Vetiver Essential Oil

Vetiver is also known as the 'Oil of Tranquility' and is native to India and Sri Lanka. In India it is called khus khus and is valued immensely for its grass and roots. The vetiver plant is a tall grass that grows naturally in the wild in hot climates. The grass can grow up to 1.5 meters in height and the roots nearly 4 meters underground. Vetiver grass is highly fragrant and is related to other similar grasses such as lemon grass and citronella.

Ancient South Indian documents show that vetiver has always been used in many different ways. The grass was used to make thatched mats, fans, baskets, and screen and the aromatic vetiver essential oil was used in perfumes and in Ayurvedic treatments. Nowadays, high-end perfume houses in the West use vetiver in most of their perfumes and products not only because of its distinct aroma but also because it is highly soluble in alcohol. With almost a hundred different components, vetiver oil aromatherapy is an in-demand product all over the world.

Vetiver fragrance oil is extracted from the roots of the vetiver plant. These roots have to be at least 18 months old before they are dug up and cleaned. After drying them and cutting them up, they are steam distilled for nearly a day. What is left behind is a thick, brown, viscous oil that smells woody, smoky, earthy, and comforting. It is considered a distinctly masculine scent in the perfume and fragrance industry.

Vetiver oil can be used in different ways. You could put a few drops in a diffuser and spread the aroma in a room or pour some oil mixed with grape seed oil into your bath for a relaxing soak. Keep in mind that vetiver oil has a strong scent and using even a few drops at a time is effective enough. Vetiver oil is used as an anti-inflammatory and can soothe muscle and joint pain along with rheumatism and arthritis. Vetiver oil skin benefits have been well documented as well. Vetiver oil when used on the skin, has anti-aging benefits and can prevent wrinkles and stretch marks. As an ingredient in soaps, lotions, and creams, vetiver oil can also treat external wounds scars, and burns thanks to its anti-bacterial and cicatrisant properties. It helps in skin cell regeneration and prevents wounds from becoming septic. Vetiver oil can balance out an oily skin as well as make dry skin softer. Acne and other skin problems are also reduced with the use of vetiver oil.

Vetiver Essential Oil is distilled from the roots of a grass. It is used in and aromatherapy and massage therapy, in skin-care products, and as a base note in perfumery. The word vetiver comes from the Tamil word that means 'hatcheted up', a description of the way in which the roots are collected.

Vetiver Essential Oil is very grounding and the aroma is very earthy. Emotionally vetiver is very grounding and calming. It also has been documented to relieve shock and trauma.

Use diluted - 50:50 dilution (one part essential oil: one part of carrier oil). Then, apply several drops (2-4) on location, ankles and wrists. Apply to chakras/vitaflex points. Directly inhale or diffuse.
What Chakra is Affected? The heart which aligns the root chakra. Promotes balance of the central nervous system which does not have a specific chakra.