Spiked Ginger Lily

(Spiked Ginger Lily)
Sanskrit: गन्धपलाशी • Botanical: Hedychium spicatum Ham. ex Smith

Kapur Kachri (Spiked Ginger Lily) is the rhizome of Hedychium spicatum, found in the Himalayan region. The text describes it as an aromatic rhizome with camphor-like fragrance. The rhizomes are used in incense, cosmetics, and medicines. The drug is pungent and bitter with heating potency. It is used for digestive disorders, cough, asthma, and worm infestations. The rhizome resembles small pieces of camphor when dried. The commentary mentions that Kaempferia galanga (Chandramula) is sometimes substituted for this drug but is distinct. The plant is found at moderate altitudes in the Himalayas. It is a valued ingredient in hair care formulations and aromatic preparations. The rhizomes yield an essential oil used in perfumery. Dose varies by preparation.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Essential oil, Hedychenone, Cineol, Terpenes
Also Known As
English: Spiked Ginger Lily, Kapur Kachri
Sanskrit: कपूरकचरी, गन्धपलाशी, शठी, षड्ग्रन्था
Hindi: कपूरकचरी

What is Spiked Ginger Lily (Kapur Kachri / कपूर कचरी)?

Kapur Kachri (Spiked Ginger Lily) is the rhizome of Hedychium spicatum, found in the Himalayan region. The text describes it as an aromatic rhizome with camphor-like fragrance. The rhizomes are used in incense, cosmetics, and medicines. The drug is pungent and bitter with heating potency. It is used for digestive disorders, cough, asthma, and worm infestations. The rhizome resembles small pieces of camphor when dried. The commentary mentions that Kaempferia galanga (Chandramula) is sometimes substituted for this drug but is distinct. The plant is found at moderate altitudes in the Himalayas. It is a valued ingredient in hair care formulations and aromatic preparations. The rhizomes yield an essential oil used in perfumery. Dose varies by preparation.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Deepana (appetizer)
  • Pachana (digestive)
  • Kasahara (antitussive)
  • Shwasahara (relieves dyspnoea)
  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2

Spiked Ginger Lily by Condition

Explore how Spiked Ginger Lily is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Spiked Ginger Lily for Inflammation
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Spiked Ginger Lily for Male Sexual Health

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.