Vetiver

Vetiver is a popular, densely tufted perennial grass belonging to the plant family Poaceae or Gramineae. What makes this plant popular is its branching rootstock which is spongy and aromatic. The main erect and hardy stems grow to a height of over 1.8 metres. The linear leaves, 30- 90 cm. long have sheathing leaf bases that are smooth and firm. The Panicle or loose cluster of flowers is over 30 cm. long, filiform and slightly rough. The stalkless spikelets are linear, long, yellowish, and violet- brown to almost black. In aromatherapy, Vetiver is known for its anti- stress and anti- anxiety usage. It is also reported to be a cure for insomnia and nervous tensions.

MEDICINAL USE:

* Febrifuge or reducing fever, liver complaints, digestive problems, and refrigerant or cools the body.
* Burning sensations during urination, bad breathe, strangury, ulcers, headaches and diseases of the blood.
* Jaundice.
* Boils caused by summer heat.
* Swellings.

HOW TO USE:

* The infusion of the roots is given to take care of the conditions listed in the first two sections under Medicinal Use.
* To take care of jaundice, soak in an earthern pot containing drinking water, one cup of cleaned and crushed Vetiver roots for 24 hours. Drink this water several times in a day for a couple of weeks.
* To take care of boils caused by summer heat, powder 1 cup of Vetiver roots and 1 cup of Sandalwood (Santalum album) scraps and store in a bottle. Mix 1 tablespoon of this powder with water and apply on the affected areas. Allow it to remain for at least 1 hour before washing it away.
* To take care of swellings on the body, apply the paste of the Vetiver root.

PARTS USED:

Roots.

DOSE:

Normal Dosage For:


Adults: 4 or 5 cups a day.
Aged 6 to 9 years: 2 cups a day
Aged 2 to 5 years: 1 cup a day
1 to 2 years: 1/2 cup a day
Below 1 year: 1/4 or less cup a day

A Useful Table for Quick Measurements:
1 tbsp = 5 grams (green herb)
1 dessertspoon = 2 grams (dry herb)
1 teaspoon = 25 drops
1 cup = 16 tbsp


1 litre = 7 or 8 cup