How to use Costus (Quist)
Costus, known as qust al hindi or qust al bahri, is an aromatic root. You see it as dried chips, powder, or oil. The scent is warm and earthy. The taste is bitter with a little bite.
The names, so we speak the same language
People say qust, quist, kuth, or costus. Indian costus is qust al hindi. Sea costus is qust al bahri. Both are sold as powdered root from Saussurea costus and related species. Labels vary by supplier and region.
How to use Costus (Quist) Powder in Ruqyah
Use as a nose drop
You need:
- 1 teaspoon Costus powder (Quist al Hind or Quist al Bahri)
- 100ml Olive oil
- Pipette
OR the SunnahCure Costus Nose Drops (Quist al Hind nose drops or Quist al Bahri nose drops)
Instructions:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of Costus powder with 100ml of Olive oil.
- Sprinkle the Costus oil mixture with the following verses from the Qur’an:
- Al Fatiha
- Ayatul Kursi
- Al Araf 117 to 122
- Yunus 81 to 82
- Taha 68 to 70
- Al Ikhlas
- Al Falaq
- An Nas
- Lay your head back, preferably by placing a pillow under your shoulders or hanging your head from a sofa, bed or similar, so that the nostrils are pointing upwards.
- Now drip a few drops of the Costus oil mixture into each nostril and pull them up vigorously with your nose.
- Perform this application as needed or as a ruqyah therapy 3 times a day.
Oral application (for example for eaten sihr or diseases in the chest or abdomen)
You need:
- 1 teaspoon Costus powder
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
- Pipette
Instructions:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of Costus powder with enough olive oil to make a kind of ball or solid paste.
- If needed, you can read this ball with Quran as listed above.
- Now let the costus oil ball melt in the corner of your mouth and swallow it little by little.
Other ways to use Costus (Quist)
Costus (Quist) tea, mild and simple
- Add 1 g fine costus powder to 250 ml water.
- Simmer 5 minutes on low. Cover.
- Rest 5 minutes. Strain through fine cloth.
- Sweeten with a little honey if you wish.
Start with one cup per day. The flavour is bold, so sip slowly.
Costus (Quist) honey, spoon ready
- Mix 10 g costus powder into 100 g raw honey.
- Stir well, jar it, and label.
- Take 5 g, about one teaspoon, once daily after a meal.
A one to ten ratio keeps taste balanced and the texture smooth.
Costus (Quist) Steam, using the tea not raw powder
- Prepare the tea above.
- Pour into a bowl. Sit back.
- Inhale the vapour for 3 to 5 minutes. Eyes closed.
This is gentler than sniffing raw powder. If you have asthma, skip steam work.
Costus (Quist) External oil for chest or joints
- Warm 30 ml olive oil in a cup set inside hot water.
- Stir in 1 to 2 g costus powder. Keep warm for 30 minutes.
- Cool. Strain through a coffee filter.
- Massage a small amount on the chest or over aching muscles.
Do a 24 hour patch test first. Costus has natural lactones that may trigger skin reactions in some people.
Costus (Quist) Incense
- Place one small chip on lit charcoal in a well ventilated area.
- Keep children away from smoke.
- Limit to brief sessions.
Historical use includes fumigation. Modern safety favours fresh air and moderation.
Flavour ideas that ease the bitterness
- Lemon slice in the tea, then a little honey
- Ginger and cardamom while simmering
- A pinch of cinnamon for warmth
- Date paste whisked into the tea for a softer edge
Safety notes, read before you start
- Pregnancy and nursing. Avoid costus essential oil. Keep to food like use only after advice from your clinician.
- Skin sensitivity. Sesquiterpene lactones may cause allergic contact dermatitis. Patch test every topical mix.
- Breathing issues. Smoke and strong vapours may irritate the airways. Skip incense and steam if you wheeze.
- Children. Keep products out of reach. Use food like forms only, at tiny amounts, under adult care.
- Medicines and conditions. If you live with chronic disease or take regular medication, speak to a clinician first.
This is general education, not medical advice. If symptoms persist, see your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Costus (Qust)
What is costus (qust)?
Costus is the dried root of Saussurea costus and related species, sold as chips, powder, or oil. It smells warm and earthy and tastes bitter.
Which type should I use, Hindi or Bahri?
Qust al Hindi is darker and sharper. Qust al Bahri is milder. Start with Bahri if you are sensitive to strong tastes or scents.
How much powder should a healthy adult start with?
Tea, 1 g powder simmered in 250 ml water once daily. Honey mix, 5 g once daily. Increase only if well tolerated.
Are nose drops with costus oil safe?
Use a weak infusion, for example 2 g powder in 100 ml olive oil, then strain well. Place 1 to 3 drops per nostril while reclined. Avoid if you wheeze, have reflux, or recent nasal surgery. Stop if you cough or feel chest tightness.
Can I take costus by mouth?
Yes, small food like amounts. Tea, 1 g in 250 ml water. Honey mix, 10 g powder per 100 g honey, take 5 g after food. The taste is strong, so sip slowly.
Which verses are commonly recited for ruqyah over costus?
Al Fatiha, Ayat al Kursi, Al Araf 117 to 122, Yunus 81 to 82, Taha 68 to 70, Al Ikhlas, Al Falaq, An Nas. Recite and blow lightly toward the oil or honey.
Is costus safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Avoid the essential oil. For powders and teas, stay cautious and speak with your clinician first.
Can children use costus?
Keep products out of reach. Do not use nasal oil for young children. For older children, discuss any use with a clinician.
Is the essential oil better than costus powder?
No. The oil is potent and more likely to irritate skin and mucosa. Beginners should use tea, honey mixes, or a weak infused oil for external rubs.
Are there side effects or medicine interactions to use costus?
Some people develop skin or nose irritation due to natural lactones. Stop if you notice rash, burning, or throat tightness. If you take regular medicines or live with chronic disease, speak with your clinician before use.
