Vetiver Water:

Vetiver is closely related to other fragrant grasses such as Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus).

Vetiver has been used throughout history in many different cultures for many different reasons from its healing abilities to ceremonies. Vetiver oil was used to anoint brides to bless them before entering marriage.

In Ayurveda the root and essential oil are used for heatstroke, fevers, and headaches. Russians used vetiver in sachets attached to the lining of their coats to help in retaining warmth. It was used in perfumes with rosewood and lime in the middle ages. It was also grown to prevent soil erosion in India. The grass was also
used to make woven baskets, rugs and parts of the house in Africa.

In today’s aromatherapy vetiver has many uses. It is used for an insect repellant which it is excellent for. Vetiver it used to strengthen the red blood cells and promotes oxygen throughout the body. Vetiver is often used to alleviate the symptoms of rheumatism, arthritis and muscular aches such as muscle pain, sprains, and joint and muscle stiffness. It also aids the reproductive system; it is used to promote fertilization of the female egg. Vetiver oil is also useful for the skin, it can be used to alleviate the inflammation of acne, aids in healing of cuts, it reduces oil in the skin(for oily skin) and anti-aging properties. Vetiver is not toxic and nonirritant it is great for the skin for sensitive and older skin.

Ingredients:

Earthern Pot Water
Vetiver Roots(dried) 1 fistful(chopped
Cumin seeds 1 spoon
Nannari seeds 1/4 spoon

Method:

Earthen pot water is used in those days to chill water(when fridge was not affordable). The porosity of the pot….This is because of a physical process known as evaporation. When a liquid changes to a gaseous (or vapour) state without boiling, it is known as evaporation.

A matka is made of mud and has many minute pores (extremely small holes). No matter how tightly you pack the mud, these pores remain. It is through these pores that the water, placed inside the matka, oozes out. Now, to evaporate, the water needs to absorb heat, which will change it to vapour.

The only way the water oozing out of the matka can turn to vapour is by absorbing heat from the liquid within the matka and the matka itself. Due to this process of continuous absorption of heat from the water inside the matka, in a few hours, this water becomes cool.

Well…we use these roots to bring that nice fragrant to the water. Also it is said to have many medicinal properties. Its body coolant!

So during summer….people immerse these roots in the warm / plain water and make this sit for a long time…to infuse that nice fragrance! Its filtered later and served as fragrant water.