VETIVER (उशीरं): vetiveria zizanioides Medicinal Uses, Health benefits in Ayurveda

VETIVER (उशीरं):

Vetiver  is a perennial grass having its ethnicity in India, it is famous for its fragrance. Both Ayurveda and Siddha system of medicine recognizes the medicinal value of the herb. It was considered as a high class perfume, used by the royalty. Since ancient time Indians used vetiver for making screens, mats, hand fans, mattresses and baskets. The screens are hung like curtains in the houses and when sprinkled with water it, imparts fragrance to the air. It acts as a coolant during summers and quenches thirst.

Botanical Name: Vetiveria zizanioides

Family: Poacea

Sanskrit Name: उशीरं

English name: Khus-khus grass, Vetiver.

Tamil name: வெட்டிவேரு

Malayalam Name: രാമച്ചം

Part used: root

Therapeutic attributes or Rasa Panchaka:

• Initial taste(Rasa) Bitter(Tikta),
• Quality(Guna) light(laghu), Unctous(Snigdha)
• Heating or cooling effect(veerya) cooling effect(sheeta)
• Post digestive effect(Vipaka) Sweet(madhura)
• Special action(Prabhava) Nil

Medicinal Uses:

The essential oil obtained from the herb gives a soothing and cooling effect when used internally and externally and calms the circulatory system as well as the nervous system. It is a nervine tonic and reduces anxiety .It reduces pain and swelling( anti-inflammatory)  and can also be used as a sleep inducing medicine.¹ The oil also shows anti-septic effect  and hence can be applied externally on wounds¹. The oil facilitates the growth of new tissues and removes the spots and marks due to wounds, acnes etc.

The herb protects the liver (hepato-protective) and shows antimicrobial action^2,3. For the same reason it is used as a pesticide. Research studies have proven that it is effective against tuberculosis⁴. It curbs nausea and vomiting.

Moreover it can be given to people suffering from diabetes and depression^5,6. It also helps prevent the growth of cancerous cells⁷. Ayurvedic scriptures highlight the efficacy of the herb in bleeding disorders, skin diseases, diseases of the urinary system and ulcers⁸.

Chemical constituents:

Essential oils, Alpha and Beta Vetiverin etc.

Commonly used formulations containing Khus-Khus:

1. Usheerasavam
2. Shadanga paneeyam
3. Yoga Raja Guggulu Gulika.

Home Remedies:

1) The water that is boiled with the roots of Khus-Khus can be used for drinking especially during summers.

2) The paste of Khus –Khus roots, with sandal and aloe gel can be applied on burns ,acnes , sun tans etc.

3) The oil extracted from the root can be added to the water used for bathing, which acts a natural fragrant.

4) The oil when applied externally repels mosquitoes.

Disclaimer:

We have tried to provide the essence of the Vedas and Ayurveda Scriptures by interpreting meaning of the text in English through research & investigation. We have used the modern terminologies & technical words of the latest science to give the readers a better understanding and assimilation. If  found any errors, kindly bear with us & help us rectify. Kindly request you not to get into self medication with minimal knowledge, always consult a physician before any medication.

Sources and references:

1. Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies Vol. 2 No. 3 2013 www.plantsjournal.com Page | 191 Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Vetiver D. Balasankar , K. Vanilarasu , P. Selva Preetha, S.Rajeswari M.Umadevi , Debjit Bhowmi
2. G.D. Chaudhary et alIndian journal of Natural Products and Resources
3. Dev Prakash et al. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Opinion
4. Dharmendra Saikia et al. Complement Ther Med. 2012
5. Sanjay Kumar Karan et al. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Scientific Innovation
6. Glory Josephine I, et al. Journal of Pharm Biomed Sci 2012
7. Shubhra Devi et al. Tanzania journal of Health Research 2010
8. Charaka Samhita, Sushrutha Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya
9. Dravya Guna VIjnaana BY Prof S.D Lucas