Khus Khus (Vetiver)
Chrysopogon zizanioides
About Khus Khus (Vetiver)
Khus Khus (Vetiver) (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is a herb used in the Caribbean Folk Medicine tradition to help with Anxiety, Insomnia, Skin Health, and Fever. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, used both internally and topically.
Botanical background
Chrysopogon zizanioides, commonly known as vetiver (derived from the Tamil: வெட்டிவேர் veṭṭivēr) is a perennial bunchgrass of the Poaceae family, native to India.
Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist
Parts used
Conditions addressed
Tea / Infusion
- Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Khus Khus (Vetiver) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
- Cover while steeping.
- Strain and drink.
Tincture
- Pack dried Khus Khus (Vetiver) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
- Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
- Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
Powder / Capsule
- Grind dried Khus Khus (Vetiver) into a fine powder.
- Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
Topical / Poultice
- Mash fresh Khus Khus (Vetiver) or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
- Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.
Infused Oil
- Fill a jar with dried Khus Khus (Vetiver).
- Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
- Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
- Use topically or as a salve base.
Herbal Bath
- Brew 4–6 tbsp of Khus Khus (Vetiver) in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
- Soak for 20–30 minutes.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Khus Khus (Vetiver) in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Khus Khus (Vetiver) itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
Use CautionThis herb is associated with calming/sedative activity. CNS-active herbs are generally used cautiously and short-term in pregnancy rather than as a routine remedy — this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionSedative herbs can cause infant drowsiness via breast milk — generally used cautiously and briefly, watching the baby for excess sleepiness or poor feeding.
Children
Use CautionSedative herbs are dose-sensitive in children, whose smaller body size makes effects less predictable — start low and use short-term under guidance.
Contraindications
- CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects
Warnings
⚠️ Sedatives & Antidepressants
May potentiate the effects of sedative, anxiolytic, or antidepressant medications. Use with caution alongside any CNS-active drugs.
⚠️ Allergic Reactions
Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
⚠️ Not Medical Advice
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Drug & herb interactions
May have a calming/sedative effect
Watch for: Benzodiazepines, sleep medications, other sedative herbs, and alcohol
Combined CNS-depressant effects can cause excessive drowsiness or impaired coordination.
Where to find in nature
Native region
Caribbean islands, coastal Central America
Climate
Tropical maritime
Habitat
Tropical coastlines, rainforest interiors, and traditional medicine gardens of Caribbean islands
🌿 To see Khus Khus (Vetiver) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.
Where to buy
In store
- Caribbean grocery stores and botanicas
- West Indian food markets in cities with Caribbean communities
- Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
- Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
- Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
Online
iHerb
Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing
Mountain Rose Herbs
Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced
Starwest Botanicals
Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders
Herb Pharm
High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards
Amazon
Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing
Etsy
Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs
Quality tips
When buying Khus Khus (Vetiver), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.