ANCIENT HERBS

Herbs are more commonly called plants that have some value with them. They are used because of their qualities such as flavours, scent or some other properties. Each herb is used in different ways. They are mainly used for cooking and for making herbal products that are used for treating various diseases. Indian herbs are a significant part of the history of Ayurveda, the system of traditional medicine which is now popularly called alternative medicine. The herbs have been used by the Vaidyas - the traditional Indian doctors for Ayurvedic treatment- since ages. Different herbs are obtained from different parts of a plant. They may come from roots, leaves, barks, seeds or flowers of a plant. However, the herbal extracts obtained from plants are used in very small quantities. Large amounts of herbs may result in poisoning. This is particularly important fact to be considered by those who use herbs as home remedies. They should always use herbs with utmost caution.

Botanical Name :Juglans Regia Family Name : Juglanduceae Common Name : Walnut, Persian Walnut, European Walnut, Akhrot Part Used : Leaves, Barks, Fruits Habitat : Cultivated in himalayas and the khasia hills. Description Akhrot belongs to the family of Juglandaceae. The botanical name of akhrot is Juglans Regia but it is commonly known as walnut. In fact, its a popular herb as its fruit is extensively used in various food recipes. Though, apart from fruit, its leaves and barks are also put to use for various other issues. For example, the Akhrot leaves happen to be astringent and anthelmintic thus, are helpful in curing eczema, herpes, syphilis and scrofula. In the crushed form, leaves tend to be quite effective as an insect repellent. Akhrot fruit on the other hand, is an aphrodisiac fruit and is often used for treating frequent urination, chronic cough and asthma. Also, Akhrot wood is counted amongst the best woods for making furniture etc. it tends to have a very smooth finish with hardness and grain making it a perfect option for furniture. Uses

One of the most important uses of Akhrot is the treatment of cancer. The cotyledons of akhrot tree is used in treating cancer. Earlier it was used as a folk remedy for cancer treatment but now the researches have proved that it has anti-cancer properties and is thus, used officially for curing cancer. Akhrot seeds are internally used for curing low back pain and weakness of legs, stones in the urinary tract. Skin issues like dermatitis and eczema can be treated by Akhrot seeds paste. The rind of Akhrot plant has astringent properties and is used for treating diarrhea and anemia. Besides, its seed oil is used for treating menstrual issues and skin problems. Akhrot leaves are internally used for treating constipation, dyspepsia, strumous sores and blood purification. The Akhrot fruit is extensively used in different confections, ice creams and cakes. Being sweet in taste it is used in the preparation of various sweets and desserts. Akhrot seed's oil is used as an edible oil for cooking purposes. Though it gets spoiled within a few hours hence, it is advised to use fresh Akhrot oil.

Family Name : LILIACEAE Botanical Name : ALOE VERA, ALOE BARBADENSIS

Common Name : ALOE, BARBADOS ALOE, CURACAO ALOE, INDIAN ALOE, GHI KUNVAR Part Used : FLOWERS, ROOTS Habitat : South and South Western India. Description- Aloe vera is a species of succulent plants that belong to the lily family, Liliaceae. There are around 250 species of Aloe vera plants world over. Believed to have originated in Northern Africa, the Canary islands and Cape Verde, Aloe vera grows in arid climates and is widely found in Africa, India and other arid areas. Sometimes referred to as medicinal aloe, it is widely recognized as a medicinal herb that is useful in treatment of wounds and burns, diabetes as well as elevated blood lipids in humans. Aloe Vera Uses- Due to its soothing, moisturizing, cleansing and healing properties, aloe vera is used by natural cosmetics and alternative medicine industry for making various skin care products as well as juices that are beneficial in conditions like diabetes, jaundice, ameneorrhoea, atonic and piles etc. Aloe vera extracts are used in different forms- juices, gels, lotions etc. Aloe Vera is widely used as antibacterial, anesthetic and antiseptic medicine. It is used for restoration of tissue. Aloe Vera is used as natural moisturizer for getting soft skin. Aloe Vera is used externally to restore skin tissues and for healing burns, minor cuts and sores. Aloe Vera is used as natural sunscreen to counter and heal sunburns. Aloe Vera is used for improving digestion. Aloe Vera is used in treating many diseases such as diabetes , piles ulcers , arthritis, constipation, arteriosclerosis, and amenorrhea. Aloe Vera is used to treat menstrual problems in women.

