Crepe ginger

Costus speciosus

Traditionally attributed effects: bitter, astringent, stimulating, aids digestion, expels worms, cleansing, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory; for fever with catarrh, cough, indigestion, worms, skin diseases, snake bites.

Safety notes

Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Preparation

Root 2–5 g; tuber cooked as syrup or preserve.

Use in traditions

Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Kemuka. The rhizome contains diosgenin, from which hormone preparations were made in India. In Ayurveda it is used for fever, coughs and skin diseases; in Malaysia and Indonesia the young stem is eaten.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Ayurvedic materia medica

Attributed effects

Bitter, astringent, stimulating, aids digestion, expels worms, cleansing, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory; for fever with catarrh, cough, indigestion, worms, skin diseases, snake bites.

Preparation and amount

Root 2–5 g; tuber cooked as syrup or preserve.

Ways to prepare herbs: Syrup, honey and oxymel

Sources

All herbs from Asia →