Last verified: April 2026

Ushira (Khas Khas)

उशीर -- Ushira -- "that which is cool; named for its primary cooling quality"

Ushira is the root of Vetiver grass -- one of the primary classical cooling herbs for Pitta conditions. Charaka Samhita documents Ushira in the Trishnanigrahana (thirst-relieving) and Daha-Prashamana (burning-sensation-relieving) groups. Its primary use is in summer (Grishma) preparations -- Ushira water and Ushira-based cooling drinks are classical Ritucharya recommendations for the hottest months. The fragrant root is also the source of vetiver essential oil, which has its own documented therapeutic profile.

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Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 4.8

Trishnanigrahana... ushiram sheetalam -- Ushira is in the thirst-relieving group. It is cold in potency, sweet in post-digestive effect, and relieves Daha (burning sensation), Trishna (excessive thirst), and Pitta-related heat conditions.

Classical documentation

Classical preparations with Ushira: Ushira Sarbat (Ushira root soaked in water, drained and served cool -- the classical summer cooling drink); Ushira Churna in coconut water for Pitta-type UTI and urinary burning; and as a component in multiple classical Pitta-cooling Kashaya (decoctions). The root is also used in Lepa (topical paste) for skin conditions with burning sensation. Ashtanga Hridayam documents Ushira-based preparations for Raktapitta (bleeding disorders from Pitta-vitiated blood) and for Pitta-type skin conditions with burning and itching.

Vetiver essential oil

The fragrant Ushira root is the source of vetiver essential oil -- one of the most widely used base notes in classical Indian and modern Western perfumery. The essential oil contains khusimol, cyclopentanone sesquiterpenes, and other volatile compounds. Research documents anxiolytic and mild sedative properties, consistent with the classical Pitta and Rajas-calming documentation of the herb's aroma in classical aromatherapy (Sugandha Chikitsa) tradition.