Insulin Plant

BOTANICAL NAME: Costus speciosus

FAMILY: Zingiberaceae

CLASSICAL CLASSIFICATION-

Charaka Samhita – Krmighna, Tikta skandha
Bhavaprakasha- Haritakyadi varga

ENGLISH NAME: Cane reed, Crepe Ginger

Sanskrit – Kevuka, Kembukam

Hindi – Kembu, Peyun

Kannada – Chengaluva

Tamil name– Ven kottam, Vasabu

Telugu name– Kevu Kanda

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION:

Kembuka is a small plant growing to a height of 1- 3 m, resembling a ginger plant. The leaves are 6-12 inches long, slightly oval and 3-4 inches wide. The flowers are found in clusters, white in color with a reddish end and 2-4 inches long. They are seen during the rainy season. The rhizomes are slightly slimy, astringent in taste and used like vegetables in some parts of the Indian subcontinent. The plant is seen all over India especially in Assam, Bengal, Goa and parts of Maharashtra.

MAJOR CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS : The rhizomes contain Costusosides, Saponins- dioscin, gracillin and beta-sitosterol- beta-D-glucoside

THERAPEUTIC USES:

• The powder of the rhizome of Kebuka is given in a dose of 3-5 g with honey to treat cough and asthma.
• The powder of the rhizome is given in a dose of 3- 5 g with hot water to treat indigestion and anorexia.

INDICATIONS-

Jwara
Kushta
Kasa
Prameha

USEFUL PART: Rhizome

DOSAGE:

Powder- 3 to 6 g
Juice- 10 to 20 ml

AYURVEDIC FORMULATION:

1. Asana eladi taila
2. Krimighna Kashaya
3. Nisoshiradi taila