Origin and Composition
Saussurea, known as castus in English, is a tall, plump herb, with a yearly stem and perpetual roots. It possesses exceedingly big heart-shaped leaves, bluish, bluish-purple or nearly black flowers and hairy fruits. The dried roots of the plant make up the drug.
Saussurea is native to India. It grows in Kashmir and bordering areas, in altitudes ranging from 2,500 to 4,000 metres above the sea level.
The roots of the plant contain a volatile oil, alkaloid saussurine and a pungent resin. The resinoid on distillation with superheated steam under compressed pressure produces a volatile oil. However, the volatile oil contains terpenes, aplotaxene and sesquiterpenes.
Methods of usage
Saussurea amends several crucial diseases, though everyday common ones like respiration malfunction, cholera, ulcer, or even acts as an aphrodisiac.
Healing Power and Medicinal Properties of saussurea
The plant is well known both in the Ayurvedic and Tibbi medicine. The root has an acrid taste and a weird aroma. It is a revitaliser, aphrodisiac, antiseptic and a stimulant. It reinforces working of the stomach and boosts its action. It is useful in checking secretion or haemorrhage.
The volatile oil possesses antiseptic and disinfectant attributes. It unwinds the involuntary muscle tissues and acts as a cardiac stimulus. It assuages gases and is a diuretic. It is also helpful in getting rid of catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tubes.
Respiratory Disorders cured by saussurea
Saussurea is favourable for treating respiratory disorders like bronchitis, asthma and cough, particularly arresting attacks of bronchial asthma. The united action of the volatile oil and alkaloid in the root curtails the paroxysms. The alkaloid saussurine has a sedative action on the vagus centre in the medulla, which supplies motor nerve fibre, as well as on the involuntary muscle fibres of the broncholes and gastrointestinal tract. It produces a thin but unrelenting rise in blood pressure and amplifies the force of contraction and amplitude of the ventricles. The volatile oil not only soothes the bronchial muscle, but also has a distinguished expectorant action which alleviates turgescene of the mucosa. It however does not give rise to an everlasting cure unless the underlying factors are investigated into and removed.
Cholera cured by saussurea
This powerful fragrant stimulant is also constructive for cholera. A mixture made from 3 grams of fresh saussurea, 1 gram of cardamom and 120 ml of water can be administered in one gram dosages every half an hour for handling this condition. The essential oil in the herb produces reflex inhibition by its energising properties. It helps in checking the disease. The depressant action of the drug on the brain helps in alleviating the spasm.
Ulcer healed by saussurea
Saussurea is helpful for serious ulcerations. The dried and pulverised root is the primary constituent in any astringent and stimulant balm.
Premature Greying of Hair healed by saussurea
The herb forestalls untimely greying of hair. The dried and powderised root can be used as hair wash.
Other Uses of saussurea
Aphrodisiac - In the aboriginal medicine in India, saussurea is used as a revitaliser and as an aphrodisiac. During its passing through the urethra the volatile oil excreted in the urine produces a certain amount of pain, acting as a stimulant.
The root forms a priceless raw material for manufacturing a high-priced perfume, strongly similar to the violet perfume.
