Abstract

Dr. Sandeep Malik*, Dr. Pratibha and Dr. Jagdish Mohan Onkar

ABSTRACT

Vetiveria zizanioides is popularly known as Khas Khas, Khas or Khus grass in India. It is a densely tufted grass, found throughout the plains and lower hills of India, particularly on the riverbanks and in rich marshy soil. Vetiver has been known to India since ancient times. It has been considered as a highclass perfume and copper plate inscriptions list the perfume as one of the articles used by royalty. Two species of Vetiveria are found in India, of which V. zizanioides is the common source of the well known oil of vetiver, which is used in medicine and in perfumery. Khas grass grows wild in many states, namely Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bihar, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh and throughout South India. It is systematically cultivated in the North Indian states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab and in the South Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The yield from the cultivated crops, however, meets only a very small percentage of the requirements of the country. The bulk of the roots used for cooling purposes and for the extraction of the oil are obtained from the wild. Vetiver oil is regarded as stimulant, diaphoretic and refrigerant. This oil is used in perfumery, cosmetics and soaps and for flavouring sherbets (Indian cool drinks). Local application of leaf paste for rheumatism, lumbago and sprain gives good relief. The dried roots are also used to perfume the linen clothes. The rachis is used in the manufacture of moodas, sirkies, etc. The young leaves are browsed by cattle and sheep. Dried culms are used for making brooms and thatching of huts. Pulp is suitable for manufacturing paper and straw board.