AyurSetu

HERBS A-Z · U

Ushira (Vetiver) · Ushira

Vetiveria zizanioides — The fragrant cooling root woven into summer screens — khus — and stirred into water and sherbets to quench Pitta fire from skin to stomach.

Classical properties (Dravyaguna)

Rasa (taste): Bitter, sweet

Virya (potency): Strongly cooling

Vipaka (post-digestive): Sweet

Dosha effect: Pacifies Pitta strongly

Parts used: Root

Key benefits

  • Cools body heat and excessive sweating
  • Soothes burning skin and prickly heat
  • Settles heat-type nausea
  • Fragrant natural coolant for drinking water

How to use at home

Steep a bundle of khus roots in your drinking-water pot in summer; powder in cooling face packs; classical sherbet.

Typical safe range: 1-3 g powder or infused water freely

Precautions: Very safe. Always inform your physician about herbs you take alongside prescribed medicines, and never stop prescriptions on your own.