Costus

Costus, or COSTUS ARABICUS, an aromatic much esteemed by the ancients, is the dried root of Aplotaxis auriculata, a composite plant, and is not derived from the plant Costus Arabicus, as was at one time supposed. It is a native of the moist open slopes surrounding the valley of Cashmere. The roots are there burned as incense. They have a strong aromatic pungent odour, and are employed in protecting bales of shawls from moths. It is also used in India as a hair-wash, as a stimulant in cholera, and as a stimulating ointment.