Among the fragrant roots of the classical materia medica, Ushira is the one most associated with heat and with water.
What Ushira is
Ushira is the root of Vetiveria zizanioides, the grass known in English as vetiver. It is dug, dried and used for its aroma, and in the classical literature it belongs with the cooling materials of the hot season rather than the warming ones.
Keeping company with Tagara
Ushira is named alongside Tagara in the aromatic preparations. They are separate plants doing related work in a formula, which is what a classical grouping means: a documented list, not a set of interchangeable parts. The guide to the aromatic roots covers the grouping.
A root, like Tagara
Both are underground parts, dug rather than picked, which is the sense of the Sanskrit Mula. The root and rhizome guide explains why the part matters as much as the plant.
Where to find Tagara
Tagara Capsules offer Valeriana wallichii as a single herb rather than inside an aromatic formula.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plant is Ushira?
Vetiveria zizanioides, the grass known as vetiver.
Is Ushira the same as Tagara?
No. They are different plants that appear together in classical aromatic preparations.
Which part of Ushira is used?
The root.
This article is for educational purposes and describes the classical Ayurvedic record. The products mentioned are food supplements, not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Take them under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
