Costus root

Costus root

　　Costus root, a traditional Chinese medicine name, is the dried root of Aristolochia debilis Sieb. et Zucc. from the Aristolochiaceae family. It is harvested in spring and autumn, with fibrous roots and dirt removed, then dried in the sun.

　　This product appears cylindrical or slightly flattened cylindrical, slightly curved, measuring 3 to 15 cm in length and 0.5 to 1.5 cm in diameter. The surface is yellowish-brown or grayish-brown, rough and uneven, with longitudinal wrinkles and fibrous root scars. It is brittle and easily broken, with an uneven fracture surface. The outer layer (cortex) is light yellow, the inner wood part is broad, and the rays are whitish and radially arranged, forming a distinct yellowish-brown cambium ring. It has a distinctive aromatic odor and a bitter taste.

　　It calms the liver and relieves pain, detoxifies and reduces swelling. Used for dizziness and headache, chest and abdominal distension pain, boils and abscesses, snake and insect bites.