Herb's Introduction
Saussurea auriculata (DC.) Sch.Bip., belonging to the Asteraceae family (also known as Compositae), is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the high mountainous regions of the Himalayas. This species is an integral component of the traditional medical systems of the Indian subcontinent and Nepal, where it is known by the ancient Sanskrit name Kushtha (कुष्ट). The herb’s perennial roots are the primary part used in medicine, prized for their strong aromatic properties derived from volatile essential oils and resinoids. Traditionally, Kushtha is classified as a Rasayana (rejuvenative) and is specifically valued for its ability to balance the Vata and Kapha Doshas, making it a foundational remedy for a vast array of ailments ranging from chronic skin diseases and respiratory disorders to musculoskeletal pain. The use of this herb is deeply entrenched in the local ethnobotany of the region, where it is utilized for its potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiseptic qualities.
Name in Different Countries
Saussurea auriculata (and the associated medicinal root/drug 'Kushtha') is known by numerous vernacular names across different regions, often causing some botanical overlap with Saussurea lappa (Indian Costus). The common names include: Language/Region Name Sanskrit Kushtha (कुष्ट), Gada, Rogahva English Costus Root, Eared Saussurea Hindi Kust (कुस्ट), Kut, Pokharmul Telugu Chengalva Kostu (చెంగల్వ కోస్టు), Kustam, Chengulva Tamil Chagalkoshtam (சங்கல் கோச்டம்), Jathikoshtam, Oshtam Kannada Koshta Nepali (Gurung) Ta (local name in some areas of Nepal) Export to Sheets The botanical epithet auriculata means "eared" or "ear-shaped," referring to the shape of the leaves, while the common Sanskrit name Kushtha signifies its historical efficacy in curing skin diseases, especially leprosy (kushtha).
Terminology
The herb is classified under the genus Saussurea within the Asteraceae (Daisy) family. Ayurvedic Terminology: The traditional Ayurvedic categorization of Kushtha highlights its powerful medicinal profile: Rasa (Taste): Tikta (Bitter), Katu (Pungent), Madhura (Sweet). Guna (Qualities): Laghu (Light), Rooksha (Dry), Teekshna (Piercing/Sharp). Virya (Potency): Ushna (Hot). Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): Katu (Pungent). Doshakarma (Action on Humors): Vata Kaphahara (Pacifies Vata and Kapha Doshas). Etymology: The genus name Saussurea honors the Swiss chemist and natural scientist Nicolas-Théodore de Saussure. The specific name auriculata indicates the characteristic 'eared' structure of its leaves. Synonyms: The species has several botanical synonyms, including Aplotaxis auriculata DC., Saussurea hypoleuca Spreng. ex DC., and Himalaiella auriculata (DC.), reflecting its long history of taxonomic classification.
Availability
Saussurea auriculata is naturally available across the high-altitude belts of the Himalayan range, extending from Kashmir in the west, through India and Nepal, up to Bhutan and Western China. Geographical Distribution: Himalaya (Kashmir to Bhutan) and Western China. Habitat: It thrives in alpine meadows, open slopes, and amidst shrubs at high elevations. Altitude Range: The plant is typically found at altitudes between 2,000 meters and 4,300 meters above sea level. In Nepal, it has been recorded between 3100m and 3800m. Conservation Status: While S. auriculata is widely distributed, many species of the Saussurea genus, particularly the highly demanded medicinal ones like S. costus, are critically endangered due to overharvesting. This suggests that sustainable harvesting and cultivation techniques are necessary for related species like S. auriculata to ensure its long-term availability for traditional medicine and trade.
External Look
Saussurea auriculata is an erect perennial herb that can grow to a height of approximately 1 to 1.5 meters. Stem: The plant has a stout, annual stem that emerges from the perennial rootstock. Leaves: The leaves are a key identifying feature, being individual, lanceolate (long and narrow), and often possessing an "eared" or auriculate shape at the base where they attach to the stem. The leaves are sometimes used locally as an edible vegetable. Flowers (Capitula): The flower heads are discoid (lacking ray florets) and typically form a dense head of small capitula. The color of the individual florets ranges from bluish-purple to almost black, sometimes surrounded by woolly hairs (though less dense than in related "Snow Lotus" species). Root (The Medicinal Part): The part of paramount medicinal importance is the root (Mula). It is thick, fibrous, and possesses a distinctive, strong aromatic odor—a quality highly valued in ancient medicine and perfumery. The dried rootstock is the commercial form of the drug Kushtha.
