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
Modern Science View
Kuth help manages worm infections due to its anthelmintic property. Infections due to parasitic worms might cause certain diseases in human beings. Kuth suppresses the parasitic activity and removes the worms from the human body. This reduces the risk of infections[5].
Modern Science View
Kuth might be useful in managing indigestion due to its antimicrobial, antibacterial and anthelmintic properties. It prevents the growth of bacteria in the large intestine and provides relief from indigestion. It also suppresses the activity of parasites in the body.
Ayurvedic View
Kuth helps to manage indigestion by improving the digestive fire. According to Ayurveda, indigestion means the state of incomplete process of digestion. The main reason for indigestion is aggravated Kapha that causes Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Taking Kuth powder helps improve Agni (digestive fire) and digests the food easily. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties respectively.
Tips
1. Take few dried Kuth roots.
2. Grind them to make powder.
3. Take 4-8 pinches of this Kuth powder.
4. Mix with honey and swallow once or twice a day.
5. Take it after lunch and dinner to manage indigestion.
Tips
1. Take few dried Kuth roots.
2. Grind them to make powder.
3. Take 4-8 pinches of this Kuth powder.
4. Mix with honey and swallow once or twice a day.
5. Take it after lunch and dinner to manage indigestion.
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available to support the role of Kuth in diarrhea.
Ayurvedic View
Kuth is useful to get relief from gas or flatulence. Flatulence is caused due to an imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha. Low Pitta dosha and aggravated Vata dosha results in low digestive fire, thus impairing digestion. Impaired digestion leads to gas or flatulence. Taking Kuth powder helps to improve the digestive fire and corrects digestion because of its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Tips:
1. Take few dried Kuth roots.
2. Grind them to make powder.
3. Take 4-8 pinches of this Kuth powder.
4. Mix with honey and swallow once or twice a day.
5. Take it after lunch and dinner to manage gas.
Tips:
1. Take few dried Kuth roots.
2. Grind them to make powder.
3. Take 4-8 pinches of this Kuth powder.
4. Mix with honey and swallow once or twice a day.
5. Take it after lunch and dinner to manage gas.
Modern Science View
Kuth helps in the treatment of Asthma due to its anti-asthmatic activity. Kuth roots act as an expectorant and muscle relaxant. It helps release the congestion of mucus from the lungs and clears the blockage in the air passages which helps ease breathing[7].
Ayurvedic View
Kuth helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combined with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causes obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga (asthma). Kuth powder helps in balancing Vata and Kapha and removes excess mucus from the lungs. This gives relief from the symptoms of asthma.
Tips:
1. Take few dried Kuth roots.
2. Grind them to make powder.
3. Take 4-8 pinches of this Kuth powder.
4. Mix with honey and swallow once or twice a day.
5. Take it after lunch and dinner to manage the symptoms of asthma.
Tips:
1. Take few dried Kuth roots.
2. Grind them to make powder.
3. Take 4-8 pinches of this Kuth powder.
4. Mix with honey and swallow once or twice a day.
5. Take it after lunch and dinner to manage the symptoms of asthma.
Modern Science View
Kuth help manages cough due to its antispasmodic activity. Kuth roots acts as an expectorant which helps remove mucus and clears the air passages[8].
Ayurvedic View
Cough is commonly known as Kapha disorder and is generally caused by the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract. Kuth acts by balancing Kapha in the body and helps to expel out accumulated mucus in the lungs.
Tips:
1. Take few dried Kuth roots.
2. Grind them to make powder.
3. Take 4-8 pinches of this Kuth powder.
5. Mix with honey and swallow once or twice a day.
6.Take it after lunch and dinner to manage cough.
Tips:
1. Take few dried Kuth roots.
2. Grind them to make powder.
3. Take 4-8 pinches of this Kuth powder.
5. Mix with honey and swallow once or twice a day.
6.Take it after lunch and dinner to manage cough.
Modern Science View
Root and root stalks of Kuth might help manage dysentery due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Kuth prevents the growth of certain disease-causing organisms in the large intestine. This helps in reducing abdominal pain and inflammation associated with dysentery[9].
