Beauty benefits of khus (vetiver)

Meet Just Herbs’ ingredient of the month – Khus (Vetiver). Environmentalists love this densely tufted grass with aromatic roots, as it prevents soil erosion and rehabilitates polluted land. But skincare experts love Khus for an entirely different reason. Vetiver is a natural coolant with an unparalleled ability to reduce the appearance of dark spots resulting in a brighter, more even-toned, and younger-looking skin. Khus (vetiver) root has other benefits for your skin that you do not want to miss out on. Come summer, the green-coloured decoction made of Khus syrup and water makes an appearance in most Indian households. Long before we had coolers and air conditioners to beat the heat, the trick to beat the exhausting heat was done by a glassful of Khus sherbet. This summer-cooling drink not only quenches our thirst but also keeps the skin hydrated from the inside out. Khus or vetiver is commonly found in native parts of India, in South Asia, like Burma, Ceylon, and also some parts of South Africa (1). The plant grows well along riverbeds, and rich marshy soil in the plains and in the foothills. In Northern India, it is cultivated in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, whereas, in South India, it is grown in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. A dense perennial variety of grass, Khus grows up to a height of 1.5 metres. It is an extremely resilient plant that can survive in heat as well as in frost. Khus can even withstand drought-like conditions due to its extensive network of interlinked roots. Years before sustainability was a buzzword, Indians had discovered natural air conditioners. Blinds prepared from the aromatic reeds of the Khus plant were hung on doors and windows to reduce the temperature of the room. These are natural alternatives to air conditioning that don't dehydrate and make our skin dry. Top Benefits of Khus(Vetiver) Anti-Ageing: Khus has anti-ageing properties that help boost your cell regeneration. When you age, cell regeneration decreases, and khus helps increase the regeneration process that gets rid of fine lines and wrinkles. It also reduces age spots, and general dullness of the skin (2). Soothes redness and swelling: Just like how Khus (vetiver) works to cool you down during a hot summer day, it has a similar cooling effect that works to soothe your skin. This cooling effect helps to reduce redness and swelling of the skin, as well as sunburns. Khus’ anti-inflammatory properties can even help limit any acne outbreak you might have. Reduces hyperpigmentation: Khus has antioxidant properties that work to promote anti-ageing, reduce fine lines and wrinkles. But this also helps even out your skin texture as well as any uneven skin tones you might have. That includes acne scarring, blemishes, marks, and pigmentation. It promotes the health of your skin and gives you back a youthful glow. Moisturise the skin: Khus is loved by environmentalists for the reasons mentioned above but also because it has the ability to retain moisture. This benefit helps your skin remain hydrated and fresh looking. Your skin is moisturised without being overly greasy and sticky, as well as modulates sebum production. Reduces oiliness and tightens your pores: Khus does moisturise your skin but, as mentioned, it also regulates sebum production. That alone gets rid of your oily skin, leaving it clean and fresh. It is also a natural astringent that tightens and cleanses your pores. These factors help get rid of and prevent impurities on your skin. Balances your skin’s PH level: Due to exposure to the sun, dust, and other pollutants, our skin’s PH level constantly changes. Using Khus, your natural PH level is restored, as well as battles any pollutants that try to alter your normalised PH level. Anti-dandruff: Khus has antiseptic properties that not only heal wounds and prevent it from getting infected, but also prevent one of the many hair conditions like dandruff. It is also known for its hydrating properties which will restore your scalp’s natural oil to prevent further hair infections. Nourishes hair health: Khus not only prevents hair infections like dandruff, and lice, but it also boosts the overall health of your hair. It boosts blood circulation that rejuvenates a dull and lifeless-looking hair, making your hair follicle strong and healthy. It improves your hair texture, as well as adds volume and shine. Glow booster: All the properties of Khus, its anti-ageing properties, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties all work together to promote