Cheilocostus Speciosus · Koshtam / Crepe Ginger · Raw Dried Herb · Mountain-Grown · 100g / 250g / 450g
The Mountain Herb That Thrives Where Others Can’t — For Respiratory Health, Digestive Comfort & Intestinal Cleansing
Koshtam (Crepe Ginger) is a remarkable plant with a dual personality: it grows in freezing highland conditions AND in tropical lowlands — a rare adaptability that traditional herbalists interpret as a sign of exceptional medicinal potency. The plant itself is striking — growing up to 10 feet tall with large, dark green spiral leaves and delicate flowers that look like crumpled crepe paper (hence the common English name “Crepe Ginger”). In Ayurveda and Siddha medicine, Koshtam is classified as a powerful respiratory herb and digestive cleanser — prescribed for asthma, bronchitis, chronic cough, fever, and intestinal parasites. The rhizome (underground stem) is the primary medicinal part, and it contains diosgenin — a steroidal saponin that is the precursor compound from which pharmaceutical companies synthesise cortisone, progesterone, and other steroid hormones. This makes Koshtam one of the most pharmacologically significant plants in traditional Indian medicine, bridging the gap between ancient herbal practice and modern pharmaceutical chemistry. This is 100% naturally harvested, dried raw Crepe Ginger — ready for decoction, grinding, or practitioner-directed preparation.
Ayurvedic & Siddha Herb
100% Natural · Raw Dried Form
Contains Diosgenin
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A Plant That Grows on Mountains and in Tropics — Equally
Cheilocostus speciosus (formerly classified as Costus speciosus) is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Costaceae family — the same botanical family as the Insulin Plant (Chamaecostus cuspidatus). It’s native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, found growing wild from sea level to altitudes above 1,200 metres in the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and Himalayan foothills. This extraordinary altitude range — from tropical coastal forests to cold mountain slopes — is unusual for a single species and reflects the plant’s exceptional metabolic adaptability. The plant produces a thick, fleshy rhizome (underground stem) that stores the majority of its bioactive compounds, including the steroidal saponin diosgenin. Above ground, it grows in a distinctive spiral pattern (like its Costaceae relatives) with large, dark green leaves and produces flowers in late summer to early autumn that have a unique crinkled, paper-like texture — giving it the common name “Crepe Ginger.” In Ayurveda, Koshtam is described in the Charaka Samhita under “Vamana Dravya” (emetic drugs) and “Kasa-Swasa Hara” (cough-and-asthma relievers). In Siddha medicine, it’s classified as “Kostum” and used primarily for respiratory and digestive conditions. The dried rhizome is the part sold here — raw and unprocessed, ready for traditional preparation.
Diosgenin — The Molecule That Changed Pharmaceutical History
The most pharmacologically significant compound in Crepe Ginger is diosgenin — a steroidal saponin that occupies a unique position in the history of modern medicine. In the 1940s, chemist Russell Marker discovered that diosgenin could be converted through a series of chemical reactions (now called the “Marker degradation”) into progesterone — the female sex hormone. This discovery led directly to the development of the birth control pill, cortisone (the first effective anti-inflammatory drug), and virtually every synthetic steroid hormone used in modern medicine. Diosgenin from plants like Crepe Ginger and Mexican Wild Yam (Dioscorea) became the raw material for the entire pharmaceutical steroid industry. In its natural form within the plant, diosgenin has documented anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic (hypoglycaemic), anti-cancer (anti-proliferative), hepatoprotective (liver-protecting), and anti-microbial properties. The rhizome of Cheilocostus speciosus is one of the richest natural sources of diosgenin — which explains why traditional medicine systems identified this plant as therapeutically powerful long before modern chemistry understood why. Beyond diosgenin, the rhizome also contains costunolide (a sesquiterpene lactone with anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour properties), beta-sitosterol (a plant sterol that lowers cholesterol), and various flavonoids and phenolic acids with antioxidant activity.
What Ayurvedic & Siddha Practitioners Use It For
Asthma & Respiratory Conditions
The primary traditional indication for Koshtam in both Ayurveda and Siddha medicine. The rhizome is classified as “Kasa-Swasa Hara” — a cough-and-asthma reliever. The diosgenin and costunolide in the rhizome have documented anti-inflammatory effects on bronchial tissue, reducing the airway inflammation that narrows the breathing passages in asthma and bronchitis. The saponins also have expectorant properties — they stimulate mucus secretion in the airways, making thick, sticky mucus thinner and easier to expel through productive coughing. For chronic bronchitis (persistent inflammation and mucus production in the bronchial tubes), Koshtam addresses both the inflammation and the mucus accumulation simultaneously. Traditional preparation: decoction of the dried rhizome, often combined with honey and black pepper for enhanced respiratory action.
