Morphological information

Perennial, erect, robust herb up to 2 m tall. Roots thick, tuberous with a characteristic aroma, often 60 cm long and 30 cm in thickness, grayish to dull brown in colour. Leaves membranous, petioleirregularly winged. Flowers dark blue purple in stalk less, axillary and terminal heads. Achene's curved, compressed, tip narrowed, one rib on each face, about 3 mm long. Pappus brown, feathery.

Flowering                    : July-August.

Fruiting                       :

History

The drug kushta (S.costus) has been used in medicine from time immemorial. Kuth was collected from the forest since the Kashmir was an independent state under Maharaja of Kashmir. It was exported to China and other eastern countries. Extraction, supply and utilization of Kuth root at that time was regulated under Kuth-Act 1921 and was considered the sole property of Maharaja of Kashmir.

Parts                    : Rhizome.

Status                  : Low risk.

Phytochemistry

Ar-curcumene synthesised (Indian J. Chem. 1980, 19B, 607); stereoselsctive total synthesis of E-6, 10-dimethyl-9-methyleneundec-s-en--one (Tetrahedron lett.1982, 23, 5275); isolation and structure elucidation of isodehydrocostus,(1983,22,1993).

Agrocultivation

Kuth can be propagated either by root cuttings or by seed. But the propagation by seed is considered to be more economic. The seeds are collected in September, the seeds can be sown in a nursery and the seedlings are transplanted at the distances of 0.9 m X 0.9 m. The root becomes 15-35 cm in one year or so. Direct sowing has also given successful results. They are sown at a distance of 0.3 X 0.3 m later thinned to a distance of 0.6 to 0.9 m.

 

Medicinal

Roots are largely used in Ayurvedic, Unani and Tibetan systems of medicine. Its essential oil called costus oil is used by the indigenous perfumery industry. In Indian folklore the roots are considered as an aphrodisiac.

Ayurvedic

The roots are an ingredient of "Jawara Samhara Rasa" and "Kushatadi Kawatha" used as an antipyretic, stimulant and for fever respectively. Kushatadi Taila and the paste of the roots are used for minor skin troubles to make the skin smooth.

Unani

"Jawaish Jalanus" as a general tonic and in "Roghan Qlust" used as a massage oil on the inflamed part of them body. In "Auquaruya-I-Kabir used as a nertine tonic for paralysis.

 

Preparation

Wash                         : A decoction made of the dried and powdered roots with water is used as hair wash.

Ointment                    : Dried and powdered root is used as principal ingredient in as astringent stimulant oilment applied to sever ulcerasation.

Infusion                     : An infusion made out of fresh kuth, cardamom and water is taken every after half hour as stimulant in cholera.

Paste                        : A paste made of Kuth-6 g in mustard oil-12 g is applied in furunculosis. Root paste is also applied on the troubled skin.

Alcoholic extract        : an alcoholic extract of the roots containing both the essential oil and alkaloid is used in bronchial asthma.

 

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Reference