Thursday 24 May 2012

Ayurvedic Benefits Of Champaka (Michelia champaca)

Sanskrit Name: Champaka

Other Names: Champaca, Champak, Champa


Sacred associations: offered to Lord Shiva as well as to Lord Krishna; it forms one of the darts of Kamadeva, the Hindu God of Love; flowers are also associated with Maitreya, the eighth Buddha.


Part used: flowers


Dosha effect: lowers pitta and kapha; increases vata in excess


Energetics: cooling, moisturizing


Dhatus: skin, reproductive


Actions: emollient, antipyretic, aphrodisiac


Aroma: delicately floral, sweet, reminiscent of neroli, ylang ylang, with some notes recalling clary sage







Champaca is a slender, medium sized evergreen tree related to the magnolia. The flowers range from pale yellow to deep orange and resemble a double narcissus. The absolute derived from champa is a brownish-orange liquid with a fresh, grassy top note that evolves into a delicately sweet, tealike fragrance with leafy undertones. It lends a floral, leafy note to perfume compositions and mixes well with rose, violet, sandalwood, rosewood, jasmine, cypress, lotus and vetvier. It can transport you to an enlightened point of reference. It is useful for irritated skin. On special occasions, closed buds are used to adorn women’s heads. Throughout the evening, the buds open, providing an elegant contrast with the women’s hair and releasing a scent reminiscent of tea, orange blossoms, and ylang ylang. The flowers are also floated in bowls of water to scent the room, as a fragrant decoration for bridal beds, and for garlands and hair ointments.

In addition to its use in incense, perfumes and cosmetics, the flowers are used to treat fever, venereal diseases, head ache and eye disorders. The wood is used for making posts, boards and furniture. 



For more information visit http://www.ayurvedaacademy.com

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