Introduction to Vetiver Root
Vetiver root or khus root, derived from the perennial grass Chrysopogon zizanioides, is renowned for its aromatic and medicinal properties. It’s extensively used in traditional medicine, aromatherapy, and soil erosion control due to its deep and extensive root system. It is also called lavancha root. The root is also distilled to produce vetiver essential oil, which is valued for its calming effects and is used in perfumery.
In traditional medicine, khus root is used to treat various ailments such as mouth ulcers, boils, burns, insect bites, fever, and headaches. It’s also known for its cooling properties, making it a popular choice in tropical regions to alleviate heat-related discomfort.
Usage for Drinking
Khus root, known for its aromatic and medicinal properties, is indeed beneficial for drinking purposes when used appropriately. Here are some of the benefits of consuming vetiver root-infused water:
Anti-inflammatory
It can help reduce inflammation, particularly those caused by heat stroke and dehydration.
Antioxidant
Vetiver root has antioxidant properties that can help in detoxifying the body.
Digestive Aid
Drinking vetiver water can improve digestion and alleviate digestive problems.
Cooling Effect
It is known to have a cooling effect on the body, making it ideal for hot climates.
Skin Health
It can contribute to skin health, potentially preventing acne and promoting clearer skin.
Blood Purifier
Vetiver water is considered to be a blood purifier.
Usage of Face Packs
lavancha root is known for its antiseptic properties and is quite effective in preventing acne. It’s commonly used in face packs, often combined with other natural ingredients like sandalwood, to treat acne and other skin conditions.
Vetiver Face Pack for Acne
- Take 2 tablespoons of vetiver root powder.
- Add 1/2 tablespoon each of rose petals powder, white turmeric powder, and fuller’s earth.
- Mix with rose water or milk to create a paste.
- Apply the paste to your face and leave it for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse with water.
This face pack provides a cooling effect and rejuvenates the skin. Additionally, vetiver essential oil distilled from the roots can be used for treating skin issues. Remember to do a patch test first to ensure you don’t have any allergic reactions. Enjoy your natural skincare routine!
Benefits of Vetiver Root
Vetiver root, known for its aromatic and medicinal properties, offers a variety of benefits:
Skin Care
Vetiver root is commonly used in skin care for its antiseptic properties, helping to treat and prevent acne. It’s also known for reducing inflammation and nourishing the skin.
Anxiety Relief
Infusing vetiver root in water can create a calming effect, reducing anxiety.
Health Remedies
Traditionally, vetiver has been used to treat conditions like mouth ulcers, boils, burns, insect bites, fever, and headaches. It’s also considered a natural body cooler, ideal for tropical climates.
Mental Alertness
Inhalation of vetiver essential oil, which is distilled from the roots, may improve alertness and brain function.
Sleep Quality
Vetiver oil can potentially improve breathing patterns during sleep, which may help with snoring and enhance sleep quality.
Antioxidant Properties
As a natural antioxidant, vetiver can help in detoxifying the body and boosting overall health.
These benefits make vetiver root a versatile ingredient for both physical and mental well-being. Remember to consult with a healthcare provider before using Vetiver for medicinal purposes.
Different Forms
Khus root can be utilized in various forms, each serving different purposes:
Essential Oil
Extracted from the roots, vetiver essential oil is highly valued in the perfumery and aromatherapy industries.
Environmental Applications
The deep, web-forming roots are used for soil stabilization, water retention, and pollution mitigation.
Handicrafts
Dry vetiver roots are used to make mats, baskets, and other household items due to their pleasant aroma and durability.
Culinary Uses
In some regions, vetiver roots are used to flavor cool drinks and make pickles.
Medicinal Uses
khus roots are used in traditional medicine for their various health benefits.
Quality and Sourcing
The quality of vetiver root is influenced by several factors, including the age of the root, the soil composition, and the climate where it’s grown. The roots are known for their strong, finely structured system that can grow deep into the soil, making vetiver highly drought-tolerant and beneficial for soil. The essential oil derived from vetiver roots is valued for its intensity and aromatic properties, and the quality of the oil improves the longer the roots are allowed to mature in the ground.
