Kuth
Kuth
Kuth or Kustha is a potent plant which is known for its medicinal uses.
Kuth helps to improve digestion by preventing the growth of bacteria in the large intestine due to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Taking Kuth powder along with honey is an effective home remedy for indigestion. It’s consumption helps reduce abdominal pain and inflammation associated with dysentery due to its anti-inflammatory property. Kuth powder also helps in the management of asthma by promoting the removal of sputum from the air passages due to its expectorant activity which helps ease breathing. Kuth also helps manage cholesterol levels by lowering the levels of total cholesterol in the body due to its antioxidant property.
As per Ayurveda, Kuth oil when mixed with coconut oil might be useful in managing bone and joint pain. It also helps heal scars and other skin associated infections due to its strong healing activity.
In some cases, excessive intake of Kuth might cause acidity. Also, it might cause allergic reactions such as dermatitis due to its hot potency[2][3][11].
Kuth helps to improve digestion by preventing the growth of bacteria in the large intestine due to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Taking Kuth powder along with honey is an effective home remedy for indigestion. It’s consumption helps reduce abdominal pain and inflammation associated with dysentery due to its anti-inflammatory property. Kuth powder also helps in the management of asthma by promoting the removal of sputum from the air passages due to its expectorant activity which helps ease breathing. Kuth also helps manage cholesterol levels by lowering the levels of total cholesterol in the body due to its antioxidant property.
As per Ayurveda, Kuth oil when mixed with coconut oil might be useful in managing bone and joint pain. It also helps heal scars and other skin associated infections due to its strong healing activity.
In some cases, excessive intake of Kuth might cause acidity. Also, it might cause allergic reactions such as dermatitis due to its hot potency[2][3][11].
What are the synonyms of Kuth?
Saussurea lappa, Saussurea costus, Amaya, Pakala, Kud, Kur, Kudo, Upleta, Kath, Kutha, Changal Kustha, Kottam, Kustha, Kudha, Goshtam, Koshtham, Changalva Koshtu, Qust[1].
What is the source of Kuth?
Plant Based
Benefits of Kuth
1. Joint Pain
Kuth oil helps to manage bone and joint pain when applied to the affected area. According to Ayurveda, the bones and joints are considered as the site of Vata in the body. Pain in the joints is mainly due to Vata imbalance. Applying Kuth oil helps to reduce joint pain due to its Vata balancing property.
Tips:
a. Take 4-8 drops of Kuth oil or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with 1-2 teaspoons coconut oil.
c. Apply on the affected area once a day.
d. Repeat this to get relief from joint pain.
2. Wound healing
Kuth or its oil helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. It also works on skin problems like cuts or wound due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take 4-8 drops of Kuth oil or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with 1-2 teaspoon coconut oil.
c. Apply on the affected area once or twice a day.
d. Repeat for quick wound healing.
3. Headache
Kuth and its oil help to manage stress-induced headaches when applied topically. Put some drops in boiled water and inhale to alleviate stress, fatigue and to relax tensed muscles. This helps gives relief from headache. This is due to the Vata balancing property of Kuth.
Tips:
a. Put 4-8 drops of Kuth oil in boiled water.
b. Take steam for 5-10 minutes once or twice a day to manage a headache.
Kuth oil helps to manage bone and joint pain when applied to the affected area. According to Ayurveda, the bones and joints are considered as the site of Vata in the body. Pain in the joints is mainly due to Vata imbalance. Applying Kuth oil helps to reduce joint pain due to its Vata balancing property.
Tips:
a. Take 4-8 drops of Kuth oil or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with 1-2 teaspoons coconut oil.
c. Apply on the affected area once a day.
d. Repeat this to get relief from joint pain.
2. Wound healing
Kuth or its oil helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. It also works on skin problems like cuts or wound due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take 4-8 drops of Kuth oil or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with 1-2 teaspoon coconut oil.
c. Apply on the affected area once or twice a day.
d. Repeat for quick wound healing.
