Ruh Khus

Vetiver is perhaps the premier perfume fixative, said to be a component in 90% of all perfumes. Ruh khus comes from Root, whereas the cultivated variety must be propagated by division. The best quality oil comes from roots that are 18 to 24 months old. These roots are freshly unearthed, cleaned, dried, soaked in water and then distilled, the process of which can take up to 24 hours. After the distillate separates into essential oil and hydrosol, the oil is skimmed off and allowed to age several months while it mellows and deepens. Like sandalwood and patchouli, vetiver oil improves with age.