Gongolili (Gongoli): West African Vetiver Root for Water, Tea & Baths
Herb guide · Yado Market Blog
Gongolili, also called gongoli, khamaré or cepp, is dried vetiver root. Across Senegal, Mali, Guinea and Côte d'Ivoire, families drop a bundle into the water jar for a fresh, woody taste, brew it as a tea or add it to a warm bath. Here is everything you need to know.
Quick answer: what is gongolili?
- Dried roots of vetiver grass.
- Called gongoli in Côte d'Ivoire and cepp in Senegal.
- Soaked in drinking water for a woody, fresh taste.
- Can be brewed as tea and reused several times.
Vetiver
The plant
4 names
Gongolili, gongoli, khamaré, cepp
Roots
Part used
Reusable
Several soaks
At a glance
Gongolili Quick Facts
| Common names | Gongolili, gongoli (Côte d'Ivoire); khamaré; cepp (Senegal); vetiver root |
|---|---|
| Plant | Vetiver grass. The wild West African vetiver is Vetiveria nigritana (now often listed as Chrysopogon nigritanus) |
| Part used | Dried roots, sold in small bundles of stems |
| Taste and aroma | Woody, earthy and lightly sweet, the same family of scent used in fine perfumes |
| How it's used | Soaked in drinking water, brewed as a tea, or added to baths |
| Where it's popular | Senegal, Mali, Guinea and Côte d'Ivoire |
Know your root
What Is Gongolili?
Gongolili (also gongoli) is the name used in Côte d'Ivoire for dried vetiver roots, the same root sold as khamaré, and called cepp in Senegal.1 Vetiver is a tall clumping grass with a thick, fragrant root system. In Senegal the vetiver that grows in the wild is Vetiveria nigritana.2
Ask any West African auntie and she will tell you: a bundle of gongolili in the water jar makes the water taste fresh and pleasant. It is one of those simple, everyday traditions that families carry with them wherever they move.
Côte d'Ivoire
Gongolili or gongoli.
Senegal
Cepp, and khamaré in markets.
Mali
Sold in bundles to flavor drinking water.
Worldwide
Vetiver, famous in perfumery.
The tradition
Gongolili in Drinking Water
The most common use of vetiver root in Senegal and Mali is in drinking water. Researchers from Cheikh Anta Diop University and Senegal's agricultural institute recorded that vetiver roots are traditionally used to improve the taste of drinking water.2 The Vetiver Network documented root bundles being placed in home water containers and even in bottled water, sold in markets for about 50 CFA francs a bundle.3
Gongolili gives water a soft, woody flavor. It is a way to enjoy your water more, not a replacement for clean, safe water. Always start with filtered or tap water you already trust.
Step by step
How to Use Gongolili
Three traditional ways to enjoy it:
Cold water
Rinse the roots well. Put a few stems in 1 liter of water and let them soak for a few hours, then drink through the day.
Hot tea
Boil a few stems in water for about 10 minutes, strain and drink warm.
Reuse
Rinse and reuse the same roots several times until the aroma fades.
Bath
Boil the roots and add the water to a warm bath, a traditional practice for women.
Did you know?
More Ways West Africa Uses Vetiver
Vetiver is a true multi-purpose plant in the Sahel. Field notes from Senegal describe it being used in mud bricks to stop walls from cracking, woven into thatch and hats, and planted as hedges to hold the soil.4 Villagers even treat wild vetiver as a sign that the water table nearby is good.4
Building
Mixed into adobe bricks.
Crafts
Woven into hats, mats and thatch.
Farming
Planted in rows to hold soil and water.
Fragrance
Vetiver oil is a classic base note in perfume.
Shop gongolili
Buy Gongolili and Pairings
Pair gongolili with other West African herbs for your own house tea blends:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gongolili?
Gongolili is the Ivorian name for dried vetiver roots, also sold as gongoli, khamaré, and called cepp in Senegal.
What is gongolili used for?
Traditionally it is soaked in drinking water to give it a fresh, woody taste. It is also brewed as a tea and added to baths.
How do I use gongolili in water?
Rinse a few stems, place them in about 1 liter of water and let them soak for a few hours. Drink through the day and reuse the roots several times.
Is gongolili the same as vetiver?
Yes. Gongolili is vetiver root. In West Africa the wild species is Vetiveria nigritana.
Does gongolili purify water?
It is traditionally used to improve the taste of water. It should not replace filtering or boiling, so always start with water that is already safe to drink.
Where can I buy gongolili in the USA?
At Yado Market: pick up at 1651 E 87th St in Chicago, local delivery, or shipping anywhere in the U.S.
Keep reading
Related Guides
Make Your Water Taste Like Home
A small bundle of gongolili goes a long way. Ships anywhere in the U.S. from our Chicago store.
This guide shares traditional uses and published research for general information. It is not medical advice, and these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. If you are pregnant, nursing, take prescription medicine or have a health condition, check with your doctor before using herbal products.
Research & references
Sources
- Khamaré (gongoli, cepp) vetiver stems, Anka Africa marketplace listing
- Mapping the Natural Distribution of Genus Vetiveria in Senegal, Université Cheikh Anta Diop / ISRA / IFAN (ICV3 proceedings)
- Truong, Vetiver Roots Development and Some Handicraft and Medicinal Uses, The Vetiver Network International
- Juliard, Vetiveria nigritana and Its Use in Senegal, The Vetiver Network