Vetiver: I Am the Fragrance of the Soil
Friday, August 8th, 2008By David Crow, L.Ac.
All creatures are born of the earth, and nourished by her rich flavors. I am the fragrance of the soil, Lord Krishna proclaims in the Bhagavat Gita, reminding us of Gods life-giving presence within the most humble of the elements.
Every plant absorbs the prana (life force) and ojas (nutritive essence) of the soil into its body, transforming them into foods, medicines, and oils for the benefit of other beings. Yet none capture the subtle complexities of the earths mysterious fragrances as completely as vetiver grass, known in India as khus.