Costus Root Essential Oil

This post is all about costus root essential oil. It looks at the properties including the botanical name and chemical composition of the oil and it lists all the scientific studies that prove the oil's benefits.

Quick Glance at Costus Root Essential Oil

Pros: It is insecticidal and larvicidal. It may also be anti-inflammatory, anticancer and anti-anxiety.

Cons: There are reports that this oil can irritate your skin. And, its smell isn't exactly pleasant.

Precautions: Always check with your health care provider before using this or any other essential oil.

Properties of Costus Root Essential Oil

As promised, here's a look at some of the properties of costus root essential oil.

Name

Costus or kuth has quite a few botanical names. The two most common are Saussurea costus and Saussurea lappa. But you can also find these as well: Aplotaxis lappa, Aucklandia costus, Aucklandia lappa and Theodorea costus.

Be sure to check for these names when buying this oil.

Color & Scent

Costus root essential oil ranges in color from pale yellow to brown. And its smell is not the most pleasant. Some would say it smells like a wet dog or fur. It's certainly not one of my favorites.

Compounds

The main chemicals that can be found in this oil include dehydrocostus lactone (which can make up 40% of the oil), costunolide, alpha-curcumene, beta-castol, delta-elemene, alpha-selinene and spathulenol.

Benefits of Costus Root Essential Oil

Unfortunately, costus root essential oil is not well researched. This 2012 study is actually one of the few studies that look into its benefits. The study investigated the insecticidal and larvicidal effects of costus root oil on the larvae of the mosquito, Aedes albopictus. And the researchers showed the oil as well as its main compounds dehydrocostus lactone and costunolide had very strong larvicidal effects.

Another study from 2007 found that costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone exhibited anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity.

Finally, yet another 2007 study compiled studies on costus root, its essential oil and the compounds in it. Besides the benefits mentioned above, there are reports that inhaling the oil reduced the feelings of pain and anxiety in women giving birth. Furthermore, the oil was found to be calming and mildly sedative.

Uses of Costus Root Essential Oil

While you can use this essential oil for inhaling, its scent is not the most pleasing. But if you are into it, you can pair the oil with other strong, unique essential oils like patchouli and ylang ylang.

There are some reports that suggest this oil can irritate your skin. So it is not recommended for use on your body.

And finally, if you are planning to use this essential oil in any way, be sure to talk to your doctor first especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or under special medication.

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