Paribhavya (Paribhavya (Kustharoga, Vapya, Utpala, PariBhadra))
Paribhavya, scientifically known as Saussurea costus, is a revered herb in Ayurveda, traditionally used for its diverse therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and digestive benefits.
Botanical name: Saussurea costus. Also known as: Paribhavya, Kustha, Utpala, Kashmira, Vapya, Rogahwaya, Pakala, Ruk, Costus, Indian Costus Root, Saw-wort, Snow Lotus, Kuth, Kutha, Kudo, Kudu, Upalet, Changal Kustha, Kottam, Goshtam, Changalva, Minal, Kuste.
Properties
Anti-inflammatory activity, Antimicrobial activity, Antioxidant activity, Modulation of gastric pH
Dosage
The recommended dosage is generally 250 mg to 2g of dried root powder. In one study, Saussurea costus was administered in powder form (500 mg) twice daily after meals for 12 weeks.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Astringent, Sour
- Virya: ["Ushna (Heating)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]
Benefits
- Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
- Kaphahara (alleviates Kapha)
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
- Krimihara (anti-helminthic)
Traditional uses
- Vata disorders
- Kapha disorders
- Inflammation
- Worm infestations
- Respiratory ailments
- Digestive disorders
- Skin conditions
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Powder: The dried roots are ground into powder for consumption or medicinal preparations.
- Decoction: Extracts are prepared by boiling or simmering the roots in water.
- Raw Form: Roots can be chewed or incorporated into traditional remedies in their raw, unprocessed state.
- Root Oil: Oil extracted from the roots can be used medicinally. Kuth root powder can be heated with mustard oil.
- Smoking: Dried root pieces are sometimes smoked in a hookah.
- Traditional Oil: 100 g of the root is soaked in 600 mL aqueous ethanol 25% overnight. The supernatant was then filtered and boiled in 800 g sesame oil until all water was evaporated.
- Dusting Powder: The body is smeared with sesame oil then dusted with a powder mix.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Pitta Prakriti
- Severe Liver Diseases
- Children under 5 years old (administer only under strict supervision)
Side effects
- When taken in excessive quantities, Kuth can lead to adverse effects.
- Overuse may increase acidity, leading to abdominal pain, cramping, frequent gas, and sour belching.
- It can also cause heartburn, nausea, and in severe cases, vomiting.
- Large doses of the extract can cause giddiness, headache, and drowsiness.
Interactions
- Specific interactions of Saussurea costus with other drugs or herbs were not found in the provided documents.
- One study excluded participants with conditions requiring treatment that could interfere with the study outcomes.
Clinical evidence
Limited clinical trials and case reports suggest potential benefits in respiratory and digestive conditions, with one case report indicating tumor reduction. More extensive, well-designed clinical trials are needed to validate these findings.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
- Kaphahara (alleviates Kapha)
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
- Krimihara (anti-helminthic)
Classical clinical indications
- Vata disorders
- Kapha disorders
- Inflammation
- Worm infestations
- Respiratory ailments
- Digestive disorders
- Skin conditions