your visual organ healthy. This approach helps to protect and improve your vision.
At Matha ayurvedic eye hospital, all treatments are customized for each patient by the treating doctor. The clinical-stage of disease, other systemic complaints, dietary regime, and habitual factors are considered before deciding on a care plan.
Target disease areas selected
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is caused due to prolonged high blood glucose levels. In diabetic eye disease, abnormal blood vessels develop that can break, bleed, and leak fluid. Sometimes tiny bulges called microaneurysms may protrude from the vessel walls. This leads to leakage or oozing of fluid and blood into the retina. This fluid causes edema in the central part of macula leading to diabetic macular edema. Regaining the lost ability to see depends on the clinical stage when a patient starts treatment.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is now one of the major causes of blindness. It is now in the first place among the causes of blindness in the working group of the population. It is a degenerative eye disease where patients easily miss the early stage. This is because there is no serious visual problem in this very early stage. Hence it is important to see your eye doctor regularly to find early warning signs. As the condition progresses, patients experience wavy and blurred vision. The next stage is loss of central vision.
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Ayurvedic treatments help to delay degeneration for retinitis pigmentosa patients and support a normal life with medicine. Retinitis pigmentosa cannot be cured. The aim is to arrest the degeneration, preserve your eyesight and delay the progress of the disease. The treatments take around 16 to 20 days. Patients need to repeat the treatments and medications at home to manage RP. In this manner, the patient is able to lead a normal life, with the support of treatment and medicines.
Glaucoma
Systematic ayurveda eye treatment helps to lower the pressure in eyes for glaucoma patients. They are able to protect and manage their eyesight with medicine. Matha ayurveda eye hospital provides authentic ayurvedic therapies and medicines prepared in traditional processes. A full course of ayurveda eye treatments normally lasts for roughly 16 to 18 days.
Myopia
Ayurvedic eye treatments for myopia improves vision in a step by step and phased manner. For simple myopia, the duration would be between 14 to 16 days. For degenerative myopia, it takes a bit longer – around 16 to 18 days. know more about treating simple myopia and degenerative myopia in Ayurveda.
Keratoconus
Ayurvedic treatments activate the glands to ensure normal secretion for moistening the visual organ. It undergoes a thorough rejuvenation and is made healthy so that the natural mechanism of tear secretion is restored. The lifestyle and profession also have an important role in the development of this condition. It takes between 12 to 14 days to complete a full authentic course of treatment.
Dry eyes
Dry eye is very common nowadays. The main symptoms are foreign body sensation and itching in the eyes. Patients also feel dryness and occasional redness. Symptoms flare up especially while exposure to light and dust, pain in the eyes, and eyestrain.
Ayurvedic treatments activate the glands to ensure normal secretion for moistening the visual organ.
Blepharospasm
Blepharospasm is an involuntary forceful closure or spasm of the eyelids. It is not directly involved in vision, but since the patient is not able to open his eyes, vision becomes involved indirectly. Usually, it starts as a simple involuntary blinking of lids occasionally. Later, episodic closure of the lids develops. Gradually, the frequency of the episodes increases, and the interval between two episodes decreases.
Macular Edema
In ayurveda, this clinical condition is due to the vitiation of Kapha and pitta functioning in the eye. For this, there is a very successful line of treatment.
The treatment is conducted in two steps. First, the treatment is aimed to maintain circulation in the retina of the eye so that the possibility of accumulation of fluid is eliminated. In the next step, the retina is strengthened so that the functional capacity of the retina is revived or increased.
Uveitis
Uveitis is the inflammation of the uveal tract of the eye. The uveal tract is the main vascular layer of the eye and it consists of three main parts – the choroid, ciliary body, and iris. This layer is the main source of nourishment to the internal structures of the eye. So, any disease of this structure is considered as a medical emergency, because it affects the vision easily.
Central Serous Retinopathy
CSR is a medical condition in which there will be fluid accumulation behind the retinal layers. if the fluid collection is in the central area of macula, vision will be seriously affected. In severe condition, there is chances of detachment of retinal layers and it may lead to severe loss of vision.
If analyzed on the basis of ayurvedic theory, Kapha and Pitta are the predominant factors in the pathology. The main aim of treatment is to normalize the circulation so as to avoid possibility of accumulation of fluid. To achieve this, there are highly effective internal medicines and also scientific treatment procedures.