Common Names of Vetiveria Zizanioides
Ushira, also known as Vetiveria zizanioides, belongs to the Graminae family. The English name of this plant is Khashkhash grass.
Occurrence of Vetiveria zizanioides
This plant is found in India, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, tropical Africa and South East Asia. In India, this plant is distributed throughout the plains and lower hills.
Morphology of Vetiveria zizanioides
This plant can grow up to a height of 1.5 m. The stems of this plant are tall and the leaves are thin, long and rather rigid. The flowers are brownish purple in color. The roots of this plant grow downwards, unlike other most grasses which form horizontally spreading. This grass has a gregarious habit and usually grows in tufts.
Shoots of this plant grow from the underground crown and makes this plant frost and wildlife resistant. This allows this grass to survive even in heavy grazing pressure. The leaves can grow up to 150 cm long. 15 cm to 30 cm long panicles of this plant have whorled with 2.5 cm long branches. There are three stamens in the spikelets.
The stems of this plant can persist deep water flow. This plant can survive up to 2 months under clear water.
The root system of this grass is well structured and very strong. Roots can grow up to 3-4 m deep. This plant is highly drought tolerant and hence helps plant to protect soil against sheet erosion. Even new roots can grow out of buried nodes, in case of sediment deposition.
Ayurvedic energetics of Vetiveria zizanioides
Ayurveda is one of an oldest health care system that helps to maintain a healthy body in a natural way.
In Ayurveda, Energetics of This Plant are:
- Rasa (taste) – Tikta (bitter), Madhura (sweet)
- Guna (quality) – Ruksha (dry), Laghu (light)
- Virya (energy) – Shita (cooling)
- Vipaka (post digestive effect) – Katu (pungent)
- Prabhava (Special quality) – None
- Dosha Effect – PK-
- Dhatus (tissues) – Rasa, Rakta, Meda
- Srotas (channels) – Pranavaha, Majjavaha, rasavaha
Uses of Vetiveria zizanioides
In Ayurveda, this grass has been used for centuries. From the roots of this plant, oil is extracted which is in turn used for cosmetic purpose. This plant can also be used for handicrafts and ropes, due to its fibrous properties. This grass is grown for many other purposes. This plant helps to stabilize the soil and hence, protects the plant against soil erosion. This grass can also protect the fields against pests and weeds. This plant has favorable qualities for animal feed. This grass is also used as roof thatch, as it lasts longer than other materials. The light purple colored flowers are used in ornaments.
To buy Ushira (Vetiveria zizanoides) Powder, please visit store.planetayurveda.com/products/ushira-powder.
Yograj Guggulu
The Yograj Guggulu tablets of Planet Ayurveda are prepared by using various ingredients and Ushira is also one of an ingredient. These tablets are good for supporting healthy joints and menstrual cycle in females as well.
Pack size – Each bottle contains 120 tablets in it.
Dosage – 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily, with plain water, after meals.
