The root of the solution

Vetiver plants have long been known to provide economical protection against soil and water loss, and are very useful for water purification.   Water and soil conservation at a tea estate through vetiver hedges/ embankments   have   made a 70% savings in soil and water conservation work and saved crores of rupees besides it has many other uses. It has reduced rainfall runoff by as much as 70%, recharged groundwater and have resulted in much higher water levels in the wells and improved ephemeral stream flow." Subsequent studies prompted the World Bank to launch The Vetiver Network (TVN), which has been disseminating vetiver technology to the world with a missionary zeal.

Tolerance Power of Vetiver

It is highly tolerant to toxic levels of aluminium, manganese, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel, copper, mercury, lead, selenium and zinc.

  It is a climax plant and therefore even when all surrounding plants are destroyed by drought, flood, pests, diseases, fire or other adversity, vetiver will remain to protect the ground from the onslaught of the next rains.  It has a strong fibrous root system that penetrates and binds the soil to a depth of three meters and can withstand the effects of tunnelling and cracking.  

(Vetivera Grass Roots):

In brief it is used as blood purifier, so helps to reduce extra water from blood and plays cardio protective role, helpful in treating disorders like epitasis and diaphoresis, Kidney related issues. It helps to manage acid production, gastric secretions and strengthens the stomach, helpful in curing digestive problems like indigestion, appetite and acidity, treats the problems of anorexia, diarrhea and fever, very useful in treating respiratory disorders like asthma, hiccups and cough. Very helpful in problems such as unconsciousness, vertigo and brain disorders and   very useful in problem of thirst and temperature associated fevers and may be further fortified as follows:

• Diuretic: The diuretic nature of vetiver helps you flush out more toxins from your body. It increases the amount of urine and excretes impurities effectively.

• Boosts immunity: Vetiver roots have anti-oxidant properties. Thereby, it helps to fight against diseases and also boosts immunity. It also helps you to elimate free radicals.

• Treat fever with vetiver: Crush few pieces of the root with warm water and form a thin paste. Apply the paste on the forehead and rinse it off after 20 minutes. This can be used when the temperature is very high.

• Cools down the body: There is nothing more effective than vetiver water during summer. Though there are many natural coolants like tender coconut water, vetiver water has many medicinal benefits that be obtained. During summer, after spending some time outdoors, a glass of vetiver water can instantly cool your body and refresh your mind. Spend a few seconds inhaling the aroma of the glass of water in your hand and then drink it. Vetiver acts like a tonic and rejuvenates the mind and body. You can also squeeze a little lemon into the water but choice is of the user.

• Treats UTI (Urinary tract infection): When the vetiver water is consumed along with few other herbs like holy basil and ginger, it effectively treats UTI. It can be crushed and mixed in vegetable juices like cucumber and carrots.

• Good for the nervous system: -It is nerve relaxant, helps to calm and strengthen brain and nerves due to its unique and strong aroma with regular intake. It also helps to reduce anger, restlessness, hypertension and symptoms of hysteria. Studies have shown that vetiver can be a natural remedy to treat Parkinson’s disease.

• Helps to fight insomnia: Insomnia or sleeplessness is a problem that many adults suffer due to restlessness/ stress/ hypertension. Drinking vetiver water through the days will   help to slowly get rid of this problem. Regularly consume vetiver water for at least two weeks and you can see the impact in your day to day health and overnight sleep pattern. 

• Reduces joint pains and arthritis: Vetiver has anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption of this water can heal wounds and reduce pain/ inflammation in joints which is severe in arthritis patients. Vetiver can provide you relief from this pain. It also stimulates the re-growth of tissues in wounded areas and helps to revive. Vetiver water can be prepared on a whole and consumed through the day.

• Aromatherapy: Vetiver is also sometimes inhaled as aromatherapy for nervousness, insomnia and joint and muscle pain.

• Clean and toned Skin: The antiseptic properties present in vetiver clears up skin by slowly reducing appearance of pimples and acne, it also stimulates growth of new cells and tissues. It detoxifies the body and keeps it cool. All these result in clearer skin.  Externally when vetiver leached   water is sprayed or sprinkled on the facial skin, it cools the skin and improves the tone.

• Reduces Headache: When you have unbearable headache, vetiver water can you get rid of it. It reduce internal inflammation and calms the body.

• Treats Jaundice: When the water is consumed regularly, it can help you treat jaundice effectively. It improves the function of the liver effectively which is the reason for bilirubin in the body.

Other significant uses of Vetiver:-

• Treats abscess: To treat abscess, you need to powder the roots using a blender. Take a cup of water and add one teaspoon of vetiver powder to it. Boil well. Add the boiled extract water to warm milk and consume it. Drink it at least for a period of one mouth for effective results.

• Treats swelling: Applying the paste of roots on the affected area helps to reduce swelling.

• Reduces body odor: When the impurities are flushed out when vetiver water is consumed regularly, it helps to reduce body odor.
• Improves oral health: When you chew on a piece of clean root, it helps to reduce inflammation in the gums and also reduces bad breath. Vetiver water helps to cure bad breath and painful urination. 

• The Vetiver water can also be used as the tonic for your hair by rinsing your hair with the water.