Chrysopogon zizanioides, commonly known as vetiver and khus, is a perennial bunchgrass of the family Poaceae.

Vetiver is a perennial grass and it’s name is derived from Tamil name “Vetiver”.  Vetiver is native to India and both its leaves and roots have wonderful uses. It is cultivated in states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and to a small extent in Uttar Pradesh.

Vetiver has chemical composition of Vetiverol, Vetivone, Khusimone, Khusimol, Vetivene, Khositone, Terpenes, Benzoic acid, Vetivenyl Vetivenate, Vetivazulene, Epizizianal and ß-vetivone and Iso Khusimol are some of the important chemical compounds present in vetiver.

Vetiver Traditional Uses

For Medicinal Purposes

In India, vetiver is used to treat mouth ulcers, boils, burns, insect bites, fever and headache. Both the paste of fresh roots and the water decoction of the roots are used. Water decoction is used as a tonic for weakness.

Vetiver root is added to water as it is considered a wonderful body coolant and it makes the water very aromatic. The water infusion is used to cure fever, inflammation and stomach ulcers. The fresh root paste is used to treat burns and insect bites. The decoction got by boiling the stems in water is used to treat urinary tract infection.

For Skin & Hair Care

During hot Indian summers, blinds made of vetiver are used to reduce the heat, it helps treat heat boils and body odour. We also use vetiver in our traditional bath powders. Since vetiver is very fragrant and cooling, using bath powders made with it cools the body and prevents heat rashes. Since it has wonderful antiseptic properties, it helps heal wounds and boils very fast.

As An Aromatic

Vetiver root has a very pleasant aroma and vetiver essential oil extracted from it is used extensively in perfumery, cosmetics and also in soap making. 

Pest Control

Traditionally vetiver plant is also used as an insecticide. Plants are grown near to vetiver prevent them from insect attacks. Vetiver root is also placed in storage closets as a moth repellent. Vetiver essential oil is also used an insecticide.

Benefits of Vetiver Powder:

Moisturizes And Hydrates The Skin

It hydrates and moisturizes the skin without forming any greasy layer. Vetiver also modulates the sebum production, hence keeping the skin's oil content balanced as per your skin type. It reveals a natural glow and promotes healthy skin.
 

Balances Skin's PH And Evens Skin Tone

Vetiver plays an important role in restoring natural pH level of the skin. It protects the acid mantle present on the skin. This acid mantle aids in combating unwanted influences of the environment, bacteria, or allergens.
It also reduces the appearance of any marks or scars caused by acne, zits, pimples, thereby promoting spotless clear skin.

Tightens Skin Pore And Reduces Oiliness

It's a natural astringent known to tone the skin credibly. It tightens and cleanses the pores and reduces the onset of blackhead or whitehead formation. 

Reduces Skin Inflammation

It helps to eliminate sunburns and soothe any redness, as Vetiver possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It even limits the acne outbreaks considerably along with simultaneously healing the skin.

Helps Delay The Signs Of Aging

Vetiver is power-packed with antioxidants. Therefore, it can effectively cleanse the system and eliminate toxins and other free radicals that are the usual cause for unfavorable aging signs like fine lines, pigmentation and discolored skin tone.

Country of Origin: India