Sourcing vetiver root responsibly is crucial to ensure sustainability and fair trade practices. In Haiti, which produces some of the world’s most exquisite vetiver, initiatives have been undertaken to support local communities and ensure fair trade certification, which guarantees minimum prices. These efforts also include training on good agricultural practices to limit soil erosion and improve the quality of the roots.
Preparation Instructions
Preparing vetiver root for various uses involves a few steps. Here’s a general guide:
- Harvesting: These roots are typically harvested after 12-18 months of growth to ensure a high concentration of essential oils.
- Cleaning: After harvesting, the roots are washed thoroughly to remove soil and debris.
- Drying: The cleaned roots are then dried, either naturally under the sun or using dehydrators, which is crucial for uses like essential oil extraction and handicrafts.
- Chopping: For essential oil extraction, the dried roots are chopped into smaller pieces to increase the surface area for distillation.
- Distillation: The chopped roots undergo steam distillation to extract the essential oil, which is then collected and stored.
- Crafting: For handicrafts, the dried roots can be woven or integrated into various products directly without further processing.
For culinary or medicinal uses, vetiver roots may be ground into powder. Always ensure that the vetiver roots are sourced sustainably and are of good quality for the best results.
Safety Precautions
Natural products do have powerful effects, so it is essential to use them responsibly. When using vetiver root, it’s important to consider the following safety precautions:
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Vetiver is likely unsafe if you are pregnant as it might cause a miscarriage. It’s best to avoid vetiver if you are breastfeeding due to unknown effects on the nursing infant.
- Medicinal Use: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if vetiver is safe when used in medicinal amounts or what the side effects might be. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using Vetiver for medicinal purposes.
- Topical Application: The safety of vetiver when applied to the skin is not well-established. Perform a patch test before using vetiver oil or products to ensure there are no allergic reactions.
- Inhalation: While vetiver oil is often used in aromatherapy, there isn’t enough reliable information to know if it is safe when inhaled.
- Dosage: The appropriate dose of vetiver depends on several factors, such as the user’s age, health, and other conditions. Natural products are not always necessarily safe, and dosages can be important. Follow product labels and consult your healthcare provider before using.
Retail & Wholesale Price of Vetiver Root
We at K.Somu Chetty & Co. offer the best quality vetiver root for Rs 160 per 250 grams at retail price and Rs 480 per kg when you buy wholesale.
Why buy Vetiver Root from K.Somu Chetty & Co?
We at K.Somu Chetty & Co offer fine-quality vetiver root at the best prices in both retail and wholesale. We have been in business for more than 80 years now, delivering the best quality products at affordable prices to our customers who have the unaltered trust in us since 1943.
We have expertise in importing and exporting Indian herbals, ayurvedic goods and several other products since the establishment of our enterprise. We have always been the best to deliver our carefully crafted products in the best possible manner to our large client base with utmost care and responsibility.
We also have expertise in manufacturing and selling similar products like vetiver scrub, vetiver coconut scrub, maco gel wax, beeswax, paraffin wax, wax color powders, and other wax products for both retail and wholesale prices. We have earned the trust of our customers with our continuous striving efforts and successful deliveries.
Frequently Asked Question
The oil additionally includes compounds that may help reduce scalp irritation, which can contribute to hair loss. The root of the vetiver plant has been utilized in traditional medicine for centuries due to its hair-increase properties.
Vetiver is widely credited for its calming and cooling properties. It also has a natural affinity to the skin, making it a desirable ingredient in cosmetic preparations.
Vetiver has cooling effects with an ability to reduce the dark spots on the skin, which results in even-toned, brighter-looking skin.
Yes, vetiver promotes restful sleep with a few drops of vetiver essential oil in a bath.
Yes, vetiver is good for the face. It reduces dark spots, acne marks, fine lines, and wrinkles. It keeps the skin moisturized.
Yes, we offer bulk purchasing options for vetiver roots at K.Somu Chetty & Co
It is advised to keep the vetiver roots in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture to preserve the aromatic properties of vetiver roots.
