Costus spicatus / Indian Head ginger
Common Name : Spiked Spiralflag Ginger, indian Head ginger, Painted spiral ginger
Other names: Costus spicatus
Scientific name : Costus spicatus
Watering Schedule : Regular
Maintenance : Low
Light condition: Direct sun light
Costus spicatus, also known as spiked spiralflag ginger or Indian head ginger, has an unusual look with its big leaves spiral around the stem giving it a great look.
The leaves grow to a length of approximately 1 ft and a width of approximately 4 in. Plant itself reaches a maximum height of about 6 to 7 feet (1.8 to 2.1 m). It produces a short red cone, from which red-orange flowers emerge one at a time.
Plant care:
Costus spicatus will grow well in full sun if it is kept moist.
Medicinal Use:
The plant parts has many medicinal uses, juice of rhizome is applied to head for cooling and relief from head-ache, bruised leaves are applied in fever, decoction of stem is used in fever and dysentery. Patients with high fever mostly utilize leaf infusion or decoction as a sudorific or in a bath,
The rhizomes of Costus speciosus are bitter, astringent, acrid, cooling, aphrodisiac, purgative, anthelminthic,depurative, febrifuge, expectorant, tonic, improve digestion, and is a stimulant herb that clears toxins. The rhizomes have anti-fertility, anabolic properties. The rhizomes are generally consumed in the form of decoction. An alkaloid extract from rhizomes had papaverine like smooth muscle relaxant and enhances antispamodic activities.