Costus
Kusshtha
Best for bronchial asthma (especially vagotonic), gas, phlegm, wasting, cough, loss of hunger (dyspepsia), rib pain, edema, skin diseases, jaundice, all diseases due to Vayu and Kapha, and asthma; rheumatism (with choti ela ), cholera, quatrain malaria, leprosy, persistent hiccup, blackensgray hair; with musk for toothache, hair wash. Asan ointment it is applied externally to wounds, severe ulcerations, tumors, angina.
What is Costus?
Best for bronchial asthma (especially vagotonic), gas, phlegm, wasting, cough, loss of hunger (dyspepsia), rib pain, edema, skin diseases, jaundice, all diseases due to Vayu and Kapha, and asthma; rheumatism (with choti ela ), cholera, quatrain malaria, leprosy, persistent hiccup, blackensgray hair; with musk for toothache, hair wash. Asan ointment it is applied externally to wounds, severe ulcerations, tumors, angina.
Source: The Ayurveda Encyclopedia, Chapter 4: Herbology
Therapeutic Actions
- Anthelmintic
- antiseptic
- aphrodisiac
- astringent
- antispasmodic
- alterative
- aromatic
- car-minative
- diuretic
- expectorant
- insecticidal
- prophylactic
- stimulant
- tonic
Source: The Ayurveda Encyclopedia, Chapter 4: Herbology
Ayurvedic Properties (Energetics)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | pungent, bitter |
| Virya (Energy) | hot |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | rasayana |
| Dosha Effect | VPK= |
| Tissues (Dhatu) | Plasma, Blood, Bone |
| Body Systems | Circulatory, respiratory |
Source: The Ayurveda Encyclopedia, Chapter 4: Herbology
Preparation & Usage
Forms: Powder, paste
Source: The Ayurveda Encyclopedia, Chapter 4: Herbology
Precautions & Contraindications
- Narcotic effects when smoked
- Use only under supervision of a qualified practitioner
Source: The Ayurveda Encyclopedia, Chapter 4: Herbology
References in Charaka Samhita
Warm kustha (costus) oil added with pakya kshara (prepared medicinal alkali) or warm cow’s urine or decoction of vata kaphahara leaves should be used as affusion on the affected part.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 21: Erysipelas Treatment (Visarpa Chikitsa / विसर्पचिकित्सा)
fistula Linn,kebuka- Costus speciosus (Koeing) Maton, dhava- Anogeissus latifolia Wall.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 21: Erysipelas Treatment (Visarpa Chikitsa / विसर्पचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
The individual juices of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Kushmanda (Benincasa hispida), Shadgrantha (Acorus calamus varieties), and Shankhini (Canscora decussata), each mixed with honey and Kushtha (Saussurea costus), when consumed, remove all types of Unmada (insanity/psychosis).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.)
Amalaki Gutika [for Trishna/thirst]: Amala (Emblica officinalis), Kamala (lotus — Nelumbo nucifera), Kushtha (Saussurea costus), Laja (puffed rice), and Vataroha (aerial root of banyan) — a pill made from the powder of these with honey should be held in the mouth.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations)
References in Sushruta Samhita
Sweating or paste application should be done with barley grass, shunthi (ginger), devadaru (cedar), kushtha (costus).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 11: Kaphabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Kapha-type Conjunctivitis)
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 11: Kaphabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Kapha-type Conjunctivitis)
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.