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Khas
Khas
Khas is a perennial herb which is cultivated for the production of a commercially important essential oil used in perfumes. Khas has cooling properties and is used for preparing Sherbet or flavored drinks during summers. This herb is a good source of omega fatty acids, vitamins, proteins, minerals and dietary fibers.
Khus helps to improve digestion as it is high in dietary fibers. Taking Khas root decoction for a few days helps manage rheumatic pain and stiffness due to its anti-inflammatory property. Consuming Khas churna helps manage diabetes by increasing insulin secretion due to its antidiabetic property.
Khas is also good for the skin due to its antioxidant property. Topical application of Khas oil helps heal acne scars and marks on the skin. It also helps manage oily skin and prevents the formation of stretch marks. Moreover, Khas oil can also be used as a pest killer and an insect repellent. As per Ayurveda, applying Khas essential oil on the scalp and hair helps control hair fall and promotes hair growth. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) property which removes excessive dryness from hair.
It is advisable to avoid Khas during cough and cold as it might lead to the formation and accumulation of mucus in the respiratory passages due to its Sita (cold) property which might cause difficulty in breathing[2-4][11].
Khus helps to improve digestion as it is high in dietary fibers. Taking Khas root decoction for a few days helps manage rheumatic pain and stiffness due to its anti-inflammatory property. Consuming Khas churna helps manage diabetes by increasing insulin secretion due to its antidiabetic property.
Khas is also good for the skin due to its antioxidant property. Topical application of Khas oil helps heal acne scars and marks on the skin. It also helps manage oily skin and prevents the formation of stretch marks. Moreover, Khas oil can also be used as a pest killer and an insect repellent. As per Ayurveda, applying Khas essential oil on the scalp and hair helps control hair fall and promotes hair growth. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) property which removes excessive dryness from hair.
It is advisable to avoid Khas during cough and cold as it might lead to the formation and accumulation of mucus in the respiratory passages due to its Sita (cold) property which might cause difficulty in breathing[2-4][11].
What are the synonyms of Khas?
Vetiveria zizanioides, Adhaya, Sevya, Usir, Virina, Venarramula, Khaskhas, Cuscus Grass, Sugandhi Valo, Valo, Khasa, Gandar, Bena, Baladaberu, Mudivala, Lamanch, Bala Deberu, Ramaceam, Vetiver, Lamajja, Ramacham, Bala, Vala, Ushira, Benachera, Panni, Vilamichaver, Vetivelu, Vettiveru, Khus, Virana[1].
What is the source of Khas?
Plant Based
Benefits of Khas
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available to support the role of Khas in case of Abortion.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available Khas is used to manage rheumatic pains. Few teaspoons of Khas root decoction should be taken for a few days to manage pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis[5][7].
Ayurvedic View
Khas helps to reduce rheumatic pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Rheumatoid Arthritis is known as Amavata in Ayurveda. Amavata is a disease in which vitiation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) takes place in the joints. Amavata starts with a weak digestive fire which leads to accumulation of Ama. This Ama is carried to different locations through Vata but instead of being absorbed, it gets accumulated in the joints. Khas helps to correct digestive fire and reduce Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It also has Vata balancing property and gives relief from the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis like pain and swelling in the joints.
Tips:
1. Take 5-6 teaspoons of Khas juice.
2. Add to a glass of water and mix well.
3. Drink it before eating food once or twice a day to control the symptoms of rheumatic pain.
Tips:
1. Take 5-6 teaspoons of Khas juice.
2. Add to a glass of water and mix well.
3. Drink it before eating food once or twice a day to control the symptoms of rheumatic pain.
Modern Science View
Khas may be useful in managing insomnia due to the presence of antioxidants. It removes free radicals and acts as a sedative due to which it is used in aromatherapy to manage insomnia[4][5].
Ayurvedic View
Khas is useful to induce a sound sleep. Ayurveda believes that an aggravated Vata dosha
makes the nervous system sensitive which leads to Anidra (insomnia). Khas gives calming effects on the nervous system due to its Vata balancing property.
Tips:
1. Take 5-6 teaspoons of Khas juice.
2. Add to a glass of water and mix well.
3. Drink it before eating food once or twice a day to get sound sleep.
makes the nervous system sensitive which leads to Anidra (insomnia). Khas gives calming effects on the nervous system due to its Vata balancing property.
