Qust al Bahri, the Mild Sea Costus Root
Ground from the lighter, white costus root — the variety named in hadith for chest and throat wellness, taken as-is for generations before capsules and syrups existed.
Sehat bhi, Sunnah bhi... Stay Healthy!
Two costus roots, one name people mix up
Costus root comes in two well-known varieties. Qust al Hindi (also called Oud al Hindi) is the darker, stronger type. Qust al Bahri — this powder — is the lighter, white variety, generally considered the milder of the two and gentler for regular or sensitive use.
We grind it fresh with nothing added, so what you get is the root itself, the way it has been used long before it was sold as capsules or flavoured syrups.
Referenced in hadith, not just tradition
Qust al Bahri is mentioned by name in authentic hadith, distinct from the darker Qust al Hindi.
Zaid bin Arqam narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ instructed that pleurisy be treated using Qust al Bahri together with oil.
Jami' at-Tirmidhi 2079
The Prophet ﷺ said that cupping and Qust al Bahri are among the best remedies, and advised against the harsh practice of pressing children's tonsils, recommending Qust al Bahri instead for tonsil and throat trouble.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5696
Ibn al-Qayyim later wrote of Qust al Bahri as the milder of the two costus types — used for chest and stomach complaints, and mixed with honey and water for the skin.
What Qust al Bahri is traditionally used for
Two everyday uses passed down alongside the hadith itself — chest and throat relief, and general digestive wellness.
For chest & throat
- Traditional pleurisy relief — the specific use named in hadith, taken with a little oil.
- Eases cough and congestion — commonly used to help clear phlegm from the chest.
- Soothes throat and tonsil discomfort — the gentler alternative the Prophet ﷺ recommended over pressing children's tonsils.
- Supports breathing during colds — taken warm, often with honey.
For digestion & wellness
- Aids digestion — traditionally taken to settle the stomach and support a weak digestion.
- Used for general fatigue — Ibn al-Qayyim described it as helpful during recurring fevers.
- Supports skin complexion — ground and mixed with honey and water as a traditional face paste.
- A gentle daily herb — mild enough for regular use compared to the darker Qust al Hindi.
How it's taken
A simple base method — adjust depending on whether it's for drinking or for the skin.
Measure a small amount
A pinch to a quarter teaspoon of powder is the traditional starting amount for a single serving.
Mix with honey and warm water
Stir the powder into warm water with a spoon of honey until it's well combined, for drinking.
Or make a decoction
Simmer the powder gently in water for a few minutes, then strain and drink while warm.
For skin, make a paste
Mix the powder with a little honey and water into a smooth paste and apply to the area, rinsing off after it dries.
Before you use it
Qust al Bahri is a traditional herbal remedy, not a medical treatment, and it isn't meant to replace a doctor's diagnosis or prescribed medication for a chest, throat, or digestive condition.
If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, giving it to a young child, managing a chronic condition, or taking regular medication, speak to a doctor before use. For skin application, patch-test a small area first and stop if irritation appears.
Questions people ask us
A few things worth knowing before your first dose.
What is Qust al Bahri?
It's the lighter, white variety of costus root — milder than the darker Qust al Hindi, and the type named specifically in hadith for chest and throat complaints.
What is the difference between Qust al Bahri and Qust al Hindi?
Both come from the costus plant family. Qust al Bahri is white and considered milder; Qust al Hindi (Oud al Hindi) is darker and stronger. Classical scholars noted Qust al Bahri as gentler, including for use with children.
How is it traditionally taken?
Most commonly mixed with honey and warm water, or briefly simmered as a decoction. For the skin, it's made into a paste with honey and water.
Is it safe for children and during pregnancy?
It has a long traditional use for children's throat discomfort, but as with any herbal remedy, check with a doctor first if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, treating a young child, or on regular medication.
How should I store the powder?
Keep it in an airtight container away from sunlight and moisture to preserve its potency.
Pack details
This Qust al Bahri powder is sourced and ground under Prophetic Remedies' Tibb-e-Nabawi range — the same care we bring to every product we make.
Free shipping on orders over ₹500. Standard delivery takes 3-5 business days.