Family Name : LILIACEAE Botanical Name : ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS Common Name : ASPARAGUS, WILD ASPARAGUS, ASPARAGUS ROOT, SATAVARI Part Used : TUBEROUS ROOTS Uses : The roots are bitter, sweet, emollient, cooling, nervine, tonic, constipating, opthalimic, anobyne, aphrodisiac. They are useful in nervous disorders, dyspepsia, tumours, scalding of urine, throat infections, tuberclosis, cough bronchitis and general debility.

Rosary Pea
Binomial Name(s): Abrus precatorius Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Fabales Family: Fabaceae Subfamily: Faboideae Tribe: Abreae Genus: Abrus Species: A. precatorius Popular Name(s): Jequerity, Crab's Eye, Precatory Bean, Tento Muido, Cain Ghe, Graines Reglisse, Weesboontje, Rakat, Hint Meyankoku, Hung Tou, Jequerit, Liane Reglisse, Ma Liao Tou, Paratella, Paternoster Parts Used: Seeds, leaves Habitat: Throughout Central India Description Rosary Pea is a twining herb, with long, pinnate-leafleted feathery leaves. Its flowers are rose to purple in color, growing at the end of a stalk. On the other hand, fruits are short pods, containing hard, shiny, scarlet and black seeds. The herb is also identified as Gunja in Sanskrit and some Indian languages. Native to Indonesia, the plant is mostly found in the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. If proper care is not taken while growing it, the plant might become weedy and invasive in the areas where it has been introduced. Plant Chemicals (+)-abrine, Abraline, Abrasine, Abricin, Abrin, Abrisin, Abrusgenic-acid, Abrusgenic-acid-methyl-ester, Abruslactone, Abrussic-acid, Anthocyanins, Ash, Calcium, Campesterol, Choline, Cycloartenol, Delphinidin, Gallic-acid,, Glycyrrhizin, Hypaphorine, N,n-dimethyl-tryptophan, N,n-dimethyl-tryptophan-metho-cation-methylester, P-coumaroylgalloyl-glucodelphinidin, Phosphorus, Pectin, Pentosans, Picatorine, Polygalacturonic-acids, Precasine, Precatorine, Protein Trigonelline Uses & Benefits of Rosary Pea

Caution

Rosary pea roots are used for treating gonorrhea, jaundice and haemoglobinuric bile. The oil extracted from seeds of the herb is said to promote the growth of human hair. The herb is also used as an abortifacient, laxative, sedative and aphrodisiac. The leaves of Rosary pea are used to make tea, which is known to be useful in treating fevers, coughs and colds. The white seeds of the herb are used in the Siddha medicine, to make oil that is regarded as an equivalent of the present-day Viagra. The seeds of Rosary pea have anodyne, antimicrobial, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, febrifuge, hemostat, purgative, and refrigerant properties. The seeds, after being converted to vermifuge paste, can be applied topically, in case of sciatica, stiffness of shoulder joints and paralysis. In some traditional medicines, the herb is used to treat scratches, sores and wounds caused by dogs, cats and mice. The paste of its roots is often used in the treatment of abdominal pains and tumors. The juice derived from the paste of the leaves and seeds of rosary pea can be used to treat grey hair.

The seeds of Rosary pea are highly poisonous. In the powdered form, they have been known to disturb the uterine functions and also prevent conception in women. If consumed raw, the seeds can result in nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain and diarrhea, and burning in throat, initially. Later on, ulcerative lesions of mouth and esophagus might result. Eye damage, conjunctivitis and even blindness might result from coming in contact with an infusion of the seed extracts.

