1.2. Use of Campaka

Campaka tree (Michelia champaca) is popular in India since ancient times. The earliest reference to this tree or its flowers is perhaps in Mahābhārata^[1] and Mahābhāṣya (Mahābhāṣya)^[2]. Campaka is referred to in Mahābhārata among the list of trees growing in Gandhamādana forest. We meet with plenty of references in Sanskrit literature to ornaments and different forms of perfumes made of fragrant flowers and buds of Campaka. Bud of Campaka is also known as Gandhaphalī. Campaka flowers are employed in worshipping and in medicines. We have only a few references to the technology of making cosmetics and perfumes of various forms, using Campaka flowers and buds. However Gandhavāda and Gandhasāra^[3] refer to some perfumes and cosmetics prepared with the buds, flowers and oil of Campaka.