Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Sweet (Madhura)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Vetiver oil, Vetiverol, Vetivone, Andropogonol, Khusimol
- Also Known As
- English: Vetiver, Cuscus grass
Sanskrit: उशीर, अभय, नलद, सेव्य, अमृणाल, लामज्जक
Hindi: खस, वाला
What is Vetiver (Ushira / उशीर)?
Ushira (Vetiver) is the fragrant root of Vetiveria zizanioides, widely found throughout India. The roots are extensively used for their cooling and aromatic properties. Khus-khus curtains made from the roots are used for cooling in summer. The essential oil (Vetiver oil) is valuable in perfumery. In Ayurveda, it is one of the best cooling drugs, used in burning sensation, excessive thirst, fever, and bleeding disorders. It pacifies Pitta and Kapha. The roots are woven into screens and mats. The drug is used in formulations for urinary disorders, skin diseases, and as a general coolant. It also removes body odor. Dose: 3-6 grams.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Dahaprashamana (relieves burning sensation)
- Trishnanigrahana (quenches thirst)
- Jvarahara (antipyretic)
- Raktapittahara (controls bleeding disorders)
- Daurgandhyanashana (removes bad odor)
- Stambhana (astringent/checking)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2
How to Use Vetiver by Condition
Explore how Vetiver is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (3 sources)
References in Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan
Inhaling of fumes from herbs that are coolant, pleasant and cordial Anointing the body with camphor, sandalwood paste, Vetiver paste, very frequently.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Doshopakramaniyam
वालोशीरै च वी ये त न ् चैनं प रघ येत ् न तुदे न च क डूयेचे टमान च पालयेत ् ि न धव ृ वजातीनां कथाः श ृ व मनः आशावान ् या धमो ाय ं याः णमपोह त The ulcer site should be fanned either with tuft of hairs of animals or with that of Ushira (Vetiver) grass.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Shastrakarma Vidhi
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Doshopakramaniyam; Shastrakarma Vidhi
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
In Pitta Jvara (Pitta-type fever): Chandana (sandalwood — Santalum album), Ushira (vetiver — Vetiveria zizanioides), Padma (lotus), Utpala (blue lotus — Nymphaea stellata), Dhanyaka (coriander — Coriandrum sativum), Parpata (Fumaria indica), Nanaka, and Musta (Cyperus rotundus) should be decocted.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 2: Kvathakalpana (Decoction Preparations)
The ingredients are: Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides — vetiver), Balaka (Pavonia odorata), Padma (Nelumbo nucifera — lotus), Kashmarya (Gmelina arborea), and Nilotpala (Nymphaea stellata — blue lotus).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 10: Asavarishta-Sandhanakalpana (Fermented Preparations)
A paste of Mrinala (lotus stalk, Nelumbo nucifera), Chandana (sandalwood, Santalum album), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Ushira (vetiver, Vetiveria zizanioides), Kamala (lotus), Utpala (water lily), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), and Pathya (Haritaki, Terminalia chebula) -- this paste removes Pitta-type Visarpa.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Nearly every ingredient is Sheeta Virya (cooling potency) -- lotus, sandalwood, vetiver, and Sariva are premier Pitta-pacifiers.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
A paste of Triphala, Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides, wild Himalayan cherry), Ushira (vetiver), Samanga (Manjishtha, Rubia cordifolia), Karavira (Nerium oleander), Nala Mula (root of Arundo donax/giant reed), and Ananta (Sariva/Hemidesmus indicus) -- this paste destroys Kapha-type Visarpa.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 2: Kvathakalpana (Decoction Preparations); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 10: Asavarishta-Sandhanakalpana (Fermented Preparations); Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
References in Sushruta Samhita
Milk prepared with hibera (vetiver), vakra, manjishtha (madder), and udumbara (fig) bark — or goat's milk with water — is an excellent ashchyotana (eye drop) for pain.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-type Conjunctivitis)
Musta (nut grass), phena (coral calcium), sea utpala (lotus), krimi (worm-wood), ela (cardamom), amalaki seeds, talisha, shaila (rock), gairika (red ochre), ushira (vetiver), and shankha (conch) — these ground with breast milk make the anjana.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis)
Oil prepared with astringent and sweet herbs -- Madhuka (licorice), Ushira (vetiver), Hribera, Sariva (Indian sarsaparilla), Utpala (blue lotus), and Padmaka -- should be used for massaging the child.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 30: Shakunipratishedha
In fevers arising from Pitta, alcohol, or poison: cold water boiled with bitter herbs -- Gangiya (ginger), Nagara, Ushira (vetiver), Parpata, Udichya, and Chandana (sandalwood).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha
A decoction of Shriparni, Chandana (sandalwood), Ushira (vetiver), Parushaka, and Madhuka with sugar destroys Pitta-type fever.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-type Conjunctivitis); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 30: Shakunipratishedha; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.