Tips:
1. Take 5-6 teaspoons of Khas juice.
2. Add to a glass of water and mix well.
3. Drink it before eating food once or twice a day to get sound sleep.
How effective is Khas?
Insufficient evidence
Insomnia, Medical abortion, Rheumatic pain
Precautions when using Khas
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, avoid taking Khas during breastfeeding[5].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, avoid taking Khas during pregnancy as it may cause a miscarriage[5].
FAQs about Khas precautions
Recommended Dosage of Khas
- Khas Juice - 5-6 teaspoons twice a day.
- Khas Powder - ¼-1/2 teaspoon twice a day.
How to use Khas
1. Khas Juice (Sharbat)
a. Take 5-6 teaspoons of Khas juice.
b. Add to a glass of water.
c. Take before eating food once or twice a day.
2. Khas (Ushir) Churna
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Khas (Ushir) Churna.
b. Mix with honey or water.
c. Take it after lunch and dinner.
a. Take 5-6 teaspoons of Khas juice.
b. Add to a glass of water.
c. Take before eating food once or twice a day.
2. Khas (Ushir) Churna
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Khas (Ushir) Churna.
b. Mix with honey or water.
c. Take it after lunch and dinner.
Benefits of Khas
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Khas may be useful in managing head lice[5][12][13]
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Khas may be used in aromatherapy to relieve stress[5][13][14].
Ayurvedic View
Khas is very useful to alleviate stress when used externally and internally. Stress is usually attributed to an imbalance of Vata dosha, and often presents with irritability, irregular lifestyle, insomnia and fear. Using Khas oil as aromatherapy gives a calming effect and reduces stress. This is because of its Vata balancing and pleasant fragrance.
Tips:
1. Take 2-5 drops or as per your requirement of Khas oil.
2. Add it to your bathing water and take bath once a day to relax your body.
Tips:
1. Take 2-5 drops or as per your requirement of Khas oil.
2. Add it to your bathing water and take bath once a day to relax your body.
How effective is Khas?
Insufficient evidence
Head lice, Stress
Recommended Dosage of Khas
- Khas Powder - ½-1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
- Khas Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.
How to use Khas
1. Khas Powder
A. With Honey or Milk
i. Take ½-1 teaspoon Khas powder.
ii. Mix with honey or milk and make a paste.
iii. Apply on the affected area once a day.
iv. Wash off with plain cool water after 1-2 hours.
2. Khas Essential Oil
a. Take 2-5 drops or as per your requirement of Khas oil.
b. Add it to your bathing water and take bath once a day to relax your body.
A. With Honey or Milk
i. Take ½-1 teaspoon Khas powder.
ii. Mix with honey or milk and make a paste.
iii. Apply on the affected area once a day.
iv. Wash off with plain cool water after 1-2 hours.
2. Khas Essential Oil
a. Take 2-5 drops or as per your requirement of Khas oil.
b. Add it to your bathing water and take bath once a day to relax your body.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Khas essential oil is known as the ‘oil of tranquility’ as it has a calming effect due to which it can be used to de-stress. It can give relief from anxiety, nervous tension, menstrual cramps, muscular pains as well as restlessness. It has antioxidant and aphrodisiac properties, can heal scars and marks on skin and can be applied to manage headaches. Moreover, Khas oil can also be used as a pest killer and an insect repellent.
Modern Science View
Khus essential oil can be applied to the muscles to soothe them and reduce the pain. It can also be applied to the wrist, neck, chest and forehead to reduce stress and anxiety as well as headaches.
Modern Science View
The essential oil of Khus has a distinct woody, smokey and earthy aroma. It is used extensively in the perfumes, cosmetics and soaps. It is also used as a flavoring agent in beverages.
Modern Science View
Yes, Khas sharbat can help stop vomiting. It consist of constituents like volatile oils that blocks the activity of certain chemicals which further helps to stop involuntary movements in the body like vomiting[15].
Ayurvedic View
es, Khas sharbat helps to control or stop vomiting. Khas is an effective remedy to improve digestion and correct digestive problems like vomiting. Khas has Pachan (digestive) property which helps to correct indigestion and eventually control vomiting.
