Saussurea – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com
Tuesday, August 29, 2017 by Rhonda Johansson
http://www.naturalpedia.com/saussurea-sources-health-benefits-nutrients-uses-and-constituents-at-naturalpedia-com.html
Saussurea is a beautiful but thorny plant with white to purplish flowers which belie its bitter taste and pungent smell. The tall herb is indigenous to India and is a much-loved plant in Ayurvedic medicine. Its uses in the West are so far limited, as most people still remain unaware of the herb’s medicinal properties. Even so, several botanical reviews suggest its use as a detoxifying tonic, antiseptic, stimulant, and aphrodisiac.
The plant is also known as castus, kushta, and snow lotus.
List of known nutrients
- Alpha-Cyclocostunolide
- Ar-Curcumene
- Costol
- Costol-Lactone
- Costunolide
- Dehydro-Constuhactone
- Isodihydrocostuslacttone
- Sesquiterpenes
- Sitosterol
- Taraxas-Terol
Medicinal uses for saussurea
Preliminary research concludes that saussurea can be used as a potent antimicrobial supplement. Ayurvedic practitioners claim the herb contains “heating” properties which are useful in balancing the kapha dosha, one of three energy systems in the body. Those familiar with Ayurveda will know kapha governs the structure and “flow” of the mind and body. As such, saussurea is prescribed to alleviate muscle spasms, boost brain and liver health, and stimulate digestion.
These rather vague indications should not put off the more skeptical, however. There are medical reviews which suggest the herb shows promise in maintaining healthy heart function, promoting liver health, and preventing certain forms of cancer. The last benefit, in particular, is interesting. Some botanists have observed saussurea to show potency in suppressing the growth of tumors and inducing apoptosis (cell death) in cancerous bodies. The effect, they said, is similar to effects induced by garlic.
Saussurea should not be taken by breastfeeding mothers or those on heart medications. The herb can lower blood pressure, and this may negatively interact with prescription medicine.
Excessive consumption of the herb may also prompt an allergic reaction in some.
Body systems supported by saussurea
The herb is used to promote overall health. While some traditional healers use it to treat various forms of inflammation in the body, most patients ingest the herb as a preventive measure.
It can be useful in relieving coughs and colds and some forms of skin diseases.
Ways to use saussurea
The herb is taken as a tablet or a dietary supplement. It can be made into a tea, should you find yourself lucky to have access to the actual plant. However, the plant’s taste is a bit acrid and is generally not recommended for those not used to it. You can source saussurea’s tablet form at your local natural store.
While there are no proven studies that show a maximum dosage of the herb, it is suggested to only take one to two grams of the herb in divided doses per day. Discontinue use if you begin suffering from nausea or any sort of allergy.
Ways to learn more
Summary
Saussurea is a good preventive supplement for overall health.
These can be sourced at your local natural store.
Sources include:
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