A Miel Impérial Selection
Indian Costus Oil 100 ml (Zayt Al Qist Al Hindi)
Indian Costus oil, called zayt al qist al hindi in Arabic, is the ready-to-use form of this high-altitude Asian root. Where the powder has to be blended before every use, the oil applies directly: as a massage oil, neat or combined with another plant oil. 100 ml bottle, to be kept away from light.
Miel Impérial Indian Costus oil: zayt al qist al hindi
• Miel Impérial Indian Costus oil comes from the root of Saussurea costus, a high-altitude Asian plant known as Qist Al Hindi in Arabic.
• It comes in a 100 ml bottle and is used externally, neat or blended with another plant oil.
• It is the most direct form of Costus: unlike the powder, it requires no prior preparation.
• Saussurea costus is a protected species, listed in Appendix I of CITES, which strictly regulates its international trade.
• A prior skin test is recommended, and the product is not advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
100 ml bottle
practical, long-lasting format
Ready to use
no preparation needed
High-altitude root
Kashmir, India, Pakistan
Protected species
listed under CITES
Saussurea costus: a root from the Asian peaks
Indian Costus bears the botanical name Saussurea costus. The plant grows at altitude in Kashmir, Burma, China, India and Pakistan. It is its dark brown roots that are harvested: pulled, cut, washed and then processed. Their appearance recalls the arak stick, the siwak, and their smell recalls ginger.
An important point: Saussurea costus is a threatened species, listed in Appendix I of CITES, the international convention on trade in wild species. This listing strictly regulates its exploitation and aims to prevent overharvesting. It is a rare plant, and its price reflects that reality.
Why choose the oil rather than the powder?
The powder is the historic form of Costus and the most versatile, but it requires preparation: it has to be blended with a fatty base or honey before every use, and it scatters easily.
The oil answers that need for simplicity. It applies directly, is dosed drop by drop, does not stain the hands and travels easily. It is the form to favour for regular external application, particularly as a massage oil.
How to use Indian Costus oil
As a massage oil, neat
A few drops in the palm, warmed between the hands, then massaged into the chosen area: back, legs, neck, shoulders. A very widespread traditional use.
Blended with another oil
It pairs very well with black seed oil, argan oil or aloe vera oil. Allow a few drops of Costus per spoonful of carrier oil.
On rough areas
Elbows, knees, heels: thick, dry patches of skin appreciate a rich oil. Massage until absorbed, preferably in the evening.
In the bath
A few drops diluted in a neutral base before being poured into the bathwater, for an enveloping moment with its characteristic scent.
Costus in all its forms
For a more versatile use, discover our Indian Costus powder, the historic form of this root.
And for simple internal use, without the bitter taste, our Indian Costus capsules complete the range.
Storage
Like most plant oils, Costus oil is sensitive to oxidation. Close the bottle carefully after each use and store it away from light, heat and humidity. Wash your hands before and after each application.
Precautions
• Prior test: apply one drop of oil to the wrist or the inside of the elbow and wait 24 hours before regular use.
• Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or for young children.
• External use. Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes; in case of contact, rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• Do not apply to damaged or irritated skin.
• If you are on medical treatment or have a persistent skin problem, seek advice from a healthcare professional. This product replaces neither medical treatment nor a doctor's advice.
Product information
Indian Costus oil (Saussurea costus), 100 ml bottle, external use. Root origin: Asia (Kashmir, India, Pakistan and neighbouring regions). Store away from light and heat.
FAQ – Indian Costus oil
What is zayt al qist al hindi?
It is the Arabic name for Indian Costus oil, obtained from the root of Saussurea costus, a high-altitude Asian plant. It is the ready-to-use form of Qist Al Hindi.
Costus oil or powder: which to choose?
The oil applies directly and is dosed drop by drop: it is the most practical form for regular external use. The powder is more versatile but has to be blended with a fatty base or honey before each use.
Can Costus oil be mixed with another oil?
Yes, and that is in fact the most common use. Black seed oil, argan oil or aloe vera oil all work well. Allow a few drops of Costus per spoonful of carrier oil.
What does Indian Costus oil smell like?
A warm, marked smell often likened to ginger. It is the olfactory signature of the root, found in all its forms.
Is Indian Costus a protected species?
Yes. Saussurea costus is listed in Appendix I of CITES, the international convention on trade in endangered species. Its international trade is therefore strictly regulated, which explains its relative rarity.
How should Costus oil be stored?
Bottle tightly closed, away from light, heat and humidity. Like any plant oil, it is prone to oxidation.
Can it be used on the face?
Facial skin being thinner and more reactive, always do a prior test on the inside of the elbow and, if used, dilute the oil in a gentler plant oil. Carefully avoid the eye area.
Qist Al Hindi, ready to use
Indian Costus oil · 100 ml bottle · Saussurea costus root. A Miel Impérial selection.