Cydonia Oblonga
Botanical Name(s): Cydonia Oblonga Family Name: Rosaceae Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Rosales Family: Rosaceae Subfamily: Maloideae, Spiraeoideae Genus: Cydonia Species: C. oblonga Popular Name(s): Quince Seeds, Cydonian Apple, Elephant Apple, Maja Pahit, Pineapple Quince, Vilvam, Quitte, Bedana, Coing Parts Used: Seeds Habitat: Native to southwest and Central Asia. Description A small deciduous tree, Cydonia Oblonga, also known as quince, is often related to apples and bears and has a pome fruit just like them. The temperate tree is 5 to 8 meters tall and 4 to 6 meters wide. The fruit is green, with dense grey-white pubescence when immature and turns to bright golden yellow on maturity. The stronglyperfumed fruit is pear-shaped and 7 to 12 cm in length and 6 to 9 cm in breadth. The simple alternately arranged leaves are 6 to 11 cm in length, with an entire margin and fine white hair. The flowers are white or pink, with five petals in each flower and are produced in the spring. The quince is native to Persia, but was also cultivated in Greece and Turkey. Today, the herb is cultivated throughout the world. Turkey produces a quarter of the worlds total production of quinoa and thus, ranks first. Plant Chemicals (+)- oxalic acid, citric acid (13.6%), malic acid, quinic acid (72.2%), shikimic acid, fumaric acid, ascorbic acid, 3caffeoylquinic acid, 5-caffeoylquinic acis, polymeric procyanidins. Uses & Benefits of Cydonia Oblonga

Cydonia Oblonga is used to prepare a variety of recipes. It is used to make jam, jelly and quince pudding. The fruit can be eaten in the raw as well as cooked form. If the fruit smells very strong, it can added in small quantities to apple pies and jams to enhance their flavor. The popular jam called marmalade is made using quince and its name has been derived from marmelo, the Portuguese word for the fruit. Cydonia Oblonga is also used in making a type of wine.


Caution

In the Balkans, the fruit is used to prepare brandy. The dried pits of quince are used in treating sore throat and relieving cough. A teaspoon of quince jam, when dissolved in a cup of boiling water, helps in relieving intestinal discomfort. It is used for treating digestive disorders and gastrointestinal inflammation. Cydonia Oblonga is used as an infusion to treat diarrhea and hemorrhage of the bowel. In the form of a topical lotion, quince is used to soothe eyes. It is also used as a compressor poultice for injuries, inflammation of the joints, injuries of the nipples and gashed or deeply cut fingers. In Iran, quince seeds are used as a remedy for pneumonia and lung disease. Quince is eaten in sandwiches, with cheese (traditionally manchego cheese) or fresh curd. In Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Spain, Uruguay and Venezuela, a dish known as dulce de membrillo is prepared by cooking the quince into a reddish jello-like block or firm reddish paste. In Syria, a dish called kibbeh safarjalieh is prepared by cooking quince in pomegranate paste with shank meat and kibbeh (a Middle Eastern meat pie with burghul and mince meat). The seeds of Cydonia Oblonga are used in the cosmetic industry and for medicinal cosmetics.

Prolonged use or large internal doses of Cydonia Oblonga might lead to gastric irritation. Never ever bit into a quince, its taste might put you off the fruit completely.

