Vetiver essential oil (VEO) is produced by steam distillation of the aromatic roots of the tropical grass Vetiveria zizanioides, which is native to the Indian subcontinent. VEO has a long history of use primarily due to its insect-repellent property and persistent green-woody note. Scientific studies have evaluated its insect-repellent, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic activities.

In India and Sri Lanka, Vetiver Essential Oil is known as the "oil of tranquility". This is directly applicable to its common applications as a relaxing and comforting oil. Ushira (Vetiver) is known as nectar in summers as it lightens all health issues related to heat and summer. The scientific name of the Ushira plant is Vetiveria zizanioides. It is famous with the name of khus. These are known as perennial grass that can grow up to one to two meters high with wide clumps. Ushira tillers are known as stem produced by grass plants. The clumps or tillers arise from rhizomes. The clumps can be grown up to 8 feet. These tillers are strong and stiff. The rhizomes are so small and do not run out. The lodging is very low in these. Roots of the plants are spongy, stout and strong type. These are with aromatic character. The root system of the plant is somewhat massive but compact, structured and very strong. It grows about 2 feet on both sides of the plant but it can acquire depth up to 8 feet. The leaves of the plant can grow up to 120 to 125 cm long and 0.8 cm wide. The leaves are narrow, keel and erect with rough margins. The inflorescence panicles are 15 to 30 cm long with 2.5 to 5.0 cm long whorl branches. These are purple brown in color. The spikelet are of grey, green or purple color, 1/8-1/4 inch long with three stamens.