Vetiver (Khus) Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, And More

Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is a type of grass that is commonly known as Khus in Ayurveda. It is native to India but is also widely cultivated in other tropical regions around the world. Its roots are highly valued for their fragrance and are renowned for various purposes, especially are used in the production of perfumes, soaps, and other scented products.

The roots of the its plant are very long and fibrous and can grow up to five feet high or more. They are harvested by digging up the plant and removing the soil from around the roots. The roots are then washed, dried, and processed to extract the essential oil.

its roots have a strong, earthy scent that is often described as woody, smoky, and slightly sweet. The healing properties of this aromatic grass render it to make medicine. They are also believed to have a number of therapeutic properties, such as reducing stomach pain, calming the mind, and reducing stress and anxiety as well as emotional traumas and shock, lice, and repelling insects. As a result, vetiver oil is often used in ayurvedic remedies and aromatherapy for nervousness, insomnia, joint and muscle pain, and other alternative medicine practices.

Keep reading to find out what the vetiver benefits are for health use.

Vetiver Benefits And Uses

The appeasing Vetiver plant is an ancient herb that carries benefits to the mind and the body. For centuries Vetiver is widely credited for its therapeutic benefits and fragrant essential oil.

Relaxation: Anecdotally, Vetiver essential oil has a calming and grounding effect on the mind and body. It is often used in aromatherapy as a treatment for reducing stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD, and improving sleep.

Skincare: Vetiver water has natural astringent and regenerative properties that make it useful for treating a variety of skin conditions and can make the skin feel sturdy yet soft, it also uses as a natural aftershave. Vetiver roots are an excellent exfoliator as they cleanse dead skin cells.

Perfume: Vetiver oil has a unique, earthy scent that is often used in the production of scents, colognes, and Perfume. It is a Chinese homeopathy, that can add to soothe dry skin, ease negative feelings add depth and complexity to a scent.

Repellent: Vetiver essential oil has insecticidal properties that make it effective at repelling mosquitoes and other insects. It is often used in natural insect repellents.

Astringent: Vetiver oil has astringent properties that are known to tone the skin credibly. It makes useful for tightening, toning the skin, and attenuating its oiliness and greasiness. It can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, cleanses the pores, reduces the onset of blackhead, and wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.

Digestive health: Vetiver oil has digestive properties that can help improve digestion, reduce bloating and gas, and relieve constipation.

Improves sexual desire: It enhances libido and stimulates feelings of sexual desire. Since sex has more to do with the psychology of the brain than with physiology, it is mostly a remedy for sexual disorders such as frigidity, low libido, and impotence. Certain components of this oil stimulate those parts of the brain.

Respiratory health: Vetiver oil has expectorant properties that can help relieve congestion and coughing associated with respiratory infections.

Helps against the effects of chemotherapy: Some early trials are exploring the potential that the antioxidant levels in Vetiver essential oil may reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. In this particular study, Vetiver essential oil was given orally to rats that were also given an injection of the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. Possibly because of its antioxidant potential, damage to DNA, kidneys and marrow was reduced compared to those without the oil.

Side Effects

Vetiver essential oil is completely safe in most applications, being a non-irritant, non-sensitizing and non-toxic substance. However, it should only be taken in low doses. You should consult a physician if you are pregnant and consider using vetiver essential oil during a breastfeeding situation.

Always dilute vetiver essential oil with a carrier oil and patch test it on a small area of your skin.

Conclusion

Almost the entire its plant is used for various applications. The roots in particular have been used since ancient times. The essential oil is used in the manufacture of perfumes for the body, room fresheners and coolers, as well as in perfumes including soaps, cosmetics, and oils.

The fragrance of Vetiver increases immunity, calms the nervous system and dispels feelings of fear and insecurity. The scent of Vetiver oil is helpful in relieving stress and in inducing sleep.

These are just a few of the many benefits and uses of vetiver. As with any essential oil, it is important to use vetiver oil safely and to consult with a healthcare professional before using it for therapeutic purposes.