kushtha :

Taxonomical Classification

Family: Asteraceae

VERNACULAR NAMES

English: kuth root, costus

Synonyms

Synonyms in Ayurveda: kushtha, yapya, brahmatirtha, pushkarasya, shvasari, padmatirtha, pushkarsagar, shulahara, punyasagar, gada

Parts used for medicinal purpose

Root, ,

General Use:

Rasayana / rejuvenation:

It is recommended for the rejuvenation of each and every part of the body.

Kushta also act as a fine detoxifier as it has ability to flush out toxins hence enhancing rejuvenation.

Infertility:

Recommended as a supplement in infertility as it specially nurtures the reproductive organs i.e. why it also works well in menstrual disorders especially painful menstrual cycle.

It is mentioned as Sukrasodhana: Group of herbs that cleanse semen, correct sperm morphology

Skin and pain

Kushth is also beneficial in skin diseases, ulcers, arthritis, inflammation, skin healing. It is a potent anti-inflammatory, which relieves joint aches and pains, as a result of gout or rheumatism.

Kushta is a useful uterine stimulant. Kushta is effective in regulating menstrual cycles and end painful periods.

Arthritis - Kushta is also anti-inflammatory agent that brings good results in arthritis, joint disease, rheumatism, and back problems.

Therapeutic Uses:

Mentioned in group of medicines under:

Lekhaniya (for scrubbing): Group of herbs that have scraping, fat reducing activity (Udwarthana - type of treatment that we do in our clinic with herbal powder)

Asthapanopaga: Group of herbs used in Basti treatment (Enema)

Systemic Use:

Kushta churna (powder) is applied with butter milk as lepa (paste) for inflammation.

3-5 gm of Kushta powder with honey help to relieve cough and asthma

3-5 gm with warm water helps in indigestion and anorexia

Pharmacological:

Main Medicine Combinations

Krimighna kashaya / Krimighna Gulika / Krimishodini: It is a decoction used in the treatment of worm infestation (Helminthiasis) This Kashaya is derived from Krimighna Gana of Charaka.

Asana eladi taila: It is a herbal oil used in the treatment of headache, ear and eye diseases. It is used for external application only.

Brihat purnachandra Rasa: It is a medicine in tablet form, used in anti- ageing therapy, digestive disorders, cough, cold, asthma, anorexia, abdominal colic pain, low back ache, heart burn, indigestion, gastritis, fistula, jaundice, anemia, urinary tract disorders, gout.