Lemongrass
Botanical Name(s): Cymbopogon Citratus Family Name: Poaceae Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Liliopsida Order: Poales Family: Poaceae (Gramineae) Subfamily: Panicoideae Tribe: Andropogoneae Genus: Cymbopogon Species: 55 species of grasses Popular Name(s): Barbed Wire Grass, Silky Heads, Citronella Grass, Fever Grass, Hierba Luisa Parts Used: Leaves, roots Habitat: Tropical grasslands Description Lemongrass is a thick, tropical and long grass that is native to India and an important ingredient in the Asian cuisine. Its thin, grass-like, grey-green leaves grow up to 6 feet in the tropics, and about 3 feet in more northerly climates. The plant has leaves at the top and a solid portion, several inches long, at the root end. The lower portion is sliced or pounded. It is known with a variety of names, including barbed wire grass, lemongrass, fever grass, silky heads, citronella grass, and hierba luisa. Lemongrass has dense fibrous roots, with ringed segments and short underground stems. The blades of the grass reach 90 cm in length and 0.5 cm in breadth. The plant emits lemon-like odor and a citrus taste. It can easily be grown from seed or a stalk, with a few roots attached and immersed in water. This can further be transplanted to the garden. Today, lemongrass is grown throughout Southeast Asia, Southern India, Sri Lanka, Central Africa, Brazil, Guatemala, the US and the West Indies, for its medicinal and culinary benefits.

Plant Chemicals Lemongrass comprises of volatile oil (0.4%), 65- 85% citral (a composition of isomers, geraniol and neral), geraniol, geranic acid, nerolic acid, myrcene (12% to 25%), diterpenes, methylheptenone, citronellol, linalol, farnesol, other alcohols, aldehydes, linalool, terpineol, minor fragrant components. Nonvolatile components of C. citratus consist of luteolins, homo-orientin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p -coumaric acid, fructose, sucrose, octacosanol, Flavonoids luteolin and 6-C-glucoside. Uses & Benefits of Lemongrass

Lemongrass is commonly used in cuisine of Asian countries, like Thailand and Vietnam, as it provides an aromatic flavor to the dish. In addition, it also balances the spicy hot chilies used in these cuisines. The herb is used in detoxifying the digestive organs of the body, like pancreas, liver, kidney and bladder. It stimulates digestion and blood circulation in the body and hence, keeps gastric and indigestion problems at bay. Indians use lemongrass as citronella (an element) in making scents for soaps, perfumes and candles. The same component is also used as mosquito repellant. The sweet smelling oil obtained from lemongrass is of significant use in aromatherapy, as it helps in relieving stress and tension from the body. The plant is used in Brazil to treat nervous disorders, stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, flu and headaches. Lemongrass is used in herbal teas and other nonalcoholic beverages in baked goods, and in confections. The antiseptic and astringent properties of the plant are also used by some people to cleanse oily skin and help close pores. A few drops of lemongrass oil can be used to combat greasy hair and as a deodorant to curb perspiration.

Caution

People suffering from skin allergy should avoid the excessive use of lemongrass, as it can boost the signs of allergy. It should not be taken internally by children, pregnant women and even breast feeding mothers or people suffering from liver or kidney disease. Avoid any contact of the herb with the eyes, in any form, as it can irritate the eyes as well as the respiratory tract, in sensitive people.

Ginger Lily
Botanical Name(s): Hedychium Family Name: Zingiberaceae Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Zingiberales Family: Zingiberaceae Genus: Hedychium Species: Hedychium coccineum, Hedychium coronarium, Hedychium gardnerianum, Hedychium spicatum Popular Name(s): Hedichium, Kapur Kachri, Garland Flower, Kahili Ginger, Spiked Ginger Lily Parts Used: Rhizomes Habitat: Grows in Sub Tropical Himalayas. Description Ginger lily is a perennial attractive plant that reaches a height of up to 6 feet (120 to 180 cm). It is a smallish hardy ginger with green leaves measuring 30 cm or more. The flowers are large and beautiful, in orange and white color. They have a heavy sweet fragrance and can grow in all conditions, from full sun to filtered shade. Some species of ginger lily are grown as ornamental plants. The plant is native to tropical Asia and the Himalayas. It is also known as takhellei in Manipuri. One of its species, white ginger lily (Hedychium coronarium) is the national flower of Cuba, where it is known as Flor de Mariposa. A farmers house is not complete without a white ginger in the garden. Hedychium is common in Brazil, where it is considered an invasive weed. Plant Chemicals (+)- essential oil (ethyl ester of p-methoxy cinnamic acid, d-sabirene cineole, sesquiterpenes, pentadecane methyl paracumarine acetate), starch, resins, organic acids, glycoside (sitosterol, -D-glycoside), albumen, saccharine. Uses & Benefits of Ginger Lily

