How to Drink Khus Water: A Complete Guide to Preparation and Benefits

Khus, also known as vetiver, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries due to its powerful cooling properties. This guide will show you exactly how to drink khus water, detailing different preparation methods to help you reap its many health benefits and beat the summer heat.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the best ways to prepare and consume khus water, offering recipes for simple root-infused water and flavorful sharbat. Learn about the cooling effects, digestive support, and antioxidant properties of this natural beverage.

Key Points

• Infused Water: Prepare a mild, sugar-free khus drink by soaking clean vetiver roots in water overnight.

• Sharbat (Syrup) Method: For a sweeter, more intense beverage, mix khus syrup with chilled water or milk and ice.

• Health Benefits: Drinking khus water can aid digestion, detoxify the body with antioxidants, and provide a natural cooling effect.

• DIY Syrup: Make your own khus syrup at home by boiling cleaned vetiver roots with sugar and water until a 'one-string' consistency is reached.

• Versatile Beverage: Experiment with adding lemon, mint, sabja seeds, or using coconut water and soda for creative khus drink variations.

• Reuse Roots: The same khus roots used for infused water can be steeped multiple times before they lose their aroma and flavor.

Understanding Khus and its Properties

Khus, or vetiver, is an aromatic perennial grass native to India, cherished for its distinct, earthy fragrance and therapeutic qualities derived from its roots. For generations, it has been used as a natural coolant to combat the scorching summer heat. Its cooling and calming effects are not just limited to quenching thirst but also extend to improving overall well-being. By harnessing its root's essence, you can create a refreshing and healthy drink that is far superior to artificial, sugar-laden beverages. The two primary methods for preparing khus water involve either a simple root infusion or a more concentrated syrup, known as sharbat.

Method 1: The Simple Root-Infused Water

This is the most natural and least processed way to enjoy khus water, offering a subtle, earthy flavor and aroma.

How to Prepare Khus Infused Water

1. Gather your roots: Start with a few strands of dried khus (vetiver) roots. You can find these at most Indian grocery stores or herbal remedy shops.
2. Clean the roots: Thoroughly wash the roots to remove any dirt or impurities. You can even soak them for 30 minutes to help with the cleaning process.
3. Infuse in water: Place the clean roots in a water bottle, jug, or traditional matka (clay pot) and fill it with drinking water. For a stronger flavor, use more roots or let them steep longer. A good starting point is 6–8 strands per liter of water.
4. Steep: Allow the roots to infuse for a couple of hours, or for a more potent flavor, leave them overnight.
5. Serve and reuse: Strain the water to remove the roots and serve chilled. The same roots can be reused for several days, typically up to 3 times, before discarding them.

Method 2: The Classic Khus Sharbat

For those who prefer a sweeter, more intense flavor, khus sharbat is the perfect option. It can be made with either store-bought syrup or prepared at home.

How to Prepare Khus Sharbat with Syrup

1. Combine ingredients: In a glass, mix 2-4 tablespoons of khus syrup with a glass of chilled water or milk.
2. Stir well: Stir until the syrup is fully dissolved and the mixture has a uniform, vibrant green color (if using standard green-dyed syrup).
3. Add ice: Fill the glass with ice cubes to make it extra refreshing.
4. Garnish: For an extra touch of flavor and aroma, garnish with a few fresh mint leaves and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Creative Khus Water Variations

• Khus Lemonade: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice and a pinch of black salt to your khus sharbat for a tangy twist.
• Khus Coconut Punch: Combine khus syrup with coconut water, a few lemon slices, mint leaves, and a dash of black salt for a tropical-inspired drink.
• Khus Soda: Mix khus syrup with sparkling water instead of still water for a fizzy, refreshing beverage.
• Khus Basil Seed Drink: Add pre-soaked sabja (basil) seeds to your khus water for added texture and cooling benefits.

Health Benefits of Khus Water

Beyond its ability to cool the body, khus water offers a range of impressive health benefits.

• Digestive Aid: Khus root water can help relieve constipation and other digestive ailments by clearing the intestinal tract.
• Rich in Antioxidants: The presence of antioxidants helps to detoxify the body and protect against damage from free radicals.
• Reduces Stress: The natural sedative properties of vetiver can help calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and promote better sleep.
• Regulates Blood Pressure: Khus is a good source of iron, manganese, and vitamin B6, which supports healthy blood circulation.
• Promotes Healthy Skin: By flushing out toxins, khus water can contribute to clearer, more radiant skin.

Khus Infusion vs. Khus Sharbat: A Comparison

Feature	Khus Infused Water	Khus Sharbat (Syrup-Based)
Flavor	Subtle, earthy, and aromatic	Sweet, intense, and concentrated
Sugar Content	Sugar-free (unless sweetener is added)	High (due to added sugar)
Preparation Time	Requires steeping roots for several hours	Instant mixing with water
Naturalness	Most natural form, derived directly from roots	Often contains sugar and optional food coloring
Versatility	Can be used as a base for other drinks	Primarily used for sweet drinks

How to Make Your Own Khus Syrup at Home

1. Clean the roots: Wash 50 grams of dried khus roots thoroughly to remove any impurities.
2. Simmer with water: In a pot, combine the cleaned roots with 1 liter of water and 500 grams of sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Reduce to consistency: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and reaches a 'one-string consistency'. This means a single thread forms when a drop is pressed between your thumb and forefinger.
4. Cool and store: Let the syrup cool completely. If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring for a traditional look. Transfer to a clean, airtight bottle and refrigerate.

Conclusion: Embracing the Natural Coolant

Whether you opt for the subtle, refreshing qualities of a simple root infusion or the concentrated, sweet flavor of a sharbat, learning how to drink khus water is a fantastic way to upgrade your hydration routine. This traditional Indian beverage is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits, making it an excellent natural remedy for managing body heat and improving digestive wellness. With its versatile preparation methods, khus water is a timeless beverage that offers a taste of natural rejuvenation. For further reading on the health benefits, explore sources like this article on the Ayurvedic Perspective on Vetiver.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to drink khus water for maximum health benefits?

The most natural and healthiest way is to drink simple khus root-infused water, as it is sugar-free and contains all the natural benefits of the vetiver roots. For constipation relief, a mixture with honey and lemon juice can be beneficial.

How long should I soak khus roots to make water?

For a subtle flavor, soak the roots for a couple of hours. For a stronger, more concentrated flavor, it is best to let them steep overnight.

Can I reuse the khus roots?

Yes, khus roots can be reused. The roots can be soaked again for up to three times before they lose their flavor and aroma completely.

Is khus water good for digestion?

Yes, khus water is known to be good for digestion. It helps clear the intestinal tract and can provide relief from issues like constipation and bloating.

What is the difference between khus water and khus sharbat?

Khus water is typically a low-sugar infusion made by soaking the vetiver roots directly in water. Khus sharbat is a sweet syrup made by boiling the roots with a large amount of sugar, which is then diluted to create a sweet, concentrated drink.

Does khus water help with body heat?

Yes, khus is known for its natural cooling properties and is a traditional remedy for reducing excessive body heat during summer.

Are there any side effects of khus syrup?

For most people, khus syrup is harmless. However, since it is high in sugar, individuals with diabetes or those monitoring sugar intake should opt for the simple root-infused water or sugar-free alternatives.