Kuth (Dolomiaea costus): names, uses, safety

Kuth, kostam in Tamil and kushtha in Sanskrit, is costus, a tall alpine herb of Kashmir and the western Himalaya whose fragrant root has been traded for incense, perfume and medicine since ancient times. Overharvesting made it so rare that it was placed on CITES Appendix I, the strictest trade listing. Most legal supply now comes from farms in Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh. Older books call it Saussurea costus or Saussurea lappa.

Botanical name: Dolomiaea costus (Falc.) Kasana & A.K.Pandey
Family: Asteraceae
Tamil: Kostam
Hindi: Kuth
Sanskrit: Kuṣṭha
Parts used: Root in lists
Habit: Alpine Himalayan costus root, protected under CITES Appendix I
Last updated: 2026-10-27

How to recognise Kuth

It is a tall perennial herb, one to two metres high, with a thick, aromatic root.

The lower leaves are very large, with winged stalks; upper leaves are smaller and clasp the stem.

Dark purple to nearly black, thistle-like flower heads form at the top of the stem.

The dried root is grey-brown with a strong, sweet, slightly musky smell.

Crepe ginger, Costus speciosus, shares the English name but is a different plant.

Traditional use of Kuth

Perfumery

The root is burned in incense and distilled into costus oil for perfumes.

Indian and Middle Eastern perfume practice

Ayurveda

Kushtha is used in Ayurvedic formulas for breathing complaints, skin and digestion.

Ayurvedic practice

Household

In Kashmir dried root was kept among stored woollens and shawls to deter moths.

Kashmiri household practice

Modern notes on Kuth

In Chinese markets its name, mu xiang, was sometimes given to Aristolochia roots, which caused kidney failure in people who took them.

Its root oil contains costunolide and other sesquiterpene lactones that can cause skin allergy.

Lahaul farmers have grown it since the early twentieth century under permit.

Kuth safety

Buy only from licensed, tested sources, since substitution with Aristolochia has caused serious kidney damage. Avoid it in pregnancy and stop if a rash appears.

Ecology and sourcing

It grows on moist alpine slopes at about 2,500 to 3,600 metres in the western Himalaya.

Wild plants are critically scarce after centuries of root digging.

Bumblebees visit the dark flower heads.

Related plants

Also in Asteraceae

Questions about Kuth

Is costus endangered?

Yes. Wild costus is very rare and trade is tightly controlled.

Is Kuth the same as crepe ginger?

No. That is Costus speciosus.

Where is Kuth grown?

Mainly in Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh.

What is Kuth used for?

Incense, perfume and traditional medicine.

What was the older name of Dolomiaea costus?

Saussurea costus or Saussurea lappa.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.