Ginger lily is digestive, stomachic and vasodilator. It is used in treating nausea, halitosis, vomiting, diminished appetite, hiccups and local inflammation. The rootstock is carminative, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic and tonic. The rhizomes of ginger lily are used in treating asthma and internal injuries. The rhizomes are powdered and used as an antiseptic agent and as a poultice for various aches and pains. Ginger lily is also helpful in treating liver complaints, indigestion and poor circulation due to thickening of the blood. Its rootstalk is used in treating bronchitis and alleviating pain.

Common Walnut

Name(s): Persian Walnut, English Walnut Parts Used: Walnut, Persian Walnut, European Walnut, Akhrot Habitat: Cultivated in Himalayas and the Khasi hills Description Common walnut refers to the original walnut tree of the Old World, comprising of Asia, Africa and Europe. The tree is native to the region stretching from the Balkans, eastward to the Himalayas and Southwest China. The largest forests where common walnut trees are found are in Kyrgyzstan. It is a large deciduous tree, with a height ranging from 25- 35 m. Its trunk is up to 2m in diameter. Commonly, these trees have a short trunk and broad crown, though taller and narrower versions are seen in denser forests. This plant species require a lot of sunlight to grow. The bark of common walnut is smooth and olive brown in color when young. It assumes a silver grey

color as it ages, with scattered broad fissures and a rougher texture. The leaves of the plant are alternately arranged and are 25-40 cm in length. Plant Chemicals Amino acids, Ash, Crude protein, Dietary fiber, Oil content and Starch Uses & Benefits of Common Walnut

The cotyledons of common walnut tree are used in the treatment of cancer. The plant has long been used as a folk remedy for treating cancer. Recent researches conducted on some extracts from the plant have shown anti-cancer properties as well.

The seeds are antilithic, diuretic and stimulant. They are used internally for remedying low back pain, frequent urination, weakness of legs, chronic cough, asthma, constipation (due to dryness) or anaemia and stones in the urinary tract. They are used to make a paste and externally applied to areas of dermatitis and eczema.

The leaves of the plant are alterative, anthelmintic, antiinflamatory, astringent and depurative. They are internally used for treating constipation, chronic coughs, asthma, diarrhoea, dyspepsia etc. The leaves are used to cure skin ailments as also to purify the blood. They are also known for remedying strumous sores.

The rind of the plant is anodyne and contains properties of an astringent. It is used for treating diarrhea and anemia. The oil obtained from its seeds is anthelmintic and is used in the treatment of menstrual problems and skin ailments.

The seed from the plant is eaten raw and is also used widely in confections, cakes, ice cream etc. It has a delicious flavor, making it suitable to be used in a range of sweet dishes. The seed is also used to obtain edible oil used for cooking. However, it cannot be stored and has to be used the very moment it is obtained, as it can go rancid very quickly. Common walnut is used in making flower remedies for Bachs flower essence therapy.