Ayurvedic View
Kuth is useful in digestive disorders like dysentery. Dysentery is known as Pravahika in Ayurveda and is caused by vitiated Kapha and Vata doshas. Taking Kuth powder helps to control the symptoms of dysentery because of its Vata and Kapha-balancing nature. Kuth powder also improves digestive fire and corrects digestion because of its Deepan (Appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Tips:
1. Take few dried Kuth roots.
2. Grind them to make powder.
3. Take 4-8 pinches of this Kuth powder.
4. Mix with honey and swallow once or twice a day.
5. Take it after lunch and dinner to control dysentery.
Tips:
1. Take few dried Kuth roots.
2. Grind them to make powder.
3. Take 4-8 pinches of this Kuth powder.
4. Mix with honey and swallow once or twice a day.
5. Take it after lunch and dinner to control dysentery.
Modern Science View
Kuth helps manage cholera due to its antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiviral properties. It helps fight intestinal infections associated with cholera[8].
How effective is Kuth?
Insufficient evidence
Asthma, Cholera, Cough, Dysentery, Flatulence (gas formation), Indigestion, Worm infections
Precautions when using Kuth
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Kuth during breastfeeding[4].
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Kuth if you are on anti-diabetic drugs.
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Kuth in case of heart patients.
Patients with kidney disease
Modern Science View
Since Kuth is found to contain some active constituent which may cause damage to kidneys on prolonged use.So it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before using Kuth[4].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Kuth during pregnancy[4].
Recommended Dosage of Kuth
- Kuth Root - 4-8 pinches of Kuth root powder once or twice a day.
How to use Kuth
1. Kuth Powder
a. Take a few dried Kuth roots.
b. Grind them and make powder.
c. Take 4-8 pinches of this Kuth powder.
d. Mix with honey and swallow once or twice a day.
e. Have it after lunch and dinner.
a. Take a few dried Kuth roots.
b. Grind them and make powder.
c. Take 4-8 pinches of this Kuth powder.
d. Mix with honey and swallow once or twice a day.
e. Have it after lunch and dinner.
Benefits of Kuth
FAQs about Kuth benefits
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].
Modern Science View
Yes, Kuth is useful in managing ulcers due to its antiulcerogenic activity. It prevents secretion of gastric acid in the stomach and promotes the production of mucus. This protects the stomach against acid and toxic agents, thereby protecting the stomach lining[10].
Modern Science View
Kuth has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties due to which it prevents the growth of cancer cells, eventually eliminating them from the body[11].
Modern Science View
Yes, Kuth might be beneficial in managing stomach spasms due to its spasmolytic activity. It suppresses contraction of muscles and relaxes the muscles of the stomach and intestine and prevents spasms[11].
Modern Science View
Kuth might help manage diarrhea due to its anti-diarrheal property. It’s antimicrobial property prevents the growth of certain disease-causing organisms in the large intestine[11].
Modern Science View
Yes, Kuth has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps lowering the levels of total cholesterol, bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides[11].
Modern Science View
Yes, certain constituents of Kuth possess CNS depressant property. This helps increase the sleeping time, reduce the temperature of the body and also decrease the detection of locomotor activity[12].
Ayurvedic View
Generally, Kuth powder does not cause acidity because it helps to improve digestion. But if you already have a history of acidity or gastritis, Kuth can aggravate the symptoms due to its Ushna (hot) nature.
Modern Science View
The powdered roots of Kuth are sprinkled over the crops. This is used for killing insects due to its antimicrobial property[11].
Modern Science View
Kuth root shows significant wound-healing activity due to its good healing properties. The constituents present in Kuth help in wound contraction and closure. It also helps in collagen formation as well as the formation of new cells which accelerates the process of wound healing.
Kuth also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which reduces the risk of infection in the wound[6].
Kuth also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which reduces the risk of infection in the wound[6].
Modern Science View
Certain constituents present in Kuth might show adverse skin reactions or allergies[14].
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.