What is Camphor called in Hindi?

In Hindu culture, Kapur holds immense spiritual importance. It is lit during the 'Aarti' (a religious ritual of worship). Because camphor burns completely without leaving any ash or residue behind, it symbolizes the complete destruction of the human ego. Burning camphor in front of God signifies surrendering one's ego fully to the divine.

Beyond religion, Camphor has been used in Indian Ayurveda and modern medicine for centuries:

• Vapor Rubs: Because of its strong, cooling minty scent, it is a primary ingredient in cold-relief ointments (like Vicks VapoRub) to clear congested noses.
• Skin Cooling: It is often mixed with coconut oil and applied to the skin to relieve itching, mild pain, and insect bites.
• Insect Repellent: Placing blocks of raw camphor in your wardrobe is a traditional Indian method to keep moths, cockroaches, and silverfish away from clothes.

Traditionally, natural camphor is extracted from the wood and bark of the Camphor laurel tree (Cinnamomum camphora), which grows heavily in Asia. However, most of the cheap camphor sold in markets today is synthesized chemically from turpentine oil.