Cardamom
Botanical Name(s): Elettaria Cardamomum Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Liliopsida Order: Zingiberales Family: Zingiberaceae Genus: Elettaria Maton Species: Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton Popular Name(s): Cardamon, Malabar Cardamom, Elachi Parts Used: Seed Habitat: Commonly found in South India Description Cardamom is an evergreen, perennial ginger-like plant, with thick rhizomes and erect stems, bearing pointed leaves. White flowers with a pink to violet striped lip are born in a loose spike in summers, followed by pale green to beige, 3-celled capsules or pods, containing 15-20 aromatic seeds. The small, brown-black sticky seeds are contained in three double rows, with about six seeds in each row. The seeds are pungent, warm and aromatic. Elettaria and Amomum are the two main genera of the ginger family that are named as forms of cardamom. Elettaria is commonly called cardamom, green cardamom, or true cardamom, whereas Amomum is commonly known as black cardamom, brown cardamom, Kravan, Java cardamom, Bengal cardamom, Siamese cardamom,

white or red cardamom. Plant Chemicals a-pinene, b-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, a-phellandrene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, y-terpinene, p-cymene, terpinolene, linalool, linalyl acetate, terpinen-4-oil, a-terpineol, a-terpineol acetate, citronellol, nerol, geraniol, methyl eugenol and trans-nerolidol. Uses & Benefits of Cardamom

Cardamom is used internally for indigestion, nausea, vomiting and pulmonary disease with copious phlegm. It can be used with a laxative to prevent stomach pain, griping, as well as flatulence. Cardamom seeds are chewed to sweeten the breath and to detoxify caffeine, in people taking excessive amounts of coffee. They are also used as a spice in cooking and as a flavoring in other medicines.

The oil made from cardamom seeds is very good for digestive system. It functions as a laxative and soothes colic, wind, dyspepsia and nausea. It also works to warm the stomach and helps with heart burn.

In South Asia, green cardamom is extensively used to treat infections in teeth and gums. It is also used to prevent throat troubles, congestion of the lungs, pulmonary tuberculosis and inflammation of eyelids. Cardamom is also brought in used to kidney stones and gall stones. The culinary uses of cardamom are enormous, notably in India. In a variety of dishes, the seeds are bruised and fried before the main ingredients. In Scandinavia, cardamom is often used in baking dishes. Cardamom species, in a different genus Amomum, are used to make traditional Indian medicines. Among the other species and varieties of cardamom, Amomum villosum is used in making some traditional Chinese medicine, which can treat stomachaches, constipation, dysentery, and other digestion problems.

Tskao, a variety of cardamom cultivated in Yunnan and China, is used for both medicinal purposes and a spice.

Caution

Pregnant women as well as those who are breastfeeding need to exercise caution while consuming cardamom. In case you plan to give cardamom to children, it is advisable to consult a health care provider beforehand. Always buy cardamom oil from reputed pharmacies only. Otherwise, you can end up with a fake version of the same.

Rose Petals
Botanical Name(s): Rosa Centifolia Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Rosales Family: Rosaceae Genus: Rosa

Species: R. centifolia Popular Name(s): Red Rose, Pink Rose Parts Used: Red Rose petals, Pink Rose petals, Rose oil, Rose leaves, Rose buds, Rose Calyx, Rose roots. Habitat: Cultivated throughout India Description Rose plants are usually shrubby, in appearance with long drooping canes and grayish green leaves. The flowers are round and globular, with thin overlapping petals that are highly scented. The shrub is erect, with a height of 3 to 6 feet. The branches are closely covered with nearly straight prickles. The shoots of the plant are also erect. The leaves are unequally pinnate and there are 5 to 7 leaflets, which are oblong or ovate. The flowers of rose plant, which account for the petals, are large and pinkish or red in color. The flowers vary in hues, form and size. There are 100 documented varieties of flowers from this plant. Plant Chemicals The petals contain volatile oil, tannic acid, coloring matter, saccharine matter, mineral salts, and salts of malic and tartaric acids, etc. In addition to substantial proportions of vitamin C, rose petals contain other chemical amalgams, which comprise 11 per cent of pectin and three per cent of a mix of malic and citric acids. Researchers are of the opinion that the presence of malic acid and citric acid are the reason behind the laxative and diuretic effects. Uses & Benefits of Rose Petals

Rose petals are rejuvenating and prove to be a tonic. They are used to treat internal asthma, high blood pressure, bronchitis, slow circulation, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), cough, fever and fluid retention, indigestion, insomnia, palpitation, stress and urinary tract infections.

