Essential Oil Costus Root (15 mL)

Essential Oil Costus Root

Saussurea costus, commonly known as costus or kuth, is a species of thistle in the genus Saussurea native to South Asia. Essential oils extracted from the root is used in traditional medicine and in perfumes since ancient times.

Costus is the root of the plant Saussurea lappa, a tall perennial plant that grows on high valleys in the Kashmir region. The root is approximately the size of a finger with a yellowish woody part. Historically, costus root was dug up, cut into small pieces, and then sent to Rome and China. The plant was used by the Romans as a perfume and also as a culinary spice. In Kashmir shawl merchants used the root to protect their fabrics from moths.

HISTORY OF USE

An herb that belongs to the family Asteraceae, originated in India it has been used for thousands of years for its health benefits. It claims to be an effective alterative, diuretic, tonic, antispasmodic, anthelmintic, stomachic, anodyne, stimulant, insecticidal, aromatic, aphrodisiac, expectorant, carminative, bronchodilator, prophylatic and astringent. In a study conducted on the root extracts of Costus, it was found that when root extracts interacted with blood, the lymphocytic count was increased to a significant extent. This suggests that the root can be used for enhancing immunity. Some research also suggests that costus extract may be effective against infections such as cholera and typhoid, and that it may kill intestinal parasites such as roundworms. In India, costus is sometimes applied externally or inhaled to open the bronchial passages.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Costus root is an herb that is used in traditional Chinese medicine primarily to invigorate the life energy when it becomes stuck, which optimizes digestive function. Thus it is used to treat lack of appetite, abdominal pain or swelling, nausea, and vomiting. It is also used in a variety of weight-loss products and alternative medicine treatments. Costus root affects the spleen and the large intestine; it is thought to help burn fat and increase energy since it reportedly possesses stimulant properties.

Costus root may help in the treatment of gonorrhea, eye ailments, and the common cold. It also acts as an effective laxative and is used to treat skin diseases, rheumatism, bronchial asthma, dyspepsia, gas, and edema. It is often used as a therapeutic essential oil in India.

Costus is beneficial in curing cough, asthma, cholera, jaundice, leprosy, rheumatism and a number of other diseases. Externally, it is applied as an ointment to wounds, skin diseases and tumours. It is used in the treatment of swelling and fullness of the stomach, blockage and irregular menses, pulmonary disorders, difficulty in swallowing and rotting or wasting of muscle tissues. Its oil from the root is very beneficial in the treatment of rheumatism.

Costus herb should not be used without contacting a health care provider best if someone that specializes in herbs.