Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Usheer is extensively referenced in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India across various dosage forms for its cooling properties. In the Bhaishajyaratnavali it acts as the primary ingredient in Ushirasava indicated for bleeding disorders and skin diseases and is a key component in Sarivadyasava for urinary issues and Shrikhandasava for intoxication. The Ashtangahrdaya lists it in the famous refrigerant formula Shadanga Kvatha for fever and thirst and in Anu Taila under the synonym Sevya. In Sahasrayoga it appears in Kaccuradi Curna for relieving headaches and burning sensations. Additionally it is found in Arkaprakasha within Karpuradyarka and in Dashanga Lepa for treating erysipelas and fever.
Usheer, commonly known as Vetiver or Khus, is a tall, tufted, perennial aromatic grass. In Ayurveda, the fragrant fibrous roots of this plant are highly prized for their cooling (Sheeta) and soothing properties. It is a renowned refrigerant, widely used to treat health issues related to excess heat in the body, such as burning sensations, fevers, and bleeding disorders. It is also famous for its use in regulating sweating and body odor.
Usheer is a dense, clumping grass with aromatic, spongy roots. These roots are the source of the famous Vetiver oil. In traditional Ayurveda, Usheer is described as Dahaprasamana (reliever of burning sensation) and Angamarda-prasamana (reliever of body aches). It is considered a "natural air conditioner" for the body, used internally in drinks and medicines, and externally as pastes or mats to provide relief from scorching heat and skin disorders.
Based on its therapeutic indications in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India and Charaka Samhita:
Usheer is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
(General guidance based on formulations):
Usheer is considered very safe and is commonly consumed as a summer drink (Sherbet) in India. It is well-tolerated by children and the elderly.
ResearchGate – Ethnomedicinal and essential oil research on Vetiver.
https://www.researchgate.net
Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, especially in the summer season, weak infusions (Khus water) can be taken daily to maintain body temperature.
Q. When should it be taken?
Medicinal formulations like Usirasava are generally taken after meals. Herbal teas or cooling drinks can be taken during the hot part of the day.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes. Water is the most common vehicle for Usheer preparations. It is also used in medicated milks and ghees.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Usheer is extensively referenced in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India across various dosage forms for its cooling properties. In the Bhaishajyaratnavali it acts as the primary ingredient in Ushirasava indicated for bleeding disorders and skin diseases and is a key component in Sarivadyasava for urinary issues and Shrikhandasava for intoxication. The Ashtangahrdaya lists it in the famous refrigerant formula Shadanga Kvatha for fever and thirst and in Anu Taila under the synonym Sevya. In Sahasrayoga it appears in Kaccuradi Curna for relieving headaches and burning sensations. Additionally it is found in Arkaprakasha within Karpuradyarka and in Dashanga Lepa for treating erysipelas and fever.
Usheer, commonly known as Vetiver or Khus, is a tall, tufted, perennial aromatic grass. In Ayurveda, the fragrant fibrous roots of this plant are highly prized for their cooling (Sheeta) and soothing properties. It is a renowned refrigerant, widely used to treat health issues related to excess heat in the body, such as burning sensations, fevers, and bleeding disorders. It is also famous for its use in regulating sweating and body odor.
Usheer is a dense, clumping grass with aromatic, spongy roots. These roots are the source of the famous Vetiver oil. In traditional Ayurveda, Usheer is described as Dahaprasamana (reliever of burning sensation) and Angamarda-prasamana (reliever of body aches). It is considered a "natural air conditioner" for the body, used internally in drinks and medicines, and externally as pastes or mats to provide relief from scorching heat and skin disorders.
Based on its therapeutic indications in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India and Charaka Samhita:
Usheer is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
(General guidance based on formulations):
Usheer is considered very safe and is commonly consumed as a summer drink (Sherbet) in India. It is well-tolerated by children and the elderly.
ResearchGate – Ethnomedicinal and essential oil research on Vetiver.
https://www.researchgate.net
Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, especially in the summer season, weak infusions (Khus water) can be taken daily to maintain body temperature.
Q. When should it be taken?
Medicinal formulations like Usirasava are generally taken after meals. Herbal teas or cooling drinks can be taken during the hot part of the day.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes. Water is the most common vehicle for Usheer preparations. It is also used in medicated milks and ghees.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem