Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Saussurea
Species: lappa
Common Names: Costus, Kuth, Kushta, Kust, Mu Xiang, Patchak, Quang Mu Xiang
Part Used: Root

Referenced Quotes on Costus Root

2. "Costus root acts on the spleen and large intestine. It helps ease abdominal pain and is good for dysentery. It can heighten body awareness and sensitivity, and can enhance libido."

9. "Botanical name: Saussurea lappa.
Pharmaceutical name: Radix Saussureae.
Properties: acrid, bitter, warm.
Channels entered: Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Gall Bladder.
Functions and clinical use: Moves the Qi and alleviates pain: used for Spleen or Stomach Stagnant Qi patterns with such symptoms as lack of appetite, epigastric or abdominal pain or distension, nausea, and vomiting; Stagnant Liver or Gall Bladder Qi with such symptoms as flank pain, distension or soreness. Adjusts and regulates Stagnant Qi in the Intestines: used for diarrhea and dysentery-like disorders, or for abdominal pain and tenesmus. Because of its slightly astringent property, this is a m ajor herb for tenesmus. Strengthens the Spleen and prevents Stagnation: used with tonifying herbs to ameliorate their side effects.
Cautions and contraindications: Contraindicated in Deficient Yin patterns or patients with depleted Fluids.
Pharmacological and clinical research: Effect on smooth muscle: alkaloids from Radix Saussureae (Mu Xiang) have a strong inhibitory effect on histamine-induced bronchospasm and intestinal spasm in guinea pigs. Chemical extracts from this herb ha ve antispasmodic, bronchodilatory, and blood pressure-lowering effects similar to, but weaker than, papaverine."

ETHNOBOTANY: WORLDWIDE USES
China	Ache(Stomach), Anodyne, Asthma, Cancer, Carminative, Cholera, Circulation, Cough, Diarrhea, Digestive, Dysentery, Dyspepsia, Energy, Hypotension, Insecticide, Nausea, Spasm, Stimulant, Stomachic, Tonic, Tumor, Tumor(lung), Tympanitis, Viricide
Elsewhere	Asthma, Bronchitis, Carminative, Diuretic, Expectorant, Fumitory, Insecticide, Incense, Opiate, Preventative, Sedative, Stimulant
India	Antiseptic, Candida, Fungicide, Aphrodisiac, Fumigant, Hairblack, Perfume, Shampoo, Skin

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