Names & Classification
- Botanical Name
- Vetiveria zizanioides
- Sanskrit Name
- Ushira
- English Name(s)
- Vetiver / Khus
- Family
- Poaceae
- Part Used
- Root
About This Herb
Vetiver is a fragrant grass root revered in Ayurveda as one of the most powerful cooling herbs. Used traditionally in hot climates to cool drinking water, homes, and the body itself, Vetiver is prescribed for burning sensations, excessive thirst, and inflammatory skin conditions.
Where It Grows
Originally from India, now widely cultivated in tropical regions worldwide. Major producers include Haiti, India, Indonesia, and Réunion. In India, systematically cultivated in North Indian states: Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab; and South Indian states: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh. Also grows in Assam, Madhya Pradesh. Thrives in warm tropical climates with well-drained soils. World Bank promoted cultivation starting 1990 in India, Nepal, Thailand, and Nigeria for soil and water management.
Ayurvedic Profile
The premier Dahaprashamana (burning sensation-relieving) and Trishnanigrahana (thirst-quenching) root. Ushira is one of the most important herbs for Pitta-shamana. In classical times, mats and screens woven from Vetiver roots were moistened to cool royal chambers. Rasa: Tikta (Bitter), Madhura (Sweet). Virya: Sheeta (Cooling). Vipaka: Katu (Pungent). Dosha: Strongly pacifies Pitta.
Key Benefits
Systemic cooling, anti-inflammatory, skin health, hemostatic, calming
Research & Studies
The following research highlights scientific validation of traditional uses:
Anxiolytic and nootropic activity of Vetiveria zizanioides roots in mice
Authors: Multiple authors
Journal: PMC/NIH (2014)
Animal study demonstrating significant anxiolytic activity of ethanolic extract at doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight with nootropic effects in behavioral anxiety models.
Biological activity of vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) essential oil in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Multiple authors
Journal: Journal of Advances in Dermatology (2017)
Research showing vetiver essential oil exhibited strong antiproliferative activity in pre-inflamed dermal fibroblasts and significantly inhibited collagen III production with wound-healing potential.
Anxiety-like behaviour and c-fos expression in rats that inhaled vetiver essential oil
Authors: Multiple authors
Journal: PubMed/NIH (2014)
Behavioral study demonstrating decreased anxiety in maze tests following vetiver oil inhalation exposure with neurobiological markers of reduced anxiety-like responses.
An overview of the chemical composition and bioactivities of Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash essential oil
Authors: Multiple authors
Journal: Phytochemistry Reviews (2023)
Comprehensive analysis of vetiver essential oil chemical composition and antispasmodic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial bioactivities with dermatological applications.
Products Containing Vetiver / Khus
- Rena Tone (Classical Formulation)
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal supplements, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have pre-existing health conditions.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.