Kuth: The Magic Wild Flower of the Hills.

Kuth
Botanical Name Saussurea costus
Common Name Kuth
Family Asteraceae
Part-Used Tuberous Root

Kuth is a commonly used medicinal herb and is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs.It is a perennial herb with marginally lobed stalked leaves and fragrant aromatic roots. It is also used in Ayurvedic medicine where it is valued mainly for its tonic, stimulant and antiseptic properties. It is said to be aphrodisiac and to be able to prevent the hair turning grey. The root is anodyne, antibacterial, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, skin, stimulant, stomachic, tonic and vermifuge. It is used internally in the treatment of abdominal distension and pain, chest pains due to liver problems and jaundice, gall bladder pain, constipation associated with energy stagnation, and asthma.This is very useful in chronic and foul ulcers, leprosy, leucoderma, pruritis, amenorrhoea etc.

What i found most interesting is how all over the internet kuth is said to be a rare herb growing in the big mountains (Himalayas)up north but honestly iv seen this herb all over the western ghats.its abundant in Lonavala ,Matheran,Mahableshwar etc.Working in Amby valley iv spotted these all over the hills.on first look the violet flowers of kuth look like a papery prikley chive flower.next time you spot this prikley purple herb on your trip to a hill station take time to wonder what amazing properties this 4 inch wonder has!!