Camphor is whitish fragrant solidified essential oils of Camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora Nees & Eberm, Lauraceae), it is obtained from the bark and heart wood by steam distillation or hydro-distillation. It is multifaceted drug used in traditional Indian system of medicine and Chinese medicine. This overview is compilation of pharmacology, ethno-medicinal uses, chemical constituents and proven pharmacological activities of camphor. This paper comprises all the information available in Ayurvedic and Unani classical texts and research publications based on the outcomes of the studies carried out on experimental and clinical basis. In Ayurveda it is popularly known as Karpura and used to treat bronchitis, fever, chest congestion, diarrhea, dysentery, eye diseases, heart problems and gynecological disorders. Recent researches show that it exhibited anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti- Dyslipidemia activities. The camphor has a therapeutic potential to become newer drug for many diseases.