Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides)
Learn about Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides), an Ayurvedic herb known for its cooling, anti-allergic, antimicrobial, and skin-supportive properties, along with its uses, dosage, and health benefits.
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Introduction
Ushira, commonly known as cuscus grass, is an Ayurvedic herb that is a densely tufted perennial grass with spongy, aromatic roots. It is also known as “Naladham” due to its pleasant aroma. The botanical name, Vetiveria zizanioides, is derived from the words vetiver, meaning “aromatic root,” and zizanoides, meaning “growing on the riverside.” Ayurveda has mentioned this herb since ancient times for the treatment of various ailments as well as for use in religious ceremonies. Dr. Gupta’s IAFA has utilized this herb in unique skin rejuvenation formulations and for the management of various skin disorders, including allergic conditions.
Various studies have demonstrated the pharmacological activities of this herb, including antimicrobial, antiallergic, and antipyretic properties. It is considered a Vata- and Pitta-pacifying herb (alleviating Vata and Pitta doshas) and is therefore widely used in the treatment of diseases caused by the vitiation of Rakta (blood) and Kushta (skin disorders, including allergic skin diseases), which are believed to involve the predominant aggravation of Vata and Pitta doshas.
The roots of Vetiveria zizanioides contain bioactive compounds extracted using ethanol and have demonstrated anticonvulsant activity. The roots are the most commonly used part of the plant and exhibit numerous therapeutic properties. The plant’s extracts and fractions have also been found to be effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In particular, the ethanolic extract and hexane fraction have shown potent antimycobacterial activity. The roots also possess excellent antioxidant activity. Owing to its significant therapeutic potential, Vetiveria zizanioides is widely used in both Ayurvedic and modern herbal medicine.
Action of Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides) in Allergy
The major phytoconstituents naturally present in Vetiveria zizanioides include isobisabolene, khusol, khusinol, khusilal, and isokhusimol. These bioactive compounds are reported to possess antimicrobial, antiallergic, and antipyretic properties. Ushira is traditionally believed to help purify vitiated blood through its detoxifying action, which in turn aids in the management of disorders arising from blood vitiation. The herb is also cultivated around residential areas to provide a cooling effect to the surroundings as well as to the body and mind. Traditionally, the practice of growing Ushira near homes is believed to help prevent various ailments, including allergic skin disorders.
Vernacular Names
| Hindi name | Khas, Ushira |
| Sanskrit name | Nalada, Amrnala, Veerana, Virani, Veeratara, Valaka, Balaka, Truna Valukam Mulakam Abhaya, Ranapriya, Virataru, Haripriya, Jalavasa, Jalaamoda, Mrunal, Mrunal, Samagandhika, Sugandhamula, Bahu Moola, Sheet Moola |
| English name | khas khas grass, Kus Kus grass, Vetiver |
| Bengali name | Khaskhas, Venaghas |
| Tamil name | Vettiver, Vetivera |
| Malayalam name | Ramachan |
| Gujarati name | Valo |
| Kannada name | Lavancha |
| Marathi name | Vala |
Botanical Name
Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn.) Nash
Family
Gramineae
Phytomorphology of Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides)
Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides) is a perennial grass that grows up to 2 meters in height. It is frost-tender and thrives in warm climates. The species is hermaphroditic, bearing both male and female reproductive organs. It prefers moist soil and can grow in both semi-shaded areas (such as light woodland) and full sunlight.
Ayurvedic Reference of Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides)
Phytogeography of Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides)
Ushira is listed as a “coolant” herb in Ayurveda. It is commonly found growing along the banks of streams and backwaters and is also widely cultivated. The herb is distributed throughout India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.
Phytoconstituents of Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides)
Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides) contains a wide range of phytochemical constituents, including allokhusiol, benzoic acid, cyclocopacamphene, epikhusinol, epizizanal, 2-epizizanone, β-eudesmol, eugenol, isokhusimol, isokhusinol oxide, isovalencenol, isovalencenic acid, khusimol acetate, khusinodiol, khusinol, khusitoneol, laevojujenol, levojunenol, vanillin, vetiselinenol, β- and γ-vetivene, vetivenic acid, vetiverol, zizaene, and zizanol.
(Reference: From Dravyaguna Vigyana, Vol. II, by Dr JLN Shastry)
Parts Used of Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides)
Usheerasava is used to manage excessive thirst and excessive sweating.
- Ushira Root
- Vetiver Oil
Dosage of Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides)
- Powder (choornam) – 3-6 gm per day
- Juices (swaras) – 30-40 ml two times a day
- Decoction (Kwath) – 50-100-ml two times a day
Medicinal Properties and Uses of Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides)
- Gastritis and Heartburn: Stimulates digestive enzymes and helps relieve the burning sensation in the stomach.
- Antipyretic: Traditionally used to help manage fever.
- Piles and Fistula: Useful in the management of bleeding disorders and abscesses.
- Aromatic Use: Helps relieve excessive thirst, excessive sweating, and unpleasant body odor.
- Renal Disorders: Helps relieve burning micturition (dysuria) and urinary retention and acts as a diuretic.
- Neuroprotective: Traditionally used in the management of disorders associated with Vata Dosha imbalance, including convulsions, neuralgia, and paralysis.
- Antiemetic: Helps relieve vomiting.
- Food Allergies: Traditionally regarded as having detoxifying properties and is believed to help eliminate Ama Dosha (metabolic toxins) from the body.
- Skin Disorders: Traditionally used in the management of skin diseases, including leprosy, promotes wound healing, and helps relieve the burning sensation of the skin when applied externally.
- Eye Discomfort: Helps relieve the burning sensation in the eyes.
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- Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)
Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®
Home Remedies of Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides)
Ayurvedic herbs have gained widespread popularity due to their traditional use and growing body of research investigating their potential benefits in the management of various diseases. As interest in natural remedies has increased, many people have turned to herbal alternatives alongside conventional medicine. This has contributed to the growing demand for herbs such as Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides). The fine powder of Ushira root is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and is applied to support wound healing and the management of certain skin disorders.
- Fever: Ushira is one of the ingredients in Shadanga Paniya, a classical Ayurvedic formulation consisting of six herbs that is traditionally used in the management of fever.
- Vomiting: In Ayurveda, a combination of Balaka (Pavonia odorata) and Ushira administered with rice water is traditionally recommended to help relieve vomiting.
- Ulcer and Wound Healing: The fine powder of Ushira root is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and is applied externally to support wound healing and the management of certain skin disorders.
- Relief from Excessive Thirst: Ushira roots possess cooling properties. Traditionally, the roots are crushed and boiled in water to prepare a herbal drink that helps relieve excessive thirst.
- Diabetes Mellitus: In Ayurvedic practice, a decoction prepared from Ushira root along with Haridra (Curcuma longa) and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) is traditionally used as a supportive remedy in the management of diabetes mellitus.
- Skin Disorders: A paste prepared from crushed Ushira roots and Neem (Azadirachta indica) is traditionally applied externally to help manage various skin disorders.
- Control of Unpleasant Odor: Vetiveria zizanioides is well known for its pleasant aroma. Traditionally, the fragrant smoke produced by burning its roots has been used to help reduce unpleasant odors.
Dr. Gupta’s dedication to promoting Ayurveda has earned widespread recognition by providing authentic herbal solutions to countless Ayurveda followers. IAFA is committed to conducting extensive scientific research to establish and validate the therapeutic potential of Ayurvedic herbs.
Every herb used in IAFA’s formulations is carefully selected through stringent quality control measures to ensure the highest standards of purity, safety, and efficacy, enabling our customers to receive maximum benefits.
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