The functionality of Igusa

The Air Purification

 Igusa has a refreshing scent that calms the Japanese people, absorbs many harmful substances and purifies the air. It absorbs formaldehyde, ammonia odor and isovaleric acid, which can cause the Sick Building Syndrome and lead to bad odours. Igusa is a natural air purifier.

▲ A field of igusa (rushes)

 

Temperature adjustment

The cross-section of the grass has countless sponge-like air holes that allow moisture to flow in and out of the grass. Its moisture regulating properties allow it to wick away moisture during the rainy season and summer and release moisture in winter to prevent it from drying out. It's also perfect for the Japanese climate, which has hot and humid summers and cold and low-humidity winters.

▲ Dyed igusa

 

Antibacterial Property

It has been proved that rushes have antibacterial effects against food poisoning bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus, and putrefactive bacteria such as Bacillus, Micrococcus and Legionella. Igusa is naturally antibacterial.