Due to their strong and pleasant fragrance, rose petals are used for making essential oils and perfumes. They are ingested as a tea to provide a comforting effect and diminish body temperatures during high fevers. The tea also effectively cleanses toxins and heat from the body. The infusion prepared from the rose petals is used to alleviate cold and flu symptoms. The infusion is also effective in treating sore throats, runny nose and congested bronchial tracts. The petals effectively combat infections in the digestive system and restore the normal and essential bacteria in the intestines. They have a diuretic effect and hence, are beneficial in relieving excessive fluids from the urinary bladder. Rose petals help to get rid of the waste and toxic substances in the body, through the kidneys. They alleviate problems of insomnia, depression, fatigue and comfort tetchiness.

Khus Khus
Botanical Name(s): Vetiveria Zizanoides Family Name: Poaceae Kingdom: Plantae (Plants) Subkingdom: Tracheobionta (Vascular Plants) Superdivision: Spermatophyta Seed plants

Division: Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants) Class: Liliopsida (Monocotyledons) Subclass: Commelinidae Order: Cyperales Family: Poaceae (Grass family) Genus: Vetiveria Bory (vetivergrass) Species: Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash (vetivergrass) Popular Name(s): Khas Khas, Cuscus and Vetivert Parts Used: Roots and Essential oil Habitat: Cultivated in plains and low hills of India Description Vetiveria zizanioides, also known as khas khas, khas or khus grass, is native to India. It is a densely tufted grass, with long, thin and rigid leaves and can grow up to 1.5 meters high. The grass grows well in rich marshy soil that is found throughout the plains and lower hills of India, especially on the riverbanks. The plant is different from the other grass forms, in that instead of having mat-like root systems, it befits in growing downwards and can grow up to 2-4 meters in depth. The plant is well known for its oil that is used in medicine and perfumery. Along with this, Khas Khas is also used for cooling purposes, flavoring sharbats, and making mats, hand fans etc. Today the plant is cultivated in the North Indian states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab and in the South Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Plant Chemicals Its main chemical components are benzoic acid, vetiverol, furfurol, a and b-vetivone, vetivene and vetivenyl vetivenate. The chemical components of the oil obtained from the plant is benzoic acid, furfurol, vetivene, vetivenyl vetivenate, terpinen-4-ol, 5-epiprezizane, Khusimene, a-muurolene, Khusimone, Calacorene, humulene, a-longipinene, ?-selinene, d-selinene,d-cadinene, valencene, Calarene,-gurjunene, a-amorphene, Epizizanal, 3-epizizanol, Khusimol, Iso-khusimol, Valerenol, -vetivone, a-vetivone, vetivazulene. Uses & Benefits of Khus Khus

Khus khus is a boon for farmers in warm climates, as it prevents soil erosion. As the plant grows exclusively downward, it helps to block the runoff of surface water and conserves soil. Hence, it is used to create boundaries for rice paddies.

The fragrant essential oil obtained from the plant root is quite famous throughout the world. It is used in high-end perfumes, for its fixative properties. The mats made from khus khus plant are hung in the house, to cool rooms during summer. Moreover, they even add a pleasant aroma in the house, when sprinkled with water occasionally. The herb is tied in a muslin cloth and added to the earthen pots filled with water, to lend its distinctive flavor and aroma to it. It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects that provide relief from inflammations in circulatory system and nervous system. Khus khus is used to create a tonic bath, which is the reason why it is often included in high quality soaps. In addition, it finds an application in combat lice as well. It is a boon for individuals suffering from rheumatism, arthritis, gout, muscular aches, dryness and cracking of skin etc. The oil obtained from khus khus has sedative effect and aids in the treatment of emotional outbursts, such as anger, anxiety, epileptic and hysteric attacks, restlessness, nervousness, etc.

Caution

The oil obtained from khus khus is known to be safe, non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.