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Introduction
Benefits
Recommended dosage
How to use
FAQs
References
Author Details
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Ayurvedic View By
Dr. Deepak Soni
BAMS
Reviewed By
Dr. Lalit Kanodia
MBA, MD Pharmacology
Scientific View By
Nancy Dixit
M.Pharm, B.Pharm
Last updated
29 Aug 2022 | 04:38 PM (IST)
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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
What are the benefits of Khas for Head lice?
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Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Khas may be useful in managing head lice[5][12][13]
What are the benefits of Khas for Stress?
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 Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.
- Khas Powder - ½-1 teaspoon 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
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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].
References
- 1The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- 2Bhushan B, Kumar S, Satish S, et al.Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn.) Nash: a pharmacological overview.IRJP.2013;4(7):18-20.
- 3Chahal 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.
- 4Mishra S, Sharma SK, Mohapatra S.An overview on Vetiveria Zizanioides.J Pharm Biol Chem Sci.2013;4(3):777-783.
- 5WebMD.Vetiver: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- 6Pareek 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.
- 7Panda 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.
- 8Karan 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.
- 9Rao 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.
- 10Benor DJ.Complementary therapies for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).The international journal of healing and caring.2006;6(2):1-15.
- 11Sangeetha 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.
- 12Van den Berg J, Midega C, Wadhams LJ et al.Can Vetiver Grass be Used to Manage Insect Pests on Crops?:254-264.
- 13Lakshmanaperumalsamy P, Jayashree S, Jayashree J.Biomass production of Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) using vermicompost.Department of Environmental Sciences, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India.
- 14Subhadradevi 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.
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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.