Healing Properties
The healing properties of S. auriculata (Kushtha) are extensive, owing to its rich content of phytochemicals like sesquiterpene lactones (e.g., costunolide, dehydrocostus lactone), essential oils, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins. Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: It is a potent agent against inflammatory conditions. Its use in treating gout, rheumatism, and arthritis is well-documented, helping to relieve joint aches and chronic pain. Antimicrobial and Antiseptic: The essential oil in the root exhibits strong antiseptic and disinfectant properties, which help to heal wounds, cuts, and combat bacterial and fungal infections. Respiratory Support: It acts as an excellent Expectorant and Bronchodilator, making it highly effective in conditions like bronchial asthma, chronic cough, bronchitis, and hiccoughs, as it helps eliminate excess Kapha (phlegm) from the respiratory tract. Hepatoprotective and Digestive: It helps protect the liver against degeneration and is a good appetizer and carminative (reducing gas), beneficial in dyspepsia, loss of appetite, and chronic diarrhea. Antipyretic (Jwarahara): The herb has been historically mentioned in the Vedas as Takma Nashaka, indicating its use in lowering fever associated with cold and flu. Blood Purification and Skin Health: It is a renowned blood purifier (Rakta Shodhana) and is indicated for skin disorders (Kushtahara), promoting skin healing and improving complexion.
Advantages
Versatile Vata-Kapha Pacifier: Its pungent, bitter taste and hot potency allow it to effectively pacify the two most common doshic imbalances, Vata (responsible for pain and nervous disorders) and Kapha (responsible for congestion and mucus). Rasayana Action: It is traditionally considered a Medhya Rasayana, meaning it is a rejuvenative tonic for the mind and body, contributing to longevity and overall vitality. Systemic Detoxifier: Kushtha acts as a diuretic and a potent detoxifier, helping to flush out toxins (Ama) and excess water, which is particularly beneficial in conditions like gout and edema. Reproductive Nurturer: It is noted for its Shukrashodhana (cleansing semen) and Vajikaran (aphrodisiac) properties, and is used to regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate painful periods (dysmenorrhea). Traditional Use in Nepal: In some parts of Nepal, the whole plant is traditionally utilized to promote blood circulation, highlighting a specific regional benefit beyond the widely known Ayurvedic applications.
Uses
The uses of Saussurea auriculata (Kushtha) span multiple systems of the body in traditional medicine: System Specific Uses Respiratory Asthma, Bronchitis, Chronic Cough, Common Cold, Sore Throat, Hiccough. Digestive Indigestion, Loss of Appetite, Abdominal Cramps, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Gastric Ulcers. Skin/Musculoskeletal Gout, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Joint Pain, Chronic Wounds, Dermatitis, Skin Diseases (Kushtha), Alopecia. Nervous Headache (Shiroshula), Epilepsy, Convulsive Disorders, Sedative. Excretory/Circulatory Diuretic (increases urine output), Blood Purifier, Promotes Blood Circulation (Nepali Traditional Use). Reproductive Dysmenorrhea (painful periods), Amenorrhea, Promotes male fertility (Shukrala). Export to Sheets
Using way
The medicinal application of Saussurea auriculata primarily involves its root, which can be used internally (powder, decoction) or externally (paste, oil). Official Part Used: Dried Root (Mula). Internal Dosage: The standard dosage of the root powder (Kushtha Churna) is typically 500 mg to 1 gram per day, taken in divided doses, often mixed with honey or warm water. External Application (Lepana): A paste is prepared by grinding the root (sometimes with other herbs like Tagara, sandalwood, and ghee) and is applied topically. This paste is highly effective for: Relieving localized pain in conditions like headaches, shoulder, and back pain. Treating chronic wounds, ulcers, and skin diseases to promote faster healing and improve complexion. Oil Preparation: The root is a key ingredient in therapeutic oils (e.g., Kushtadi Taila) used for local massage to treat rheumatism, joint stiffness, and to strengthen gums (oral massage). Aromatic Use (Fumigation): The root powder can be burned for fumigation (Dhupana). This traditional method is used to disinfect the environment, impart a pleasant aromatic smell to clothing, and act as an insect repellent.
Conclusion
Saussurea auriculata, a plant intrinsically linked to the powerful Ayurvedic medicine Kushtha and confirmed as a medicinal plant of Nepal, stands as a testament to the rich pharmacological resources of the Himalayan region. Despite the botanical confusion often encountered with its close relative S. lappa, S. auriculata possesses its own unique ecological niche and traditional uses, such as its application for improving blood circulation in Nepal, and its leaves being used as an edible vegetable. As a potent Vata-Kaphahara drug, a Rasayana, and a highly effective agent against inflammatory, respiratory, and dermatological conditions, the herb remains crucial in both folk and formalized traditional medicine. Given the endangered status of certain species within the Saussurea genus due to high demand for its valuable aromatic roots, conservation and sustainable cultivation of S. auriculata are paramount to ensure the continued availability of this multi-beneficial Himalayan treasure.
