Hellenia speciosa | SMPB Kerala

Synonyms: Costus speciosus
Family: Costaceae
Vernacular names: Aanakoova, Channakoova, Narumchanna, Nuchanna, ആനക്കൂവ, ചണ്ണക്കൂവ, നറുംചണ്ണ, നുച്ചണ്ണ (Malayalam), Costus, Spiral Ginger (English), Chanda, shulaghna, shura (Sanskrit), Kostam, Kumam, Kuperam (Tamil)
Distribution: Indo-Malesia
Description: Rhizome tuberous. Leaves spirally arranged on the stem. Spikes terminal, more or less globose. Flower white. Capsule bright red, dehiscing loculicidal; seeds black with fleshy white aril.
Habit: Herb
Habitat: Moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, also in the plains
Flowering & Fruiting: July-October

Parts used: Rhizomes, stem
Properties & Uses: Purgative, depurative, stimulant and anthelmintic. The rhizome is used to treat fever, asthma, bronchitis, anemia, diabetes, skin diseases, rheumatism and intestinal worms. Rhizome paste is used as an ear drop to control infection.
Systems of Medicines: Ayurveda, Folk, Unani,
Traditional Uses:The squeezed-out stem juice dropped into eyes to cure sore eyes.
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