Karpoorasava, also spelt Karpurasava is an ayurvedic polyherbal medication that is mainly used for the treatment and management of Agnimandya Rogadhikar or diarrhoea. It extensively reduces the frequency of watery stools and clears the infection. It also provides relief from associated symptoms of diarhhoea and dysentery like vomiting, painful muscle cramps, abdominal heaviness etc. Additionally, it can also be used for the treatment of gastrointestinal problems, ascites, toothache and Kapha imbalances like respiratory anomalies.

What Is Karpoorasava?

Karpoorasava is a type of Asava formulation that contains self-generated alcohol and is prepared by submerging powder or juice of medicinal herbs in spirit without the application of heat. It primarily comprises Camphor as the active ingredient and five other herbs namely; Nutgrass, Ginger, Black pepper, Carom and Elaichi in equal proportions.

How To Prepare Karpoorasava?

Ingredients:

400 parts Rectified Spirit

32 Parts Karpoor (Camphor)

4 parts each of:

Elaichi (Cardamom) – Elettaria Cardamomum

Nagarmotha (Nut Grass) – Cyperus Rotundus

Sonth (Ginger Rhizome) – Zingiber Officinale

Kali Mirch (Black Pepper) – Piper Nigrum

Ajwain (Carom Seeds) – Trachyspermum Ammi

Method:

Wash and sundry the herbs

Convert the herbs into powder seperately

Add camphor in rectified spirit

Next add the other herbs and mix them altogether using a wooden ladle

Pour the mixture in an earthen pot and plug the mouth of the vessel using a mud-smeared cloth

Allow this decoction to sit for 30 days without any disturbance

After completion of fermentation process, use a clean muslin cloth to decant the filtrate 

Store the Asava in amber-coloured glass bottles in normal temperature for future use

Medicinal Properties Of Karpoorasava

Karpurasava is blessed with the following medicinal properties:

• Anti-cholera
• Antidiarrheal
• Antiemetic
• Analgesic
• Antispasmodic
• Hepatoprotective
• Cardiac stimulant
• Digestive
• Anti-inflammatory
• Carminative

Ayurvedic Indications Of Karpoorasava

Since the ancient ages, Karpoorasava, a decection of camphor has been mentioned in several ayurvedic texts and journals for the treatment and management of various indications including: 

• Deepana (enhances stomach fire)
• Pachana (helps in digestion)
• Rochana (stimulates appetite)
• Kupachan (prevents bloating, indigestion) 
• Amahara (treats indigestion)
• Dahahara (relieves burning sensation) 
• Shwasha (relieves breathing difficulties)
• Anulomana (improves breathing) 
• Sangrahini (treats diarrhoea) 
• Yakrit Vikara (treats liver problems)
• Kasahara (Relieves cough)
• Vran Ropana (heals wounds)
• Vamana (prevents nausea and vomiting)
• Trutahara (relieves excessive thirst)
• Hikkanigrahana (controls hiccups) 
• Kantya (relieves sore throat)
• Triptighno (relieves pseudo-satiation)
• Vamanopaga (treats emesis) 
• Krimihara (relieves intestinal worms)

Health Benefits Of Karpoorasava

Treats Diarrhoea

Sanctified with powerful anti-bacterial and anti-diarrhoeal traits,  Karpoorasava is extensively used for removing bacteria from the intestines that cause diarrhoea, dysentery and other intestinal infections. The presence of nagarmotha (i.e., Cyperus rotundus) and sonth (i.e., Zingiber officinalis) in this formulation actively helps in treating a type of diarrhoea known as AMA ATISARA i.e., acute diarrhoea where the bowel motion is slimy or watery, sticky, full of mucus and emits a foul odour. This formulation not only assists in eradicating toxins from the body but also effectively lessens the frequency of stools. 

Clears Ascites

A strong hepatoprotective agent, this herbal syrup of camphor plays a key role in treating the underlying factors that lead to ascites. It safeguards the Yakrit or liver from the damage caused by overconsumption of alcohol, hinders congestion of the blood vessels in the abdomen, and prevents the formation of fatty liver, thereby also diminishing the risks of liver cirrhosis which ultimately leads to ascites. The anti-microbial and antioxidant traits of Karpoorasava also help in the treatment and management of abdominal hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease and damage of liver due to the agglomeration of toxins.

Averts Acidity And Gastritis

Excessive secretion of stomach acids due to Pitta imbalance may be extremely discomforting and cause uneasiness throughout the day, affecting the quality of life. Enriched with strong bioactive components, Karpoorasava is an absolute remedy for acidity and gastritis. It effectively tones down the secretion of hydrochloric acid and other digestive acids in the stomach and enhances appetite. It also diminishes Prescribed consumption of this polyherbal formulation cures stomach acidity, gastroenteritis and other underlying gastrointestinal diseases as well.

Prevents Toothache

This antimicrobial property of this herbal decoction is extremely beneficial in inhibiting the growth of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. Not only does prescribed use of Karpoorasava help in healing bleeding gums and treating minor oral wounds but also assists in cleansing the oral cavities, enhancing salivation required for bolus formation by improving secretions in the gastrointestinal tract. Be it gingivitis, swollen gums, or pyorrhea, Karpoorasava plays a significant role in maintaining good oral hygiene. Applying this formulation using a cotton ball directly on the affected area readily helps in providing instant relief from toothache.

Also Read: World Oral Health Day 2021: Marvellous Ayurvedic Herbs To Treat Common Dental Problems

Fights Respiratory Issues

Bestowed with powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, and anti-asthmatic qualities, Karpoorasava is considered to be a well-known traditional remedy for all sorts of Kapha imbalances.  It is extensively used for treating the common cold, sore throat, congested throat, and cough and flu symptoms. It also gradually thins and loosens mucus deposits within the chest and nasal cavities, which is then expelled from the body thereby easing normal breathing. It is also highly useful in treating bronchitis and asthmatic conditions. 

Also Read: 5 Home Remedies To Soothe Sore Throat And Cough

Karpoorasava Dosage

The therapetic dosage for this formulation of camphor usually depends on the patient’s age, type of disease and overall physical condition. Consult an ayurvedic doctor for the specific dosage.

The general recommendation is:

Adults: 3 to 10 drops, twice or thrice a day alongside Misri (Sugar) or Batasa (Sugar Drop Candy) to mask the pungent taste

Karpoorasava Side Effects

Although Karpoorasava is beneficial in prescribed doses, care should be taken that it is not self-medicated as it contains Camphor as the main ingredient. If the medication is taken in excess or used for prolonged duration without medical recommendation, it can cause the following side effects as mentioned below:

• Gastritis
• Abdominal pain (when taken in high dosage) 
• Dysuria (when taken in high dosage) 
• Burning sensation
• Vertigo
• Restlessness

If these symptoms do manifest, stop consuming Karpoorasava immediately and seek medical help at the earliest.

Karpoorasava Precautions

Without the presence of reliable clinical studies and scientific knowledge regarding the impact of Karpoorasava on pregnant and lactating women, care should be taken that women who have conceived or those who want to conceive and those who are breastfeeding should evade from the consumption of Karpoorasava.

Conclusion

Since decades, Karpoorasava has been used as an ultimate remedy for numerous health woes. This incredible medicinal compound made of Camphor improves gastrointestinal issues, ensures proper digestion, treats toothache and pyorrhea, cures diarrhoea and ascites, relieves nasal and chest inflammation and thus improves overall stamina and body immunity.