Tip
1. Take 5-6 teaspoons of Khas juice.
2. Add to a glass of water and mix well.
3. Drink it before meals once or twice a day to control vomiting sensation.
Tip
1. Take 5-6 teaspoons of Khas juice.
2. Add to a glass of water and mix well.
3. Drink it before meals once or twice a day to control vomiting sensation.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Khas may be useful in managing headaches. Various tribes that practice traditional medicine use the root extract to manage a headache. Some tribes burn the Khas grass and inhale the smoke to get relief from headaches[8][9].
Ayurvedic View
Khas helps to reduce a stress-induced headache when used externally. Khas powder or its oil alleviate stress, fatigue and relaxes the tensed muscles. This is because of its Vata balancing nature.
Modern Science View
ADHD or Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a bevavioral disorder usually affects children and might continue to adulthood. Some of the symptoms of ADHD are restlessness, impulsive behavior and poor attention. Khas essential oil has a calming effect on the brain nerves. It may be used in aromatherapy to manage ADHD[5][6][10].
Ayurvedic View
No, Khas cannot cause diarrhea, in fact, it helps to improve the digestive fire and helps to digest the food. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Ayurvedic View
No, Khas does not cause any nightmares, in fact, it helps to relax and calm the mind. It promotes sound sleep due to its Vata balancing property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Khas sharbat can help stop vomiting. It consist of constituents like volatile oils that blocks the activity of certain chemicals which further helps to stop involuntary movements in the body like vomiting[15].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Khas sharbat helps to control or stop vomiting. Khas is an effective remedy to improve digestion and correct digestive problems like vomiting. Khas has Pachan (digestive) property which helps to correct indigestion and eventually control vomiting.
Tip
1. Take 5-6 teaspoons of Khas juice.
2. Add to a glass of water and mix well.
3. Drink it before meals once or twice a day to control vomiting sensation.
Tip
1. Take 5-6 teaspoons of Khas juice.
2. Add to a glass of water and mix well.
3. Drink it before meals once or twice a day to control vomiting sensation.
Modern Science View
Yes, Khas is useful to manage urinary diseases. This is due to the presence of tannins that possess antibacterial activity and is effective against many bacterial and fungal strains[2][16].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Khas is useful to manage urinary diseases. This is due to the presence of tannins that possess antibacterial activity and is effective against many bacterial and fungal strains[2][16].
Tip
1. Take 5-6 teaspoons of Khas juice.
2. Add to a glass of water and mix well.
3. Drink it once or twice a day to reduce burning sensation while urinating.
Tip
1. Take 5-6 teaspoons of Khas juice.
2. Add to a glass of water and mix well.
3. Drink it once or twice a day to reduce burning sensation while urinating.
Modern Science View
There is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of Khas in the treatment of piles.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Khas might help manage piles. This is due to its Pachan (digestive) property. It helps to improve poor digestion and reduce the symptoms of piles like pain and burning sensation while passing stool.
Tip
1. Take 5-6 teaspoons of Khas juice.
2. Add to a glass of water and mix well.
3. Drink it once or twice a day to reduce the symptoms of piles
Tip
1. Take 5-6 teaspoons of Khas juice.
2. Add to a glass of water and mix well.
3. Drink it once or twice a day to reduce the symptoms of piles
Modern Science View
Yes, Khas is helpful in reducing fever. The decoction prepared from its roots have antipyretic property. Fever might result due to tissue damage, infection or any underlying diseases causing body temperature to gradually increase. Khas roots when used internally or externally helps to control body temperature by reducing heat and thus helps in fighting fever by normalizing the body temperature[18].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Khas helps to reduce the symptoms of fever due to accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) and an aggravated Pitta in the body. Khas has a property to reduce Ama and balances Pitta dosha.
Tip
1. Take 5-6 teaspoons of Khas juice.
2. Add to a glass of water and mix well.
3. Drink it once or twice a day to reduce the symptoms of fever.
Tip
1. Take 5-6 teaspoons of Khas juice.
2. Add to a glass of water and mix well.
3. Drink it once or twice a day to reduce the symptoms of fever.
Modern Science View
Yes, Khas might help control high blood sugar level due to its anti-diabetic activity. This is due to the presence of certain chemical constituents in Khas[8].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Khas helps to maintain normal blood sugar levels. It helps to reduce Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) due to its Pachan (digestive) property and Ama is the prime cause of high sugar level in the blood.
