Botanical Name

Chrysopogon zizanioides (Syn.) Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash

Common Name

Khus Khus grass, Khas (Hindi), Usiram or Vettiver (Tamil), Ushira (Sanskrit)

Distribution

Throughout India

Religious association

Lord Shiva stood in the form of swayambhu lingam in the middle of Ushiram grasslands and hence came to be known as "Usiravaneswarar".

It is also believed that Lord Buddha meditated on a mattress made of the Khus Khus grass, when he attained enlightenment.

Uses

A decoction of the root is used to treat swelling and pain in joints, fever, jaundice, etc., and the oil is used to cure rheumatic pains.

Curtains and mats woven from this grass are used in summers to cool homes.