Khas

Khas, scientifically known as Vetiveria zizanioides, is a perennial grass highly valued for its diverse medicinal properties. Renowned for its cooling and tonic characteristics, Khas has been traditionally used in therapeutic applications, including its role as a natural remedy to alleviate burning sensations, strengthen the body, and promote overall well-being. 

Source of Khas

Khas is a perennial grass that thrives in the cooler regions of India but can also grow under arid conditions. The rhizomes of Khas have a sweet, aromatic fragrance, making them valuable for extracting oil used in perfumes, cosmetics, and aromatherapy. It contains many esters, including vetiverol, vetiverone, and vetiver acetate. Global production of Khas oil is approximately 600–700 tonnes per year, with India contributing about 20 to 25 tonnes. Other leading producers include Haiti, Java, and Reunion. In India, Khas is predominantly found in the desert regions of Rajasthan, the southern states of Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Despite its significant production, India imports nearly 100 tonnes annually to meet around 20% of its domestic demand. 

Khas, known scientifically as “Vetiverius zizanioides,” is known by multiple names across languages and regions in India. Here are some familiar names:

• Hindi and Bengali: Khas, Khas-Khas, KhusKhus, Khus 
• Gujarati: Valo 
• Marathi: Vala 
• Telugu: Kuruveeru, Vettiveellu, Vettiveerum 
• Tamil: Vattiver Kannad Vattiveeru, Laamancha, Kaddu, 
• Malyalam: Ramaccham, Vettiveru 
• Ayurvedic name: Ushira

These names reflect the widespread recognition of Khas across different regions, valued for its cooling, aromatic, and medicinal properties.

Khas is mainly famous due to its high chemical content, especially for the essential oil found in the root part. It consists of alkaloids such as vetiverol, vetiverone, and khusimol, which help attain the oil's sedative properties. These compounds have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-oxidation effects. Therefore, Khas is appropriate for skin and health uses. Also, the roots contain minerals such as calcium, zinc, and magnesium in trace amounts to support bones and immunity in the body. It also has beta-sitosterol that can lower stress and anxiety, providing mental and physiological well-being.

Here's a table summarising the nutritional content of vetiverius zizanioides:

Khas has been widely used in Ayurveda and modern cosmetics for its scientifically supported benefits, including soothing properties for skin and reducing inflammation. Below are some scientifically backed Khas benefits:

1. Relieves Insomnia

Khas is mainly famous as a natural product with relaxation properties in aromatherapy. The soft-smelling yellow liquid formed by steam distillation of Khas’s roots may help eliminate stress and anxiety, enhancing sleep.

2. Boosts Immunity

Khas has a root, and the antioxidant ingredient found in this root is proven to play a significant role in the body's immune system boost. In essence, Khas may battle out free radicals that help build a healthier body to fight diseases.

3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

The scent of Khas has been used for a long time to relax the nerves with gentle ease. Its use has mentally soothing effects that may help reduce anxiety and stress and, to some extent, help make one relax.

4. Enhances Respiratory Health

Khas essential oil can be used to treat respiratory problems because it helps to encourage free breathing and unblock the nasal tracts. It helps treat coughs and conditions of the respiratory tract because of its heat-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

5. Promotes Better Circulation

Khas improves blood circulation, which may help with various issues such as joint pain or muscle stiffness. The enhanced blood flow helps the body to function optimally.

6. Alleviates Heat-Related Conditions

Due to its cooling properties, Khas is widely used to reduce body heat, making it effective in preventing heat rashes, sunstroke, or exhaustion caused by excessive heat, especially in hot climates.

7. Fights Infection

The antimicrobial and antiseptic qualities of Khas make it effective in preventing infections. It can be used topically to cleanse wounds and keep infections at bay.

Khas (Vetiveria zizanioides) or the khas plant has numerous health benefits, such as being a relaxant, enhancing skin health, and stabilising body temperature. This cooling and calming effect, presumably due to its traditional use and modern science, makes it a welcome natural treatment for stress and other ailments.

1. Used for Pain Relief and Fever

Khas has both cooling and soothing properties which help reduce headache and provide pain relief. When used topically, Khas can provide anti-inflammatory effects. It can be easily prepared using the paste made out of its roots. Used as a traditional medicine, it can reduce fever due to its cooling properties. It is advised to consult a physician for the prescribed dosage.

2. Supports Skin Health

Khas can reduce heat and inflammation in the skin region due to its aromatherapeutic properties. Being rich in antioxidants, it assists in minimising the effects of oxidative stress, which affects ageing. In the past, khas oil has also helped replenish the skin, help skin heal, reduce marks and blemishes, and help skin elasticity. It is also an excellent natural antibiotic, making it preferred for natural skin care products, particularly for skin that has been irritated.

3. Aids in Digestion

Khas have been used to treat digestive diseases. It may cool the digestive tract down to avoid an inflamed stomach, which is usually exaggerated for individuals with digestion issues. Khas helps ease swelling and enhance digestion resulting from uneven internal conditions, as highlighted by scientific studies, despite not being much researched in scientific literature.

