Costus root

Costus root

　　The dried root of *Saussurea costus*, a tall, perennial herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family. Originally called "muxiang" (costus), it was historically imported through Guangzhou, hence the name "Guangmuxiang" (Guang costus). In 1935, a businessman from Heqing, Yunnan, Zhang Xiangchen, obtained costus seeds from their place of origin, India, and sent them to his nephew living in Yunnan, who planted them in Ludian, Lijiang. The cultivation gradually expanded, and the product was later sold to Guangzhou, known as "Xinmuxiang" (new costus). Due to its brownish-yellow color, uniform roots, absence of hollow centers, strong aroma, and rich oil content, it was regarded as authentic domestic produce. It was first exported in 1959 and came to be known as "Yunmuxiang" (Yunnan costus). The original plant has a thick, cylindrical main root, with a flowering and fruiting period from July to October. It thrives in cool climates. Suitable regions in China are widespread, with the most favorable areas being Diqing Prefecture and Zhaotong Region in Yunnan, Ninglang County in the Lijiang area, and Fugong County in Nujiang Prefecture. By the late 1980s, it was listed as an internationally endangered protected species. The commercial product is cylindrical or bone-like in shape, hard in texture, with a strong aromatic fragrance, bitter taste. It is used to treat cold-induced stagnation, vomiting, diarrhea, and tenesmus. It contains various aromatic volatile oils and has effects such as regulating qi and relieving pain, warming the middle and harmonizing the stomach, relieving spasms, lowering blood pressure, and providing antibacterial properties. In the early years after the founding of the People's Republic of China, production was around 2 tons, with market supply mainly dependent on imports. After 1952, production developed, particularly rapidly in Lijiang, Diqing, Nujiang, and Dali. Between 1969 and 1979, the average annual output was about 1.5 million kilograms, accounting for 90% of the national total. After 1980, successful introduction by Sichuan, Guizhou, and other provinces turned them into new producing areas. In 1996, Yunnan’s output was around 300,000 kilograms.