1. Names:

Sanskrit:	Kushtha		Enlarge photo
English:	Costus
Botanical:	Saussurea lappa
Hindi:	Koost
Telugu:	Kostu
Common names:	Cengalva kostu
Family name:	Asteraceae

2. Parts used:

• Root

Alkaloids: Resinoids, inulin, tannins and sugars.

3. Properties and Action According to Indigenous Medical Systems:

• Rasa: Spice and bitter.
• Vipak: Spice.
• Veerya: Ushna veerya.

4. Uses:

• Good remedy for bronchial asthma, liver problems, jaundice, rheumatism and skin diseases.
• It relives gall bladder pain, cholera, cough, dyspepsia and edema.
• It controls gas, hiccup, jaundice, constipation and leprosy.
• It removes Phlegm.
• Heals wounds, severe ulcerations, skin diseases, and tumors.
• It eases blockage and irregular menses.
• Anodyne, antibacterial, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative by nature.

5. Names due to Physical properties:

• Surabhi: The plant with good smell.

6. Names due to Medical properties:

• Prakasini: Adds brightness to skin.

7. Reference:

Vasthu guna deepika, Vasthu guna prakashika, Chakradatta, Susrutam, Basabarajeezam, Bhavaprakashika, Vangacena, Charakasamhita, Vagvatamu, Hareetasamhita, Srijanakalpavalli.

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