They are often characterized and distinguished from relatives such as Zingiber (true ginger) by their spiraling stems. The genus as a whole is thus often called spiral gingers, but this can also refer to C. barbatus specifically.

In foods and beverages, costus oil is used as a flavoring component. In manufacturing, costus oil is used as a fixative and fragrance in cosmetics.

The root and oil from the root are used to make medicine. Costus root is used for treating worm (nematode) infections. Costus oil is used for asthma, cough, gas, and severe intestinal diseases such as dysentery and cholera. It is also used as a tonic and to stimulate digestion.