Khus-Khus

Vetiveria zizanioides, also known as vetiver and Botha grass and sometimes spelled cuscus, belongs to the family Gramineae. It is a large bushy grass found in tropical India and cultivated throughout the tropical world.

Khus-khus has been used for centuries in India as an incense or perfume, and medicinally. The roots are a source of an essential oil which makes a stimulating tonic drink or is added to sherbets and other fruit drinks. It is thought to have a cooling effect on the body. Morton (1976) observes that in the food industry it is added to canned asparagus to enhance the flavour.