English: Khas Khas grass, Khus Khus grass, Vetiver Spanish: Zacate Violeta, Pacholi French: Chiendent orodant Hindi: Khas, Usheer Sanskrit: Ushira
What is Khus?
Khus also known as Vetiver is a perennial grass of the family Poaceae. Khus is native to tropical Asia and has been introduced into the tropics of both hemispheres. The plant is sometimes grown as a hedge and is useful in dryland restoration to reduce soil erosion. The incredibly soothing fragrance of the essential oil mainly obtained from roots, is mood-enhancing and widely used in Aroma therapy to relieve stress and anxiety. It is also a common ingredient in perfumes.
In the books of Ayurveda khus has many medicinal benefits as it helps to improve digestion owing to it’s high dietary fiber content. It is an anti-inflammatory and consuming Khus root decoction for a few days helps managing rheumatic pain and stiffness. It is also an anti-diabetic herb that increases insulin secretion and helps to manage Diabetes. The anti-oxidants in Khus are found to promote healthy skin and prevents acne and blemishes.
Khus has a cooling effect on body. Khus infused drinking water gives it an earthy taste of natural springs and it is recommended especially during extremely hot summers.
Common forms of Khus
Juice, Powder, Oil, Root-infusion
Khus is commonly used for:
Treating rheumatic pain
Curing insomnia
Relieving stress
Purifying blood
Curing digestive problem
Quenching thirst
Khus Dosage
Juice: 5-6 teaspoons twice a day. Powder: ¼-1/2 teaspoon twice a day. Oil: 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.
Khus Side-effects and Warnings
Common side-effects: Not Known. Not so common side-effects: Not Known. Pregnant and nursing mothers: Unsafe for pregnant mothers as it might cause miscarriage.
Children: Not Known.
Chinmayi is a Nutritionist turned Marketer, with Masters in both Marketing and Nutrition. Her focus is to combine her knowledge to understand and evangelize Ayurveda.
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