Ramacham or vetiver falls under the category of perennial grass variety which belongs to the Poaceae family. In western and northern parts of India, it is known by the name 'Khus'. The grass has tall stem and long, thin and rigid leaves. Brownish-purple coloured flowers are another peculiar feature of these plants. Unlike other grass varieties which have a horizontal root system, Ramacham or vetiver has a downward root system which grows up to a depth of 4m. Water boiled with these dried roots is commonly used as a herbal drinking water. This is believed to be good for vigour and vitality. Arthritis patients make use of these dried roots in stuffing the bed as it is known to have certain healing power. People also make use of a handful of Ramacham or vetiver roots as a body cleaning brush while bathing. Some of the health benefits of Ramacham roots are as mentioned below.

1. It has a cooling effect, immune-modulatory, digestive and regulates menstruation. 2. These roots can be used as a natural remedy for headaches, ulcers, burning sensations and blood related diseases. 3. Drinking water prepared using these roots are effective against diarrhoea and vomiting. 4. It helps in purifying blood and removes body odour and excessive sweating.

Ramacham Scrubber  – Natural care for your natural skin (Vetiver roots scrubber)

Ramacham Scrubber bath scrubbers made from the roots of vetiver grass.  Ramacham scrubber fully hand woven and reusable for several times .100% natural ,anti bacterial and it helps normalize oily skin and clear acne. Ramacham or vetiver falls under the category of perennial grass variety which belongs to the Poaceae family. In western and northern parts of India, it is known by the name 'Khus'. The grass has tall stem and long, thin and rigid leaves. Brownish-purple colored flowers are another peculiar feature of these plants. Unlike other grass varieties which have a horizontal root system, Ramacham or vetiver has a downward root system which grows up to a depth of 4m

Water boiled with these dried roots is commonly used as a herbal drinking water. This is believed to be good for vigour and vitality. Arthritis patients make use of these dried roots in stuffing the bed as it is known to have certain healing power.

Vetiver is a grass and it's name is derived from Tamil name "Vettiver". Vettiver is native to India and both it's leaves and roots have wonderful uses. It's roots are mainly used in home remedies. I always have vetiver root at home. Vetiver root is dried and sold in the markets and they last for quite some time. Since India is a tropical country, we as a nation have always been fond of natural ingredients that keep our body cool and vetiver tops that list, because it is such a natural body cooler. I personally love vetiver water that is made by soaking the vetiver roots in water, as it is very fragrant. We also use vetiver in our traditional bath powders. Since vetiver is very fragrant and cooling, using bath powders made with it, cools the body and prevents heat rashes. Other than using it in traditional remedies, it has other wonderful uses too. Vetiver grass is used in mushroom making, as a roof material and for making handicrafts. Other main important use of vetiver is the conservation of soil. The roots of vetiver is very effective in preventing soil erosion. Vetiver essential oil also has wonderful benefits for treating ADHD, acne, depression, arthritis, stress, in making perfumes, etc. Vetiver essential oil is also good for insomnia. A few drops of this essential oil rubbed on the feet calms the mind and brings in sleep for people who suffer from insomnia.

USES OF VETIVER:

1. VETIVER USES FOR SKIN:

Vetiver is an antiseptic and is very effective in preventing acne. Nowadays vetiver essential oil is getting popular for it's wonderful properties. Vetiver is used as a face pack along with sandalwood for making an effective treatment for acne. To make this home remedy for acne, soak dried vetiver root in water overnight. Next day take a sandal wood bark and rub it into a paste with the vetiver water. Add few drops of vetiver essential oil and apply on the affected area continuously for best results.

2. VETIVER USES FOR HAIR:

We use vetiver root to make vetiver water. This vetiver water can be used for both drinking and as a hair rinse. Vetiver water is very cooling. It helps to cure painful urination, ulcers and bad breath. This aromatic water has a calming effect on the nerves and regular intake of this water helps in general well being and it acts as a blood purifier. Traditionally vetiver water is always made in clay pots. To make vetiver

water, Take a bunch of vetiver root and place it in the bottom of clay pots. Pour cooled, boiled water on top the vetiver root and cover the pot for at least 2 to 3 hrs. After 2 to 3 hrs, the vetiver essence would have infused into the water. Now take a lime cut into thin slices and add the slices to the water. You can strain the water while drinking. This vetiver water is very cooling and refreshing. This vetiver water is always made during hot summer months and I have to add that I really love this aromatic vetiver water.

3. VETIVER USE IN BATH POWDER:

The bath powder is made with vetiver and green gram dal. This bath powder does not strip the skin of the natural oils and regular use prevents black heads and softens the skin. But this powder will spoil easily, if the green gram and vetiver is not sun dried till crisp. I prefer to make small batches of this powder. This bath powder cleanses well and it can be made into a paste with water and used as a face scrub too. During winter season, mix the green gram powder with milk or yogurt and use. To make this powder, sun dry green gram dal and vetiver in bright sunlight till they get very crisp. Powder it finely in a mixer. Vetiver is very aromatic, so use just little to make this powder. Both vetiver and green gram powder are very cooling. This powder is excellent for small babies, as it does not have any chemicals. Keep the left over powder in an air tight box away from moisture.

4. VETIVER USE FOR SLEEP:

If you are looking for a natural room cooler that does not dry the skin like our regular air cooler, then vetiver curtains are perfect. The vetiver roots are dried and then woven into window curtains. These curtains are very fragrant and make the whole room smell fresh. The smell from these vetiver curtains relaxes our mind and brings in peaceful sleep. Usually during the hot afternoons, water is sprinkled over these vetiver mats. When the hot air passes through them it cools the air and also adds it's unique wonderful fragrance. It is much better than our regular air coolers, economical and saves so much of electricity.

5. VETIVER USES FOR HEALTH:

Many of you must have seen these round scrubs hanging in ayurvedic shops and these are the vetiver scrubs. These scrubs are made from vetiver roots. Instead of using loofah sponges, we can try these natural scrubs. These scrubs are antibacterial, can be reused again and again and are greatly fragrant. It improves the circulation in the body and is used to exfoliate the dead cells naturally and keeps the body healthy. Next time if you see these scrubs, give them a try. Before using it, soak it in water for some time and then use it like the regular loofah sponge. If you don't get these sponges, you can make your own too. Take a thick bunch of dried vetiver roots and tie them into a bunch in such a way that it will be easy to use it as a scrub. Soak it in water for few minutes and your scrubber is ready!

                                    

The roots form an ingredient in preparations for treatment of respiratory diseases, joint pains, skin diseases and stomach disorders. The fumes from the roots is aromatic and has germicidal and insect repelling activity. Beds made of vetiver root can be used for patients suffering from rheumatism and back pain.