Description

Qust Talakh at sknatural is Saussurea lappa. It is of two types sweet and bitter. It belongs to family “Compositae/Asteraceae”.  Generally, people use its roots . It is warm and dry in third order.

Properties:

Internally used Costus has tonic effect upon the vital organ and the nerves, expectorant, exerts tonic effects on the intestines and carminative, anthelmintic, diuretic, relieves uterine pains, aphrodisiac (sex stimulant) and useful against long standing chronic phlegmatic fevers, antiseptic, prophylactic, astringent, sedative, alterative, aromatic stimulant, antispasmodic. Externally detersive, absorbent, resolvent and desiccative.

Other names:

Arabic Name(s): Qust-Hindi
Urdu Name(s): Qust, Qust Talakh, Koth, Kuth
English Name(s): Costus, Arabian Costus

Recommended dosage:

2-3 g.

Medicinal uses:

Costus tonicizes vital organs, particularly benefiting the liver and lungs. Its aromatic stimulant and antiseptic properties render its fumes useful for fumigation, whether in incense or pestilence scenarios, providing patients with pleasurable sensations during fumigation.

Using costus helps regulate bowel movements, and its infusion, when mixed with cardamoms, proves beneficial in treating various conditions such as cough, asthma, chronic rheumatism, nervous disorders, skin diseases, fever, dyspepsia, and cholera. It acts as a useful antispasmodic, beneficial in paralysis, facial paralysis, diphtheria, chorea, gout, and sciatica. Costus finds frequent use in preparations for treating intermittent fevers, malaria, leprosy, persistent hiccups, bronchitis, and rheumatism.

When combined with honey, powdered costus root is applied to freckles, leucodermal conditions, vitiligo, and alopecia. Additionally, mixing dried root with mustard oil allows application to the scalp in prurigo cases. The dried powdered root also serves as a useful hair wash and an effective astringent stimulant ointment for wounds, severe ulcerations, and tumor resolution. Applying it with castor oil to the forehead alleviates cephalgia.

In cases of nervous disorders stemming from painful sources, costus is either externally applied with sesame oil or olive oil or internally administered as prescribed. It effectively treats spleen inflammation, dropsy, and acts as an anthelmintic and emmenagogue when in powder or decoction form. Furthermore, people utilize it in perfumery and serves as a preventive measure against insect attacks on clothes when placed among them.