Vetiver is a grass and it's name is derived from Tamil name "Vettiver". Vettiver is native to India and both it's leaves and roots have wonderful uses. It's roots are mainly used in home remedies. I always have vetiver root at home. Vetiver root is dried and sold in the markets and they last for quite some time. Since India is a tropical country, we as a nation have always been fond of natural ingredients that keep our body cool and vetiver tops that list, because it is such a natural body cooler. I personally love vetiver water that is made by soaking the vetiver roots in water, as it is very fragrant. We also use vetiver in our traditional bath powders. Since vetiver is very fragrant and cooling, using bath powders made with it, cools the body and prevents heat rashes. Other than using it in traditional remedies, it has other wonderful uses too. Vetiver grass is used in mushroom making, as a roof material and for making handicrafts. Other main important use of vetiver is the conservation of soil. The roots of vetiver is very effective in preventing soil erosion. Vetiver essential oil also has wonderful benefits for treating ADHD, acne, depression, arthritis, stress, in making perfumes, etc. Vetiver essential oil is also good for insomnia. A few drops of this essential oil rubbed on the feet calms the mind and brings in sleep for people who suffer from insomnia.
USES OF VETIVER:
1. VETIVER USES FOR SKIN:
Vetiver is an antiseptic and is very effective in preventing acne. Nowadays vetiver essential oil is getting popular for it's wonderful properties. Vetiver is used as a face pack along with sandalwood for making an effective treatment for acne. To make this home remedy for acne, soak dried vetiver root in water overnight. Next day take a sandal wood bark and rub it into a paste with the vetiver water. Add few drops of vetiver essential oil and apply on the affected area continuously for best results.
2. VETIVER USES FOR HAIR:
We
use vetiver root to make vetiver water. This vetiver water can be used for both drinking and as a hair rinse. Vetiver water is very cooling.
It helps to cure painful urination, ulcers and bad breath. This aromatic
water has a calming effect on the nerves and regular intake of this
water helps in general well being and it acts as a blood purifier.
Traditionally vetiver water is always made in clay pots. To make vetiver
water, Take a bunch of vetiver root and place it in the bottom of clay
pots. Pour cooled, boiled water on top the vetiver root and cover the
pot for at least 2 to 3 hrs. After 2 to 3 hrs, the vetiver essence would
have infused into the water. Now take a lime cut into thin slices and
add the slices to the water. You can strain the water while drinking.
This vetiver water is very cooling and refreshing. This vetiver water is
always made during hot summer months and I have to add that I really
love this aromatic vetiver water.
3. VETIVER USE IN BATH POWDER:
The
bath powder is made with vetiver and green gram dal. This bath powder does not strip the skin of the natural oils and regular use
prevents black heads and softens the skin. But this powder will spoil
easily, if the green gram and vetiver is not sun dried till crisp. I
prefer to make small batches of this powder. This bath powder cleanses
well and it can be made into a paste with water and used as a face scrub
too. During winter season, mix the green gram powder with milk or
yogurt and use. To make this powder, sun dry green gram dal and vetiver
in bright sunlight till they get very crisp. Powder it finely in a
mixer. Vetiver is very aromatic, so use just little to make this powder.
Both vetiver and green gram powder are very cooling. This powder is
excellent for small babies, as it does not have any chemicals. Keep the
left over powder in an air tight box away from moisture.
4. VETIVER USE FOR SLEEP:
If you are looking for a natural room cooler that does not dry the skin like our regular air cooler, then vetiver curtains are perfect. The vetiver roots are dried and then woven into window curtains. These curtains are very fragrant and make the whole room smell fresh. The smell from these vetiver curtains relaxes our mind and brings in peaceful sleep. Usually during the hot afternoons, water is sprinkled over these vetiver mats. When the hot air passes through them it cools the air and also adds it's unique wonderful fragrance. It is much better than our regular air coolers, economical and saves so much of electricity.
5. : VETIVER USES FOR HEALTH:
Many of you must have seen these round scrubs hanging in ayurvedic shops and these are the vetiver scrubs. These scrubs are made from vetiver roots. Instead of using loofah sponges, we can try these natural scrubs. These scrubs are antibacterial, can be reused again and again and are greatly fragrant. It improves the circulation in the body and is used to exfoliate the dead cells naturally and keeps the body healthy. Next time if you see these scrubs, give them a try. Before using it, soak it in water for some time and then use it like the regular loofah sponge. If you don't get these sponges, you can make your own too. Take a thick bunch of dried vetiver roots and tie them into a bunch in such a way that it will be easy to use it as a scrub. Soak it in water for few minutes and your scrubber is ready!