the overall health of your skin. This improves your skin, making it bright and with a youthful glow. Aromatherapy benefits of Khus (3) It is the oil distilled from Khus roots, which is used in skincare formulations. The earthy, woody and herbaceous aroma of vetiver oil makes it one of the most grounding essential oils in aromatherapy. It strengthens the nervous system, reduces anxiety, and tackles depression and insomnia. That’s why Vetiver has been traditionally used to address a number of health conditions, including arthritis, muscle aches, rheumatism, and irregular and painful menstruation. Ways to use Vetiver (Khus) There are various ways you can use Vetiver to get its full benefits. You can use it for your skin, or your hair. For whichever reasons you want to use Vetiver, the way to use it differs. For Skin: Scrub: You can use it as a scrub by mixing powdered sun-dried vetiver roots (½) and green gram (1) with curd (for oily skin) or milk (for dry skin) Mist: Mix 5 drops (or more) of vetiver oil with 10 drops (or more) of any essential oil (like Jasmine). Add ½ cup (or more) distilled water and put it in a spray bottle. For Hair: Leave-in Conditioner: Soak Vetiver roots for 2-3 hours; the water has countless benefits. Add 1 or 2 slice(s) of lemon. Drain the water and apply it to your hair after every wash. Hair Pack: Mix 3/4 drops of Vetiver oil with hibiscus leaves (10), and Mehendi leaves (1). Add 1 cup of Aloe vera gel. Apply this to the roots of your hair down to the tips. Wash it off after an hour with a conditioner. Rather than a DIY recipe, Just Herbs' has curated for you products to help you address any skin and hair concerns you might have. These products are easy to use and effective. Just Herbs products with Khus Just Herbs has a range of Khus products for your hair care and skincare. These products are cruelty-free and made with chemical-free organic ingredients. Khus (Vetiver) Hair Care Products Just Herbs' Khus (vetiver) hair care products include Anti Dandruff Shampoo, Anti Hairfall Shampoo, and Moisturising Shampoo. All these products are combined with other ingredients with benefits to help you battle those specific hair issues. Khus (Vetiver) Skincare Products As you’ve seen Vetiver has various benefits for your skin, and for your face. Just Herbs' has a vast range of skincare products that include the Glow Boosting Facial Oil, Glow Boosting Night cream for oily skin and combination skin, and dry and normal skin. The Moisturising Day Care Lotion can be used along with the Facial Oil for more hydration and glow. Last but not least, the Nourishing and Toning Face Pack. Conclusion Khus (Vetiver) as you now know has so many benefits to help you with your daily skin and hair care. While it saves money to stick to DIY vetiver recipes, vetiver-crafted products are the best bet to help any skin or hair issues you have. Just Herbs' Vetiver products are made with other ingredients to battle those specific concerns, hair or skin. So, check out Just Herbs and get that vetiver product. FAQs Q. Is vetiver good for acne? A: Yes, it is. It has properties that reduce acne as well as heal acne scarring and hyperpigmentation caused by acne. Q. Is vetiver good for hair? A: Vetiver has so many hair care benefits you can’t miss out on. Those benefits include the prevention of hair conditions/infections like dandruff, lice, and dryness of the scalp as well as too much oil. Q. How do you use vetiver for hair growth? A: You can try out various DIY remedies to help with your hair growth, or you can buy your hair care products from Just Herbs. These Just Herbs products have been curated specifically to address your specific concerns like boosting hair growth. Q. How do I use vetiver to brighten my skin? A: Just Herbs has crafted different skincare products you can add to your skincare regime either for your daytime routine or your nighttime routine, there’s a product to suit your schedule. Fair’e Skin Brightening Gel SHOP NOW Sapta Jal Ayurvedic Micellar Water SHOP NOW Kimsukadi Tail Glow Boosting Facial Oil SHOP NOW Herb Enriched Skin Tint SHOP NOW Neempure Skin Purifying Neem Pack SHOP NOW Malabar Lemongrass Body Wash SHOP NOW References: 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3214789 / 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5590077/. 3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5590077/ Read More: 1. Sapta Jal: India's first Ayurvedic Micellar Water Facial Cleanser 2. What is Micellar Water 3. Glow Vs. Fairness : What is the difference

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