Saussurea costus, Asteraceae

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 8 min read

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Saussurea costus is a herb belonging to family Asteraceae family which comprises almost 1000 genera and 30,000 species that is distributed more or less throughout the globe. About 177 genera and 1052 species are found in India. The genus Saussurea DC is composed of 300...

For severe symptoms, danger signs, pregnancy, child illness, or sudden worsening, seek urgent medical care.

বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

এই তথ্য শিক্ষা ও সচেতনতার জন্য। এটি ডাক্তারি পরীক্ষা, রোগ নির্ণয় বা প্রেসক্রিপশনের বিকল্প নয়।

Article Summary

Key Takeaways

This article explains Saussurea costus Scientific Classification in simple medical language.
This article explains Health Benefits of Saussurea costus in simple medical language.
This article explains Traditional uses in simple medical language.
This article explains Side-Effects in simple medical language.

Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.

Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.

Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

See a doctor

Book a professional medical evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, recur often, affect daily activities, or occur in a high-risk patient.

Learn safely

Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

It is an erect, robust herb that is generally found at the elevations of 8,200 to 9,800 ft (2,500 to 3,000 m) in India (Himalayas, Jammu, Kashmir, Kishenganga Valley, and the Western Ghats). Its flower heads are bluish-purple, stalkless, and 2 to 5 clustered in axils of leaves or terminals. Leaves are membranous, glabrate beneath, scaberulous above, and auricled at the base. Typically the plant blooms from July to August and seeds ripen from August to September. The plant could be grown in a wide range of soils such as light sandy, heavy to medium clay soils which are acid, neutral, or basic and alkaline soils. The plant thrives from semi-shaded areas or areas with no shade.

It is known in different names with various languages like Arabic: kust or qust; Chinese: Mu Xiang; Hindi: kut, kur, and pachak; Bengali: kostum, gostham; Tamil: potchuk; Sanskrit: kustha and Kashmiri: kuth or postkhai. The medicinal properties of the Saussurea costus plant are well documented in traditional and Ayurvedic medicine.

Name	Saussurea costus
Scientific Name	Saussurea costus
Native	India
Common/English Name	Costus, kuth
Name in Other Languages	Arabic: kust or qust; Chinese: Mu Xiang; Hebrew: kosht (קשט); Hindi: kut, kur, and pachak; Bengali: kostum, gostham; Tamil: potchuk; Gujarati: upaleta and kur; Punjabi: kot or kust; Sanskrit: kustha; Telugu: changala; Malayalam: sepuddy; Kannada: kostha; Kashmiri: kuth or postkhai
Plant Growth Habit	Perennial rhizomatous herbaceous plant
Plant Size	1-2 m (3.3-6.6 ft) tall by 1 m (3.3 ft) wide
Root	40 cm (16 in) in length
Leaf	Long, lyrate, 0.50-1.25 m (1.6-4.1 ft) long

Saussurea costus Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Saussurea costus

Rank	Scientific Name & (Common Name)
Kingdom	Plantae (Plants)
Subkingdom	Viridiplantae (Green plants)
Infrakingdom	Streptophyta (Land plants)
Superdivision	Embryophyta
Division	Tracheophyta (Vascular plants, tracheophytes)
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Asterales
Family	Asteraceae (Sunflowers, tournesols)
Genus	Saussurea DC. (Saw-wort)
Species	Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch. (Costus)
Synonyms	Aplotaxis lappa Decne. Aucklandia costus Falc. Aucklandia lappa Decne. Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch. Saussurea lappa (Decne.) Sch.Bip. Theodorea costus Kuntze

Plant description

Saussurea costus is a perennial and pubescent herb with a stout simple stem usually 1 to 2 m high. Leaves are irregularly toothed; basal ones are large and about 0.50 to 1.25 m long with the long-winged petiole. The upper leaves are smaller, shortly petioled or subsessile. The two small lobes at the base of leaves clasp the stem. The bluish-purple to black flowers are rounded, hard, about 2.4-3.9 cm across. Corolla is tubular, blue-purple or black, and 2 cm long. Involucral bracts are long-pointed, ovate-lanceolate, hairless, rigid, and purple. Flowers are followed by fruits basically curved, compressed, tip narrowed with a rib and about 8 mm long. Pappus is double feathery and brown. Roots are dark brown or grey, stout up to 40 cm long.

Health Benefits of Saussurea costus

Heart health

Studies show that Saussurea costus promotes heart health. The report published in the journal viewed the effects of Saussurea costus on rats and determines the herb combat myocardial injury.

Cancer

Saussurea costus is effective for cancer. The study on the test of human gastric cancer cells shows that the herb suppresses tumor growth and induces apoptosis.

Liver health

Saussurea costus is beneficial for treating liver ailments according to the study conducted on animals. The test conducted on mice shows that Saussurea costus treatment helps to lower liver damage related with hepatitis.

