Qust
Qust / Costus Root (কুস্ত / Al-Qust / القُسْط) in Tibb an-Nabawi & Traditional Medicine
Qust (Arabic: القُسْط—Al-Qust; Bengali: কুস্ত / কুস্ত বাহরি; English: Costus Root / Saussurea costus / Saussurea lappa) is one of the most celebrated herbal remedies mentioned in Prophetic medicine (Tibb an-Nabawi). Highly prized in classical Islamic medicine and Unani pharmacology, the dried roots of the costus plant are renowned for their warming, decongestant, antimicrobial, and immune-boosting properties.
Traditional & Classical Medicine Overview
Classical Classification & Status
Primary Nomenclature: Arabic: القُسْط (Al-Qust); Bengali: কুস্ত (Qust); English: Costus Root / Indian Costus (Saussurea costus / Saussurea lappa). Varieties include Qust al-Bahri (white/sweet costus) and Qust al-Hindi (dark/bitter costus).
Source Classification:
Prophetic Medicine (Tibb an-Nabawi): Highlighted in multiple authentic Hadith collections as a universal remedy for respiratory ailments, tonsillitis, and pleurisy.
Hadith Status: Authentic (Sahih). Explicitly commanded by the Prophet (ﷺ) for treating throat and respiratory conditions.
Classical Greco-Arab (Unani) Medicine: Documented by Ibn Sina (The Canon of Medicine) and Al-Razi as a potent warming agent that clears internal blockages, stimulates digestion, and dispels cold humors.
Classical Temperament & Properties
Temperament: Warm and Dry in the third degree.
Primary Actions:
Respiratory & Decongestant Tonic: Clears deep-seated chest congestion, eases asthma, and relieves chronic coughs.
Throat & Tonsil Soother: Reduces inflammation of the uvula and tonsils when applied or inhaled as a nasoral drop (Sa’ut).
Antimicrobial & Antiseptic: Purifies wounds, dries up excess moisture, and combats internal and external pathogens.
📖 Hadith Reference
Primary Hadith Citations
A. Treatment for Tonsillitis and Throat Infections
عَنْ أُمِّ قَيْسٍ بِنْتِ مِحْصَنٍ، قَالَتْ: سَمِعْتُ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ: "عَلَيْكُمْ بِهَذِي الْعُودِ الْهِنْدِيِّ، فَإِنَّ فِيهِ سَبْعَةَ أَشْفِيَةٍ، مِنْهَا ذَاتُ الْجَنْبِ"
"Umm Qays bint Mihsan (RA) reported that she heard the Prophet (ﷺ) say: 'Use this Indian costus (Al-Ud al-Hindi), for it contains seven cures, including [treatment for] pleurisy.'" — Sahih al-Bukhari (5692) & Sahih Muslim (2214)
B. Prohibition of Pressing Children's Throats for Tonsillitis
عَنْ جَابِرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ دَخَلَ عَلَى عَائِشَةَ وَعِنْدَهَا صَبِيٌّ يَسِيلُ مَنْخِرَاهُ دَمًا، فَقَالَ: "مَهْ! عَلَيْكُنَّ بِالْعُودِ الْهِنْدِيِّ..."
The Prophet (ﷺ) entered upon Aisha (RA) while she had a child whose nose was bleeding due to a throat ailment (tonsillitis). The Prophet said: "Do not harm your children! Use the Indian costus (Al-Ud al-Hindi)..." — Sahih al-Bukhari (5692).
🌿 Ingredients
Modern phytochemical analysis of Saussurea costus roots reveals a dense concentration of bioactive constituents:
Bioactive Compound
Chemical Class
Modern Biomedical Function
Costunolide & Dehydrocostus Lactone
Sesquiterpene Lactones
• Anti-inflammatory & Antimicrobial: Exhibits potent inhibitory effects against bacteria, fungi, and inflammatory pathways. • Bronchodilator: Relaxes smooth muscles in the airways, easing bronchial spasms and asthma symptoms.
Essential Oils (Aromadendrene, Camphene)
Terpenoids
• Expectorant & Decongestant: Thins mucus secretions in the respiratory tract, making it easier to expel.
Flavonoids & Alkaloids
Phenolic Compounds
• Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals and supports cellular immune defense.
⚗️ Preparation Method
Classical & Traditional Preparation Methods
Nasal Instillation (Sa'ut) for Sinus & Head Cold:
Method: Fine powder of Qust is mixed with olive oil and instilled drops-wise into the nostrils.
Application: Clears cranial congestion, relieves chronic sinusitis, and addresses severe headaches.
Throat & Tonsil Application (Luduq):
Method: The powder is mixed with a little water or honey and applied topically to the roof of the mouth or throat.
Application: Used traditionally to soothe inflamed tonsils and uvula infections without harsh physical pressure.
Chest Liniment for Pleurisy & Cough:
Method: Blended with warm organic olive oil (Zayt) and massaged onto the chest and upper back.
Application: Relieves deep-seated chest tightness and respiratory discomfort.
🔬 Modern Scientific Notes
Modern phytochemical analysis of Saussurea costus roots reveals a dense concentration of bioactive constituents:
Bioactive Compound
Chemical Class
Modern Biomedical Function
Costunolide & Dehydrocostus Lactone
Sesquiterpene Lactones
• Anti-inflammatory & Antimicrobial: Exhibits potent inhibitory effects against bacteria, fungi, and inflammatory pathways. • Bronchodilator: Relaxes smooth muscles in the airways, easing bronchial spasms and asthma symptoms.
Essential Oils (Aromadendrene, Camphene)
Terpenoids
• Expectorant & Decongestant: Thins mucus secretions in the respiratory tract, making it easier to expel.
Flavonoids & Alkaloids
Phenolic Compounds
• Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals and supports cellular immune defense.