Costus afer Ker-Gawl.
Family: Zingiberaceae.
Common names: Ginger lily, bush lily, bush cane, spiral ginger, okwete (Igbo); ireke-omede, tête-egun (Yoruba).
An un-branched tropical plant often seen as a herb with a creeping rhizome. Costus afer is a relatively small monocot shrub, which is commonly found in humid and monstrous forests and riverside. It is an evergreen perennial growing up 4 m at a fast rate with spirally arranged smooth, simple leaves and tubular; 3-petalled flowers usually in succulent terminal clusters on leafy shoots and often with showy bracts. The leaves are edible which have an acid flavour.
The phytochemical components of this plant which attribute to its hypoglycemic, diuretic, analgesic, antiarthritis, antibacterial, anti inflammatory, antioxidant, anti depressant, and hepatocellular properties include – alkaloids, phenols, terpenoids, saponins, triterpenes, tannins, glycosides; vitamins B (1, 2, 3, 6, and 12), E, and C; and fatty acids.
Parts used: Whole plant.
Packed with the above listed chemical properties, now let’s see how the ginger lily can help your health:
Cough and chest complaints: Costus is a powerful remedy for treating chronic cough and chest complaints. The stem and leaves are decocted for 45 minutes and one teacup taken two times daily for seven days. Repeat dosage after two weeks.
Skin conditions: The herb possesses antiseptic attributes that are effective in treating a range of skin afflictions. Costus contains high levels of tannins, which help to accelerate the process of repairing damaged tissues and stop hemorrhages from cuts and injuries. The tannins are also useful in curing scalds, and skin problems accompanied by inflammations. Simply apply the stem sap to affected parts.
Elevated Blood Pressure: Oil from the root of ginger lily is said to prevent the airways from narrowing, and this effect lowers blood pressure. Also, an infusion of the dried or fresh aerial parts is taken to treat hypertension.
Diabetes mellitus: C. afer leaf and stem extracts have shown to decrease blood glucose level when rightly applied and with proper dietary intake. And that’s not all, studies also indicate that C. afer leaf and stem extracts have pancreatic islet cell protective and regenerative effect, potential in managing type I diabetes mellitus.
Stress: Experimental studies on various parts of the plant have shown bioactivities such as antihyperglycemic, hepatocellular protection, cardioprotection, CNS depressant, analgesic, and antioxidant. Based on these phyto- chemical potentials, C. afer may serve as a good alternative and complementary therapy for many oxidative stress-related diseases. Be sure to let your healthcare provider carry out toxicological and pharmacological tests. A glass of stem decoction is taken 2 X daily.
Worm (nematode) infections: Some research shows that, in children, Costus root reduces the number of worm eggs in the feces about as effectively as treatment with standard over- the-counter medications. Egg reduction is a measure of the effectiveness of the treatment.
Gastrointestinal problems: With its ability to relieve spasming and cramping, antispasmodic properties, ginger lily can ease stomach discomforts. It is reportedly used in traditional medicine practice to treat and manage many intestinal conditions such as flatulence, dysentery and cholera. It is also used as a tonic and to stimulate digestion. An infusion of the inflorescence or rhizome is taken to treat stomach complaints. A decoction of leafy-twigs is used to clear the bowels of hard stools. The powdered stems are used as an enema to treat piles.
Arthritis: The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of this plant enhance its medicinal use for arthritis, friction and joint pain significantly. The leaves and stem are decocted and drunk as an analgesic and excellent nerve tonic. Poultices of the leaves can also be applied topically to relieve inflammation associated with arthritis and gout.
Epilepsy: A cold-water extract of the stem is taken to treat minor epileptic attacks. To prevent attacks, chew the twigs frequently.
Bacterial infections: The plant may help you get rid of that stubborn infection. In some studies, ethanolic extract of leaves has shown marked antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and other pathogenic bacteria.
Abscesses: The pulp of the rhizome is used. Apply to abscesses and ulcers to mature them. Grind the roots/leaves and paste on boils for faster ripening and bursting.
That’s not all- The leaf sap, or a rhizome decoction, is taken to treat malaria. For frequent headaches with vertigo, use leaf infusions. It is used to treat oedema and fever. The debarked stem is chewed to alleviate nausea and quench thirst.
Ginger lily is indeed a wonderful health provider that can bring quick relief from most minor discomfort. It is available all year round and very easy to propagate via stem cuttings. Just cultivate yours in troughs and any humus rich soil.