Kapittha (कपित्थ), also known as Wood Apple or Elephant Apple, is a unique Ayurvedic fruit prized for its astringent, rejuvenative, and healing properties. Botanically known as Feronia limonia, Kapittha is traditionally used in Ayurveda for digestive balance, oral health, skin repair, and female reproductive wellness.
Its Kashaya (astringent) and Tikta (bitter) taste, combined with cooling potency, make it a valuable herb for managing acne, open pores, skin laxity, and wound healing. Kapittha is especially beneficial in Pitta-Kapha skin types where inflammation, excess sebum, and enlarged pores are common issues.
While not as famous as neem or turmeric, Kapittha holds a vital spot in classical Ayurvedic texts and is often paired with Jambu (Syzygium cumini) in formulations that tone tissues and purify the blood.
Botanical Profile
- Botanical Name: Feronia limonia
- Common Names: Kapittha, Wood Apple, Elephant Apple, Kaitha
- Family: Rutaceae
- Part Used: Fruit pulp, rind, bark
- Rasa (Taste): Kashaya (astringent), Tikta (bitter), Madhura (sweet–ripened pulp)
- Virya (Potency): Sheeta (cooling)
- Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Katu (pungent)
- Guna (Qualities): Ruksha (dry), Laghu (light)
- Doshic Action: Pacifies Pitta and Kapha, may increase Vata in excess
Skin Benefits of Kapittha
1. Tightens Skin & Reduces Open Pores
The astringent property of Kapittha helps tone skin, tighten pores, and reduce oiliness, making it effective for Kapha-dominant oily and acne-prone skin.
2. Promotes Skin Healing
Kapittha supports wound healing, scar reduction, and tissue regeneration, particularly in cases of acne scars, stretch marks, and ulcers.
3. Cleanses Skin Toxins
Internally, Kapittha assists in clearing ama (toxins) from the gut and liver, two systems heavily linked to skin clarity and brightness.
4. Soothes Inflammation & Redness
Its cooling virya pacifies Pitta dosha, helping reduce inflammatory skin conditions like acne, dermatitis, and mild rosacea.
5. Balances Digestion & Skin Health
As digestion and skin are closely connected in Ayurveda, Kapittha enhances Agni (digestive fire) and helps resolve acne linked to poor gut health.
Classical References
- Charaka Samhita: Mentions Kapittha in the Phala Varga (fruits group), known for its Ropana (healing) and Varnya (complexion-enhancing) properties
- Sushruta Samhita: Notes its usefulness in Vrana (wounds), Mukhadoṣa (oral diseases), and Kasa (cough) – indirectly improving skin through gut-lung health
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu: Lists Kapittha as Tikta, Kashaya rasa yukta, and valuable for treating Pitta-Rakta dushti (impurities in blood and bile)
External Applications in Skincare
- Pore-Tightening Pack: Kapittha rind powder + multani mitti + rose water
- Anti-Acne Paste: Kapittha + neem + turmeric + aloe vera
- Wound-Healing Balm: Kapittha fruit pulp + honey + manjishtha
- Cooling Summer Mask: Kapittha + sandalwood + vetiver powder
- Oil Control Scrub: Dried Kapittha peel powder + orange peel + tulsi + honey
Internal Use in Ayurveda
- Kapittha Churna: 2–3 g daily with lukewarm water or buttermilk to regulate Pitta-Kapha toxins
- Kapittha Juice or Pulp: Ripened fruit taken as a cooling tonic, aids digestion and liver function
- Classical Formulations: Combined with Jambu in digestive or skincare lepas; found in Kapittha-Jambuvadi Churna
- For Gut-Skin Axis: Kapittha powder + triphala taken post meals to clear gut-driven skin conditions
Ayurvedic Remedies Using Kapittha
| Skin Concern | Remedy Idea |
|---|---|
| Open Pores & Oiliness | Kapittha + rose + multani mitti mask |
| Acne with Scarring | Kapittha + manjishtha + aloe paste |
| Inflammatory Skin | Kapittha + chandan + vetiver + rosewater |
| Gut-Linked Breakouts | Kapittha churna + Triphala after meals |
| Wound Healing | Kapittha fruit paste + turmeric + honey |
Related Terms
- Pitta-Kapha Skin
- Manjishtha
- Triphala
- Varnya Dravyas
- Astringent Herbs in Ayurveda
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Kapittha good for acne-prone skin?
Yes. Its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for managing acne, open pores, and oily skin.
Q2: Can Kapittha be used topically?
Absolutely. Kapittha rind or pulp powder can be applied in masks, scrubs, and pastes for skin tightening and brightening.
Q3: Does Kapittha help with pigmentation or dull skin?
Indirectly, yes. By improving digestion, liver function, and blood purification, it enhances skin tone and glow.
Q4: Is Kapittha safe for daily internal use?
Yes, when used in moderate doses (up to 3 g daily) under Ayurvedic guidance. Avoid in high Vata conditions unless balanced with ghee or warming herbs.