Traditional medicinal knowledge about Kapoor in Chhattisgarh, India.

Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia
© 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved

Although Camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) is not native to Chhattisgarh but natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh have in depth traditional medicinal knowledge about different uses of Kapoor. They purchase it from local herb shops. Through the ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh I have collected a lot of information on this aspect. According to the reference literatures, the tree of Camphor is native to China and Japan and the oil obtained by distillation of wood, gives high yield of camphor and Safrole, highly valued constituent used in preparation of expensive perfumes. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use Kapoor frequently to dress the old wounds. It is crushed into powder and this powder is applied externally on wound. Its use has tens the process of healing. Kapoor is used as home remedy in treatment of toothache due to decayed teeth. The powdered Kapoor is filled in holes to destroy the germs. The traditional healers of Bastar region use, Kapoor in combination with Imli seeds in treatment of Scorpion bite. It is mixed with Imli (Tamarind) seeds in equal proportion and applied externally on affected part. With Pan (Betle vine), this combination is given internally also. According to the healers, its internal and external use at the same time nullifies the scorpion poison effectively in very less time. In treatment of intestinal worms, the traditional healers of Bagbahera region use Kapoor in combination with Gud (Jaggery) internally. This use is also popular as home remedy in different parts of Chhattisgarh. The traditional healer of Mudpar village informed that Kapoor is useful in treatment of hair fall from eye lashes. Kapoor is mixed with Nimbu (Citus medica) fruit juice and applied externally. This is new information for me because I have not written much on this common problem and herbal remedies to get rid from it. In treatment of Asthma, the traditional healers of Narharpur region, burn the Kapoor and suggest the patients to inhale the fumes coming. It is considered as one of the promising treatments. The healers of this region use the remains of Kapoor burning, in treatment of Urticaria. It is applied externally on blisters for immediate relief. In treatment of Vertigo, the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains use Kapoor in combination with Jangli Chaulai (Amaranthus spinosus). They prepare a special curry from this herb and after adding Kapoor in it, it is given to the patients. In treatment of Asthma, the traditional healers of Bilaspur region use Kapoor in combination with Hing (Asafoetida). Both ingredients are mixed in equal proportion and given internally as treatment. This use is very popular among the traditional healers. The traditional healers of Jashpur region use the wild Banana (Kela) in combination with Kapoor in treatment of different gynaecological troubles. As a student of Homoeopathy, I am aware that the experts suggest the patients to avoid the use of Kapoor during the treatment as its sharp smell, reduces the effects of Homoeopathic drugs. In general, the natives use Kapoor during worship and other religious ceremonies. The housewives use Kapoor to protect the cloths and for food grains from storage pest. The sharp smell of Kapoor repels away the insects. This is really good observation that the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh have in depth traditional medicinal knowledge about this herbal produce, although it is not native to Chhattisgarh. Thank you very much for reading the article.