Kaixian costus root

Kaixian costus root

Kaixian costus root is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Costus root (as shown in the picture) is the general term for the perennial herbaceous plants of the Asteraceae family, namely *Saussurea costus* (also known as Yun Costus) and *Dolomiaea souliei* (also known as Chuan Costus), originally native to India.

　　 The history of introducing and cultivating costus root in China spans less than 100 years, and it is mainly grown in high-altitude mountainous regions. Costus root is primarily propagated by seeds, with abundant seed sources, making its production relatively easy to develop. Currently, it is produced in places such as Chongqing, Yunnan, and Sichuan, among which Kaixian County is the largest national producer of Yun Costus, accounting for about 70% of the total national output.

　　 Costus root is warm in nature, with a pungent and bitter taste. Its dried root is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine known for its aromatic, stomach-invigorating, qi-moving, and pain-relieving properties. It can regulate qi and relieve pain, strengthen the spleen, and aid digestion. It is used to treat symptoms such as chest and epigastric distension pain, tenesmus due to diarrhea, food stagnation, and loss of appetite. Costus root is also one of the raw materials used in the flavor and fragrance industry. The volatile oil contained in its roots serves as an excellent fixative, suitable for formulating high-end perfumes, fragrances, or cosmetic scents.