Fever & Infection
Koshtam has traditional use as an antipyretic (fever-reducing) agent. The anti-inflammatory compounds reduce the prostaglandin-mediated temperature elevation that causes fever, while the antimicrobial constituents help the body fight the underlying infection. In Ayurveda, fever (Jwara) is one of the most extensively discussed conditions, and Koshtam appears in several classical fever formulations. The rhizome decoction, taken warm, provides gentle fever relief while supporting the body’s immune response. For viral fevers with accompanying cough and body aches — where the respiratory, febrile, and pain-relieving properties all apply simultaneously — Koshtam is a particularly well-suited single-herb remedy.
Headache, Drowsiness & Mental Clarity
Traditional Siddha texts document Koshtam for headache and drowsiness (Manthara Noi) — conditions that modern medicine would associate with sinus congestion, migraine, or general fatigue. The anti-inflammatory action reduces the vascular inflammation that contributes to headache pain, while the expectorant properties clear sinus congestion (a common cause of frontal headache and mental foginess). The traditional use for “drowsiness” likely reflects its ability to clear Kapha (mucus and heaviness) from the head and chest — when you can breathe freely, alertness naturally returns. For sinus-related headaches, a combination of Koshtam decoction (internal) and steam inhalation provides dual relief from above and below.
Digestive Health & Nausea
Koshtam is classified in Ayurveda under “Vamana Dravya” — emetic herbs that, at full dose, induce therapeutic vomiting (a specific Ayurvedic detox procedure called Vamana Karma). At lower, sub-emetic doses used in everyday practice, the rhizome has digestive-stimulating and anti-nausea effects. It promotes healthy digestive secretions, reduces bloating and abdominal discomfort, and settles an upset stomach. The saponin content gives it a bitter, slightly pungent taste that stimulates digestive enzyme production — the Ayurvedic principle of “Tikta Rasa” (bitter taste) improving Agni (digestive fire). For nausea and vomiting, small doses of the decoction provide antiemetic relief.
Intestinal Worm Expulsion
One of the most valued traditional uses of Koshtam is as an anthelmintic — an agent that expels intestinal parasites (worms). Intestinal worm infestations remain a significant health problem in tropical regions, particularly among children. The saponins in Koshtam have documented anthelmintic activity — they damage the outer membrane (tegument) of intestinal worms, causing paralysis and detachment from the intestinal wall, after which the worms are expelled through normal bowel movements. This is a traditional application that predates modern anthelmintic drugs (like albendazole and mebendazole) by centuries, and it remains relevant in communities where access to pharmaceutical deworming is limited or where natural approaches are preferred.
Anti-Inflammatory & Blood Sugar Support
The diosgenin in Koshtam has been investigated in multiple published studies for its anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties. As an anti-inflammatory, diosgenin inhibits the NF-κB signalling pathway and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production — providing broad-spectrum inflammation relief that benefits conditions from arthritis to asthma. As a hypoglycaemic agent, diosgenin improves insulin sensitivity and reduces blood glucose levels in animal models — a property it shares with the Insulin Plant (Chamaecostus cuspidatus), which is a close botanical relative in the same Costaceae family. While Koshtam is not primarily marketed as a blood sugar herb (that role belongs to the Insulin Plant in Moolihai’s catalogue), its diosgenin content provides incidental metabolic support alongside its primary respiratory and digestive applications.
Traditional Preparation Methods
Decoction — The Standard Ayurvedic Method
Take a small piece of the dried Koshtam rhizome (approximately 3–5 grams), crush or break it into smaller fragments, and add to 200ml of water. Boil on medium heat until the liquid reduces to approximately half (100ml). Strain and drink warm. For respiratory conditions (asthma, bronchitis, cough), add a teaspoon of Moolihai’s Marthandam Honey and a pinch of black pepper to the strained decoction — the honey soothes the throat while the piperine in black pepper enhances the bioavailability of the diosgenin and other active compounds. Take once or twice daily, ideally on an empty stomach for maximum absorption. The taste is bitter and slightly pungent — this is the saponin content and is a sign of potency.
