Photo: Sengai Podhuvan / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Ushira उशीर
Chrysopogon zizanioides · Poaceae
Also known as: Vetiver, Khus, Vetiveria zizanioides
Part used: Root
Ushira (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is vetiver, whose fragrant roots are Ayurveda's classical cooling drug for summer. It is used for burning, fever, thirst and urinary complaints, and its roots are woven into khus screens that cool and scent the air when wet.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Chrysopogon zizanioides
- Part used: Root
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Root powder 1–3 g, infusion or Usheerasava; also used as cooling Khus water.
Ushira in other languages
Introduction
Ushira (vetiver, Chrysopogon zizanioides) is a fragrant, cooling root used to relieve heat, thirst and bleeding. Its aromatic fibres cool the body and calm Pitta, and are woven into cooling summer drinks and Usheerasava.
Classification
Of the Poaceae (grass) family, Ushira is grouped among the cooling (Sheeta), Dahaghna (burning-relieving) and Stambhaka dravyas. Its bitter-sweet taste and cooling potency pacify Pitta and quench heat.
Uses & benefits
Khus root is a cooling drug used in burning, thirst, fever and burning urination. It is the lead herb of Ushirasava and is applied externally as a paste for prickly heat and inflamed skin. Its cooling action is achieved without heaviness, which is why it suits summer complaints.
Ushira for burning sensation
A principal Dahaprashamana drug used wherever heat and burning dominate.
Ushira for fever
Used in Pitta fevers with burning and restlessness, taken as a cold infusion.
Ushira for excessive thirst
Named among the Trishnanigrahana drugs, and the basis of khus sherbet.
Ushira for burning urination
A Mutrala drug used in cystitis alongside Chandana and Gokshura.
Ushira for bleeding disorders
Cooling and astringent, used in Raktapitta.
Ushira for skin complaints
Applied as a paste in burning, prickly heat and inflamed skin.
Ushira as khus screens
Woven root mats hung in doorways and wetted — evaporative cooling and fragrance together, a genuine summer technology.
Ushira for diarrhoea
Used in loose stool of Pitta origin with burning.
Ushira in perfumery
Vetiver oil is one of the most valued base notes in perfumery, distinct from its medicinal use.
Ushira in Ushirasava
The lead drug of the classical fermented cooling preparation, used in burning, bleeding and urinary complaints.
Dosage — how much to take
Root powder 1–3 g, infusion or Usheerasava; also used as cooling Khus water. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Ushira?
The citations held for Ushira in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Daha & Trishna context); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Karpuradi Varga).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Ushira?
Cited for burning and thirst. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Daha & Trishna context.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Ushira?
Described as cooling and Dahaghna. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Karpuradi Varga.
What is Ushira traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Khus root is a cooling drug used in burning, thirst, fever and burning urination. It is the lead herb of Ushirasava and is applied externally as a paste for prickly heat and inflamed skin. Its cooling action is achieved without heaviness, which is why it suits summer complaints.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Ushira?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Ushira classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Ushira carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Ushira is used medicinally?
The part used is Root.
How much Ushira is taken, and how?
Root powder 1–3 g, infusion or Usheerasava; also used as cooling Khus water. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Ushira be avoided?
Generally very safe; a common cooling food-herb.
Where does Ushira grow?
Vetiver is a tall perennial grass of riverbanks and moist ground across India, cultivated for its aromatic roots.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Karpuradi Varga
Described as cooling and Dahaghna. - Charaka Samhita — Daha & Trishna context
Cited for burning and thirst.
Modern research
-
Pharmacological and Therapeutic Potential of Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver): A Comprehensive Review of Its Medicinal Applications
Gunasekar et al.. Biomolecules (2025)
A comprehensive review of Chrysopogon zizanioides (Ushira/Vetiver) documenting its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial pharmacology.
View study doi:10.3390/biom15091312 -
Antioxidant potential of the root of Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash
(see source). Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2009)
A study reporting significant antioxidant and free-radical-scavenging activity of Ushira (vetiver) root.
View study
Safety & precautions
Generally very safe; a common cooling food-herb.
Where it grows
Vetiver is a tall perennial grass of riverbanks and moist ground across India, cultivated for its aromatic roots.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ushira used for?
Burning sensations, Pitta fever, excessive thirst, burning urination and bleeding disorders. It is one of the classical cooling drugs and the lead ingredient of Ushirasava.
What is khus and is it the same as Ushira?
Yes. Khus is the Hindi name for vetiver root, the same as Ushira. Khus sherbet, khus screens and khus water all use the same fragrant root that is used medicinally.
What is the dose of Ushira?
Root powder 3–6 g per day, or a cold infusion 40–80 ml. Cold infusion is preferred over boiling, which drives off the aromatic compounds that carry much of the cooling effect.
How do khus screens work?
Woven vetiver root mats are hung in doorways and kept wet. Evaporation cools the air passing through while the roots release their scent — a traditional evaporative cooler that genuinely works in dry heat.
Can I drink Ushira water daily in summer?
Yes. Roots steeped in drinking water overnight is standard summer practice across north India, and it is safe as a daily drink rather than a course of treatment.
Are there side effects of Ushira?
Very well tolerated. It is cooling, so it is less suited to cold Kapha conditions and to winter use. Consult a physician in pregnancy for medicinal doses.
Is Ushira the same as Sugandhabala?
No, though they are used interchangeably in many formulations. Ushira is Chrysopogon zizanioides; Sugandhabala is Pavonia odorata. Both are cooling fragrant roots with overlapping indications.
