Khus attar is processed from the root part of the plant and has a fragrance that is best described as sweet, deep, woody, earthy, smoky, amber and balsam. This best quality oil is obtained from roots that are 18 to 24 months old. With superior oil obtained from cultivated variety, it offers a fragrance that evokes both warmth & compassion.

Related to the family of fragrant grasses that also gives us Citronella and Palmarosa, Vetivert surprises with the depth and darkness of its scent, which some people love, but others find offensive. Vetivert is interesting in that its aroma and action can vary widely depending on its concentration and the oils it is blended with. Indian poets liken its scent to the smell of the first monsoon rains that rejuvenate the earth. It certainly smells earthy and acts grounding on those who walk with their heads in the clouds. In its native India the oil is used to perfume incense sticks used in Pujas. It aids concentration and heightens awareness. In Ayurveda it is mostly used for skin care preparations. In the West it is not employed in herbal medicine, but is widely used as a fixative in perfumery.