3. Headache
Kuth and its oil help to manage stress-induced headaches when applied topically. Put some drops in boiled water and inhale to alleviate stress, fatigue and to relax tensed muscles. This helps gives relief from headache. This is due to the Vata balancing property of Kuth.
Tips:
a. Put 4-8 drops of Kuth oil in boiled water.
b. Take steam for 5-10 minutes once or twice a day to manage a headache.
Precautions when using Kuth
Allergy
Modern Science View
1. Kuth is found to contain certain chemical constituent which may cause allergic reactions such as dermatitis.
2. Kuth may also cause allergic reaction in people who are allergic to ragweed, so it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Kuth if you are allergic [4][8].
2. Kuth may also cause allergic reaction in people who are allergic to ragweed, so it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Kuth if you are allergic [4][8].
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
1. Tooth staining
2. Skin peeling [13]
2. Skin peeling [13]
Recommended Dosage of Kuth
- Kuth Oil - 4-8 drops or as per your requirement.
How to use Kuth
1. Kuth essential oil
a. Take 4-8 drops or as per your requirement of Kuth oil.
b. Mix with 1-2 teaspoons coconut oil.
c. Apply on the affected area once a day.
a. Take 4-8 drops or as per your requirement of Kuth oil.
b. Mix with 1-2 teaspoons coconut oil.
c. Apply on the affected area once a day.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Yes, Kuth is used as an insect repellant due to its antifeedant potential. It inhibits feeding by a pest and insects[15].
Modern Science View
The Kuth seeds should be stored at low temperature[16].
Modern Science View
Yes Kuth oil can be used as an ingredient for fragrance because of its strong odour[8].
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Singh R, Chahal KK, Singla N.Chemical composition and pharmacological activities of Saussurea lappa: A review.Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2017; 6(4): 1298-1308.
- Madhuri K, Elango K, Ponnusankar S.Saussurea lappa (Kuth root): Review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology.Oriental Pharmacy and Experimental Medicine.2012;12:1-9.
- WebMD.Costus: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Tandon V, Yadav AK, Roy B, et al.Phytochemicals as cure of worm infections in traditional medicine systems. Emerging Trends in Zoology.2011;351-378.
- Ganachari, M.S. & Kumar, S & Patel, A. (2005). Wound healing activity of Saussurea lappa roots. 42. 295-298.
- Chopra RN. The Treatment of Bronchial ASthma with Saussurea Lappa (Kuth root).The Indian Medical Gazette;1928.
- Gwari G, Bhandari U, Andola HC, et al.Volatile constituents of Saussurea costus roots cultivated in Uttarakhand HImalayas, India.Pharmacognosy Research.2013;5(3):179-182.
- Amara.U,Meshwani ZR, Khan A, et al.Conservation status and Therapeutic potential of Saussurea lappa :An Overview. Scientific Research Publishing.2017;8:602-614.
- Sutar N, Garai R, Sharma US, et al.Antiulcerogenic activity of Saussurea lappa root.International Journal of Pharmacy and Life Sciences.2011;2(1):516-520.
- Zahara K,Tabassum S, Sabir S, et al. A Review of therapeutic potential of Saussurea lappa- An endangered plant from Himalaya.Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine.2014;7(1):560-569.
- Pandey MM, Rastogi Subha, Rawat AKS. Saussurea costus:Botanical, chemical and pharmacological review of ayurvedic medicinal plant. Journal of Ethno-pharmacology.2007;110(2007):379-390.
- Trivedi S, Dixit J.Clinical effects of irrigation with Saussurea lappa extract in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: A Pilot randomized trial.Journal of Orofacial Sciences.2015;7(2):80-85.
- Tisserand R, Young R.Essential Oil Safety: A guide for health care professionals.Elsevier;2014.
- Abdallah EM, Qureshi KA, Ali AMH, et al.Evaluation of some biological properties of Saussurea costus crude root extract. Bioscience Biotechnology Research Communication.2017;10(4):601-611.
- Butola JS, Samant SS. Seed Viability of Saussurea costus. Journal of Tropical medicine plants.2006;7(2):197-203.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.