Traditional uses

Saussurea costus is effective as a treatment for cough, asthma, bronchitis and cholera.
The herb excludes the worms found in intestines and other body parts.
As an effective expectorant, it helps to treat asthma by making breathing easier, clearing and relaxing bronchiole.
It is used for treating dermatitis and pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="arthritis" data-rx-definition="Arthritis means joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune joint disease causing infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, and swelling. সহজ বাংলা: রোগপ্রতিরোধ ব্যবস্থার ভুল আক্রমণে জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="rheumatoid arthritis" data-rx-definition="Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune joint disease causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. সহজ বাংলা: রোগপ্রতিরোধ ব্যবস্থার ভুল আক্রমণে জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">rheumatoid arthritis.
When applied externally in the form of juice or poultice, it treats skin problems.
Massage the oil to provide relief from nerve weakness and promote blood circulation.
As an antioxidant, it eliminates free radicals and toxins from the body.
It is also helpful for menstrual problems such as irregular menses, scanty menses and painful menses.
It effectively treats diarrhea, indigestion, stomach pain and cholera.
The diuretic action of Saussurea costus eliminates excess water of the body.
It also treats gastric ulcers.
It also provides relief from pain, redness and swelling of affected area. Also helpful for treating inflammatory conditions such as rheumatism, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="arthritis" data-rx-definition="Arthritis means joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">arthritis and joint diseases.
The herb prevents infection as well as the bacterial growth.
Massage the gums with the herb to maintain oral health.
It also reduces the fever related with flu and cold.
The herb improves healing of skin as well as complexion by improving the blood circulation.
It is also applied to treat alopecia.
In Ayurvedic medicines, it is used for treating various ailments such as cold, cough, leprosy, quartan malaria, rheumatism, persistent hiccups, stomachache, hair wash, typhoid fever and toothache.

Saussurea costus Uses for Treating Diseases

Skin diseases, itching, eczema

Apply the juice of leaves externally on affected areas to clear eczema, itching, and skin diseases.

Improving blood circulation and nerve weakness

Massage the mix of vegetable oil and Saussurea costus rhizome to the affected areas.

Paralysis

Take ½ to 1 gram of Saussurea costus root powder twice a day.

Cold cough, low immunity

Take the mixture of Saussurea costus powder and honey.

Low blood pressure

Take 1 gram of Saussurea costus powder twice a day with milk.

Painful periods, Scanty menses, Irregular periods

Take 1 to 2 grams of Saussurea costus root powder with honey/water twice a day for 15 days.

Intestinal parasite

Take ½ gram of Saussurea costus powder.

Fever, debility due to fever

Take ½ grams of Saussurea costus powder with honey for a few days.

Varicose veins

Apply the mixture of costus root powder and vegetable oil over affected areas for blood circulation and nerve weakness.

Painful and irregular menses

Take 1 to 2 grams of Saussurea costus with water/honey for 15 days to expect menstruation twice a day.

Fever, cold and low immunity

Take ½ grams of Saussurea costus with honey for a few days.

Reduce blood pressure

Take 1 gram of Saussurea costus root powder with milk twice a day.

Indigestion

Take 4 to 8 pinches of Saussurea costus powder with honey twice a day after lunch and dinner.

Side-Effects

Saussurea costus contains aristolochic acid that damages kidneys and causes cancer when taken for large doses.
People with heart disease, kidney disease, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consume it under medical supervision.
People with hypertension should avoid its consumption.

References

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

Write when the problem started and how it changed.
Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
Basic physical examination by a clinician
CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

Drink safe fluids and monitor temperature.
In dengue-prone areas, discuss CBC and platelet count when fever persists or warning signs appear.
Use tepid sponging for high fever discomfort; avoid ice-cold bathing.

OTC medicine safety

For fever, common fever medicine may be discussed with a clinician or pharmacist.
Avoid aspirin/ibuprofen-like medicines in suspected dengue unless a doctor says it is safe.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

Fever with breathing difficulty, confusion, repeated vomiting, bleeding, severe weakness, stiff neck, or dehydration needs urgent care.

Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Medicine doctor / pediatrician for children / qualified clinician

Tests to discuss with doctor

Temperature chart and hydration assessment
CBC with platelet count if fever persists or dengue/other infection is possible
Urine test, malaria/dengue tests, chest evaluation, or blood culture only when clinically indicated

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
Which tests are really needed now?
Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
Do I need antibiotics, or is this more likely viral?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Go to emergency care if you notice:

Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration

Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.

Step 1
Check danger signs first
If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.
Step 2
Record the symptom story
Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.
Step 3
Visit a qualified clinician
A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.
Step 4
Do only useful tests
Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.
Step 5
Follow up and return early if worse
If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips

Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.