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    Yemama Apothecary

    Bencao Gangmu Reference Library

    Central Nervous-Sedating, Aromatic Dampness-Transforming & Anxiolytic Sovereign (芳香化湿 / 清热安神醒脾解暑宁心定志除烦解秽 — 芳香宁神第一岩兰草 / 情绪安定油与中枢神经镇静之王 / 水土保持神草)

    岩兰草 / 培地茅 / 芒草同属 / 根香草 / 辟秽草 / 培地草 — Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash (syn. Chrysopogon zizanioides, Andropogon zizanioides)

    Pinyin: Yánláncǎo / Péidìmáo / Gēnxiāngcǎo · Malay: Rumput Akar Wangi / Akar Wangi / Khas-Khas / Rumput Wangi / Vetiver · Family: Poaceae (禾本科 / 金须茅属)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Cool to Neutral (平 / 凉 / 芳香微凉)

    Flavor

    Bitter, sweet, richly aromatic, earthy-woody, slightly astringent (苦、甘、微涩、芳香醇厚、凉)

    Meridians

    Heart (心), Spleen (脾), Stomach (胃), Liver (肝)

    Traditional Edict

    Vetiver / Fragrant Root (Rumput Akar Wangi / Yan Lan Cao / Khas-Khas). Massive spongy fibrous roots exuding earthy-woody perfume. Oil of Tranquility: deep earthy aroma pacifies panic and anxiety, grounds racing thoughts in ADHD, extinguishes summer heat exhaustion, relieves insomnia.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Do not boil essential oils vigorously in open pots (preserves volatile sesquiterpenes). High clinical, psychological, and aromatherapy safety profile. Safe in pregnancy and lactation.

    Clinical Applications

    • Generalized anxiety disorder, panic restlessness, and ADHD focus enhancement (central GABAergic and olfactory-limbic sedation via Khusimol and Vetivones), summer heat exhaustion, and skin deodorization.

    Quality Markers

    Khusimol (岩兰草醇) >= 15.0%-25.0%, a- and b-Vetivone >= 8.0%-15.0% & Total Essential Oil >= 1.50%-3.00% (GC-MS ISO 4716)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Khusimol acts as a positive allosteric modulator at central GABAA receptors, dampening hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis cortisol surges. 2. Sesquiterpenes improve prefrontal brain wave coherence. 3. Antimicrobial sweat deodorization.

    Preparation & Dosage

    THE SOVEREIGN AKAR WANGI ANXIOLYTIC ROOT INFUSION: 10 to 15 g clean washed roots steeped in 500 mL boiling water in a covered pot for 20 min; drunk warm or cooled for anxiety or summer heat. Essential oil inhalation: 2-3 drops diffused in bedroom for deep sleep.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. Sovereign Central Anxiolytic & Deep Sleep Diffuser Blend with Vetiver, Lavender, and Bergamot. 2. Summer Heatstroke Cooling Water with Pandanus amaryllifolius (Daun Pandan).

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    Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only