Saussurea costus / Kuth

Introduction Saussurea costus, commonly known as Costus root or Kuth, is a medicinal herb with thick roots that are highly aromatic. In Nepali it is known as Kuth. It grows in the Himalayan region and has been used since ancient times in Ayurvedic, Tibetan, and Chinese medicine. The roots are dried and exported for making perfumes, incense, and medicines. Kuth was once widely traded from Nepal and India to the Middle East, where it was highly prized. Today, because of overharvesting, it is considered a threatened species, but still remains in high demand for its medicinal and aromatic value. Uses • Used in Ayurveda for respiratory problems. • Roots used to make perfumes and incense. • Part of traditional medicine for stomach pain. • Exported as raw material for herbal industries. Benefits / Advantages • Relieves cough, asthma, and bronchitis. • Helps in improving digestion. • Works as a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. • Used in skincare for treating wounds and infections. • Important income-generating herb in the past. Places Found in Nepal • Found in alpine and subalpine zones of Dolpa, Jumla, Bajhang, Humla, and Mustang. • Grows at altitudes of 3,000–4,500 meters.