Raw Crepe Ginger (Koshtam) | Cheilocostus speciosus

Koshtam has been used in Ayurvedic and Siddha asthma treatment for centuries, and the diosgenin it contains has documented anti-inflammatory effects on bronchial tissue. However, asthma is a serious chronic condition that can be life-threatening during severe attacks. Koshtam should be considered a complementary support — not a replacement for your prescribed asthma medications (inhalers, corticosteroids, bronchodilators). Never stop or reduce your prescribed asthma medication without your doctor’s explicit approval. If you want to explore Koshtam as an additional therapy, discuss it with your pulmonologist or Ayurvedic practitioner. Many people with mild-to-moderate asthma find that herbal support (alongside medication) reduces their reliance on rescue inhalers over time — but this is a gradual process that must be medically supervised. For immediate breathing difficulty, always use your prescribed rescue inhaler.

Yes — “Kushtha” is the Sanskrit name for Cheilocostus speciosus, and it appears in classical Ayurvedic texts including the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya. However, be aware that “Kushtha” in Ayurveda can also refer to Saussurea costus (a different plant in the Asteraceae family, also called “Kuth” or “Costus root”), which is used primarily for skin conditions. The two plants are sometimes confused in English translations of Ayurvedic texts. Moolihai’s product is Cheilocostus speciosus — the Costaceae family plant with spiral leaves and crepe-textured flowers, used primarily for respiratory and digestive conditions. If your Ayurvedic practitioner prescribes “Kushtha” or “Kostum,” verify with them which specific botanical species they intend — and confirm that it matches Cheilocostus speciosus.

Expect a distinctly bitter, slightly pungent taste — this is the saponin and diosgenin content and is a direct indicator of medicinal potency. It’s not a pleasant drink in the way that chamomile tea or Pathimugam water is pleasant. It tastes like medicine — because it is medicine. To make it more tolerable: add a generous teaspoon of Moolihai’s Marthandam Honey (honey is the traditional Ayurvedic companion for bitter medicines, and it also coats the throat — beneficial for respiratory conditions). A pinch of black pepper adds warmth and enhances bioavailability. Some people add a small piece of jaggery (palm sugar). The key is to drink the decoction while warm — the bitterness is less pronounced at warm temperatures than at room temperature.

The existing product description specifically notes: “you can consider medical advice for the usage of this product during pregnancy.” We echo this strongly — do not use Koshtam during pregnancy without explicit medical clearance from your obstetrician. Diosgenin is a steroidal saponin and a precursor to progesterone and other steroid hormones. While this doesn’t automatically make it dangerous during pregnancy, any substance with hormonal activity requires careful evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider during pregnancy. Additionally, Koshtam is classified as a “Vamana Dravya” (emetic) at higher doses — and anything that can induce vomiting is best avoided during pregnancy. For breastfeeding mothers, the same caution applies: consult your doctor before use.

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place. The dried rhizome is naturally shelf-stable — its low moisture content prevents microbial growth, and the dense, woody structure protects the internal compounds from rapid degradation. Keep away from humidity (which can cause mould on dried herbs) and direct sunlight (which degrades diosgenin and other light-sensitive compounds). Properly stored, dried Koshtam retains its potency for 12–24 months. You’ll know it’s still good by the characteristic bitter taste when you bite or crush a small piece — if the bitterness has faded significantly, the diosgenin content has diminished. Break or crush only what you need for each preparation — the intact dried rhizome preserves its compounds better than pre-ground powder.