Description:
Saussurea lappa is native to South Asian countries Europe, and North America. It grows on the moist slopes of the Himalayas at high altitudes.
In India, this is endemic in the subalpine region of Jammu – Kashmir, Himanchal Pardesh, Uttaranchal from altitudes of 3200-3800m.

The plant is cultivated as a medicinal plant. The essential oil is extracted from its root. The yield of its essential oil varies from 0.1 to 0.5%.

The principal constituents were dehydrocostus lactone, β-costol, 8- cedren-13-ol, costunolide, 4-terpinol, α-curcumene , elemol δ-elemene, α-costol, α-selinene and α-ionon .

Odor profile:
Herbaceous

Major Constituents:
Dehydrocostus lactone, β-costol, 8- cedren-13-ol, costunolide, 4-terpinol, α-curcumene , trans-Caryophyllene, Valerenol, and beta-Elemen.

Application:
~ Therapeutic Properties are Antiseptic, stimulant, antispasmodic, antiviral, tonic, carminative, expectorant, febrifuge, stomachic, and digestive.
~ It also works well in respiratory problems like cough and cold. Costus root oil is an excellent anti-bacterial agent.
~ It speeds up the healing process.
~ Costus oil relieves asthma, cough, and several intestinal problems such as diarrhea, dysentery, and flatulence.
~ Costus oil is generally used in the preparation of many fragrances applicable to cosmetics, soaps, detergents, and toiletries.

Aromatherapy:
Massage with Costus root oil is an excellent remedy for aging skin. It reduces sagging skin, fine wrinkles, and age spots up to a certain extent. It also helps to give skin a natural glow and lighten the tone of the skin. It also helps to overcome depression, nervous tension, and emotional stress.