Ground Paste — For Topical or Internal Use
The dried rhizome can be ground into a paste using a mortar and pestle with a small amount of water. For internal use: a pea-sized amount of paste mixed with honey, taken once daily. For topical use (joint pain, inflammation, skin conditions): apply the paste directly to the affected area and leave for 20–30 minutes before washing off. The anti-inflammatory diosgenin penetrates the skin and provides localised relief. For larger quantities or regular use, Moolihai’s herbal powder grinding service can produce a fine Koshtam powder from the raw rhizome — though the raw form offers the advantage of freshness (grinding only what you need, when you need it).
Steam Inhalation — For Sinus & Respiratory Relief
Add crushed Koshtam pieces to a bowl of boiling water, drape a towel over your head, and inhale the steam through your nose for 5–10 minutes. The volatile compounds and saponin-rich steam provide direct anti-inflammatory and decongestant action on the nasal passages, sinuses, and upper airways. This method delivers the respiratory benefits without the bitter taste of oral consumption — making it particularly suitable for people who find the decoction’s bitterness challenging. For enhanced effect, combine with Moolihai’s Kungiliyam (White Dammar) powder in the same steam bowl — the two respiratory herbs complement each other, with Koshtam providing anti-inflammatory saponins and Kungiliyam contributing aromatic terpenes.
Practitioner-Guided Use — For Specific Conditions
For serious conditions — chronic asthma, intestinal worm infestations, persistent fever, or any condition requiring sustained treatment — consult a qualified Ayurvedic or Siddha practitioner before using Koshtam. The practitioner will determine the appropriate dose, preparation method, combination with other herbs, and duration based on your specific condition and constitution. Koshtam is classified in Ayurveda as a “Vamana Dravya” (emetic) at high doses — meaning excessive consumption can induce vomiting. This is actually a therapeutic technique in Ayurveda (Vamana Karma), but it should only be performed under professional supervision. At normal decoction doses (3–5g), the emetic effect is not triggered — but this is why practitioner guidance is important for dosage accuracy.
Names & Classification
Tamil
Koshtam / Kostum
Sanskrit
Kushtha / Kemuka
Hindi
Keukand / Kust
Malayalam
Channakoova
English
Crepe Ginger / Spiral Flag
Botanical
Cheilocostus speciosus
Family
Costaceae (Spiral Ginger family)
Key Compound
Diosgenin (steroidal saponin)
What You’re Getting
100g / 250g / 450g
Three size options
Raw Dried Rhizome
Naturally harvested, dried whole
India
Origin — highland & tropical regions
Cheilocostus Speciosus
Botanical species
No Additives
Pure dried herb, nothing added
Diosgenin-Rich
Steroidal saponin content
Multi-Preparation
Decoction, paste, steam, powder
0.25 kg
Product weight
Ships Worldwide
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5–7 Days
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Common Questions
Three different plants, three different roles — despite the shared “ginger” name. Regular ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a culinary spice with warming, digestive, and anti-nausea properties. It’s in the Zingiberaceae family. Crepe Ginger / Koshtam (Cheilocostus speciosus) is in the Costaceae family — a different botanical family entirely. It’s not used in cooking. It’s a medicinal herb prescribed primarily for respiratory conditions (asthma, bronchitis) and intestinal parasites, with diosgenin as its star compound. Insulin Plant (Chamaecostus cuspidatus) is Koshtam’s closest relative — same Costaceae family, same spiral growth pattern, and also contains diosgenin. But the Insulin Plant is used primarily for blood sugar management, while Koshtam is used primarily for respiratory and digestive conditions. Moolihai sells all three: Dry Ginger for cooking and colds, Insulin Leaf Powder for blood sugar, and this Raw Crepe Ginger for respiratory and digestive support.
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.
*Disclaimer: Raw Crepe Ginger (Cheilocostus speciosus) is a traditional Ayurvedic and Siddha medicinal herb. The uses described are based on classical Ayurvedic texts and the known pharmacological properties of diosgenin and other constituents. This product has not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Asthma, chronic bronchitis, and intestinal parasitic infections are medical conditions that require professional diagnosis and treatment. Do not use this herb as a substitute for prescribed medication. Consult an Ayurvedic or Siddha practitioner for appropriate dosage. Excessive consumption may cause nausea or vomiting (Koshtam is classified as an emetic at high doses). Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical advice. Individual results may vary.
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