4. Helps Regulate Body Temperature

Among the various innovations in designing personal garments and accessories, Khas (vetiver) is particularly famous for its ability to cool the body. Especially in areas with high temperatures, Khas prepares assorted beverages to cool the body down. The use of Khas even goes further in refreshments, for example, by adding coolness to water pots to make naturally cool water. This impact can help keep the body cool, moist, and comfortable in hot and humid regions of the world.

5. Supports Respiratory Health

Khas oil is also traditionally used for respiratory health support. It has been used mainly to reduce coughing and congestion due to its expectorant action. Khas, when inhaled, may aid in clearing the blockage in the trachea and reduce inflammation, enhancing respiration during flu or any respiratory disease. Asthma and other breathing disorders are some conditions that it has been claimed can be treated through its use.

6. Assists in Soil and Water Conservation

Apart from health, Khas has significantly impacted natural resource conservation. It forms a broad basal spread and develops profuse roots that contribute toward checking soil erosions and forming stable earth, making it the most sought-after plant resource in agriculture. Khas has also been discovered to possess water purification qualities by wearing out pollution and other heavy metals. It hence qualifies in environmental conservation.

7. Potential Anti-Inflammatory and Pain-Relieving Effects

Side effects of Khas may be weak anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. This matches the traditional use of Khas, which has been applied to help with joint pain, headaches, and muscle soreness. People have been using Khas in these ways based on long-standing practices for its soothing and pain-relieving effects. 

While Khas (Vetiver) offers numerous health benefits, it must be used cautiously to avoid adverse effects. Here are some key precautions to consider when using Khas in various forms, from essential oils to raw roots.

1. Consult a Healthcare Provider

Consult a healthcare provider before using Khas, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Khas or vetiver essential oil can interfere with certain medications, including those for anxiety and epilepsy, potentially affecting their efficacy.

2. Watch for Allergic Reactions

Although rare, allergic reactions to Khas can occur. Symptoms include skin irritation or respiratory issues. A patch test should be performed before applying it to larger areas, as skin sensitivities can vary.

3. Avoid Excessive Consumption

Excessive consumption of Khas can cause mild sedation or digestive disturbances. Studies show that compounds in vetiver, such as alkaloids, have sedative effects, so limiting intake to moderate amounts is best.

4. Use Essential Oil with Caution

Vetiver oil is suitable for skin application but should be mixed with a carrier oil first. Inhalation of undiluted oil or use of oil may lead to respiratory problems, especially in patients with asthma or lung-related disorders.

5. Proper Storage

Whenever you intend to preserve the quality of Khas, you should ensure that the root, oil, or powder is kept in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight. Some oils, when decomposed, experience up to 30% loss of strength and potency because of improper storage.

6. Avoid Operating Machinery

Khas has hypnotic, soothing effects which could put a person to sleep. Do not drive a car or operate heavy machinery after taking or using Khas, mainly when using a high dose that can cause sleepiness.

The amount of Khas, whether essential oil or seeds, you should use largely depends on how you intend to benefit from it. When you consume it just to get a pleasant cooling sensation, relax, or benefit from its skin benefits, you must remember to be very conservative, and it should be measured with the consumption of Khas. Here are the basic rules for using Khas safely:

Khas Drink

• Dosage: Consume 1 to 2 teaspoons of Khas juice once or twice daily.

Khas Powder

• Dosage: Consume ¼ to ½ teaspoon of this remedy twice a day.

Note: Dosage and usage are generally given but may differ according to personal health circumstances. Please always consult the health practitioner before taking any herbal remedy or supplement if one has a disease or is on drugs.

A German study conducted in 1998 showed that vetiverius zizanioides contain trace elements of opiate alkaloids. In most events, such an amount is sufficiently irrelevant to induce one form of narcotic. Seeds of this magnitude may interfere in some way with sedatives, pain relievers, and other prescription drugs used in managing depression/anxiety/depression-anxiety medications. As a result, they advise that one should seek medical advice if they frequently use these pharmaceuticals.

Risk of Over-consumption

While vetiverius zizanioides have favourable properties and are usually harmless, excessive consumption may make one mildly sedated due to the opiate content. Larger dosages can cause drowsiness or lethargy in the individual, especially along with other substances of a sedative nature. Taking it in moderation ensures such effects do not occur.

Khas uses include helping people feel calm and providing practical applications. It is a natural treatment that gives you what you need to relax, feel refreshed, and regain balance.

• Khas is a natural cooling agent which reduces body heat. It is used in khas sharbat for summer relief.
• A popular ayurvedic medicine, it aids in digestion and soothes upset stomachs. 
• Khas oil helps relieve tension, anxiety, and headaches. It may also promote clear thinking and better sleep.
• It calms swelling, improves skin tone, and relieves acne. It is also beneficial for breathing issues when used in steam inhalations.
• It may cause skin irritation if overused. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals are advised to consult a doctor before use.

Conclusion

Khas, or vetiver, is a versatile and valuable plant deeply rooted in Ayurvedic tradition. Known for its cooling and calming effects, it is widely used in herbal remedies, skincare, and aromatherapy. Beyond its medicinal benefits, Khas also plays a role in environmental protection through soil erosion control. Whether used to soothe the body, uplift the senses, or support natural healing, Khas continues to hold significance in both traditional and modern wellness practices. Its diverse applications make it a natural ally for health, relaxation, and sustainability.