Tip
1. Take 5-6 teaspoons of Khas juice.
2. Add to a glass of water and mix well.
3. Drink it once or twice a day to manage diabetes.
Tip
1. Take 5-6 teaspoons of Khas juice.
2. Add to a glass of water and mix well.
3. Drink it once or twice a day to manage diabetes.
Modern Science View
Yes, Khas may be good for the skin. Khas oil balances the activity of oil glands thereby managing oily skin and acne. It also moisturizes dry, dehydrated skin and has a replenishing effect on the skin in case of older people. Khas oil may also soothe cut, inflamed and irritated skin and also prevents the formation of stretch marks[11].
Ayurvedic View
Khas or its oil is good for skin problems when applied externally because it reduces inflammation and gives a cooling effect on the affected area. This is due to its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cold) property.
Ayurvedic View
Khas essential oil helps to control hair fall and promote hair growth when applied on the scalp. This is because hair fall is mainly due to an aggravated Vata dosha in the body. Khas essential oil acts on hair fall by balancing Vata dosha. It also promotes new hair growth and removes excessive dryness. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Modern Science View
Yes, Khas oil balances the activity of oil glands thereby managing oily skin and acne[11].
Modern Science View
Yes, Khas oil may be good for the face. It rehydrates dry, dehydrated skin, balances oil and helps manage acne. Khas oil may also be useful in soothing wounded, irritated and inflamed skin[11].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Khas oil is good for the face when applied after diluting with almond oil. It helps to reduce wrinkle and adds a glow to the skin. Applying Khas oil helps in controlling wrinkles and increases moisture content in the skin because of its Snigdha (oily) nature. It also reduces inflammation and helps in quick healing due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Khas oil is beneficial during chicken pox due to its healing property. It helps in the formation of new tissue so as to accelerate the healing and recovery from chicken pox scars[17].
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Bhushan B, Kumar S, Satish S, et al.Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn.) Nash: a pharmacological overview.IRJP.2013;4(7):18-20.
- Chahal KK, Bhardwaj U, Kaushal S.Chemical composition and biological properties of Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty syn.Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash- a review.Indian J Nat Prod Resour.2015;6(4):251-260.
- Mishra S, Sharma SK, Mohapatra S.An overview on Vetiveria Zizanioides.J Pharm Biol Chem Sci.2013;4(3):777-783.
- WebMD.Vetiver: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Pareek A, Kumar A.Ethnobotanical and pharmaceutical uses of Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn.) nash: a medicinal plant of Rajasthan.International journal of life science and pharma research.2013;3(4):L10-L18.
- Panda T, Mishra N, Pradhan BK et al.Some less known folk medicine in Bhadrak and Kendrapara districts of Odisha, India.MicroMedicine.2016;4(1):8-20.
- Karan SK, Pal D, Mishra SK et al.Antihyperglycaemic effect of Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash root extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.Asian J Chem.2013;25(3):1555-1557.
- Rao RR, Suseela MR.Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn.) Nash–a multipurpose eco-friendly grass of India.Int Conf Vetiver Off R Dev Proj Board, Bangkok.2000:439-442.
- Benor DJ.Complementary therapies for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).The international journal of healing and caring.2006;6(2):1-15.
- Sangeetha D, Stella D.Screening of antimicrobial activity of Vetiver extracts against certain pathogenic microorganisms.International Journal of Pharmaceutical & Biological Archives 2012; 3(1):197-203.
- Van den Berg J, Midega C, Wadhams LJ et al.Can Vetiver Grass be Used to Manage Insect Pests on Crops?:254-264.
- Lakshmanaperumalsamy P, Jayashree S, Jayashree J.Biomass production of Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) using vermicompost.Department of Environmental Sciences, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India.
- Subhadradevi V, Asokkumar K, Umamaheswari M et al.In vitro antioxidant activity of vetiveria zizanioides root extract.Tanzan J Health Res.2010;12(2):1-8.
- Hussain M, Raza SM, Khan MR, et al.In vivo assessment of antiemetic potential of crude extract of Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn.); chick emesis model.Int J Pharma Sci.2015; 5(3):1068-1071.
- Snigdha M, Kumar SS, Sharmistha M, et al.An overview on Vetiveria Zizanioides.Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical.2013.RJPBCS;4(3):777-783.
- Balasankar D, Vanilarasu K, Preetha PS, et al. Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Vetiver.2013;1(3):191-200.
- Narkhade MB, Ajmire PV, Wagh AE, et al.An evaluation of antipyretic potential of Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn.) root. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry.2012;4(1):11-13.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.