Vetiver Essential Oil

A continuing series of posts on my favorite essential oils must include Vetiver.  Like Frankincense and Australian Sandalwood essential oils, I cannot seem to get enough of Vetiver.  I find the earthy/smokey aroma to be calming and I use it in my personal blend that I keep with me at all times. My blend combines the following essential oils in a roller bottle with Sweet Almond Oil:
Vetiver/Australian Sandalwood/Frankincense/Lemon

In my comparison of essential oil companies I have intentions to purchase vetiver for at least 2-3 other sources, but as of the date of this post I have only purchased from Young Living.

Origin:

The botanical name for is Vetiveria Zizanioides. The word "Vetiver" is from a Tamil word that means "Hatcheted up".   it is also often referred to as Khas Khas Grass. This tall, scented perennial grass has a  network of white roots that grow downward (2-4 meters) unlike most grasses which have a more wide-spread, shallower mat configuration.  The essential oil is distilled from the roots and rootlets.
Vetiver is native to India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka but has also been cultivated in other areas such as the Philippines, Japan, West Africa and South America.  The roots are mainly steam-distilled in Haiti and Java.  Haiti is reputed for producing the highest quality of Vetiver essential oil.

History:

Vetiver use dates back to the 12th century where it was actually a taxed item in India. 
The cooling properties of Vetiver resulted in it's use for bringing natural freshness and cooling during the warmer summer months by weaving mats of the Vetiver roots for use in the home.  The roots were also placed into earthen pots to naturally cool drinking water and keep it fresh. The grass was used in making roof thatches and Africans used the grass for making rugs, baskets, and other items for their homes.
Vetiver was used in folk medicine due to the belief that it had properties that produced abundance and is known in India as the "Oil of Tranquility".

What's so good about Vetiver?

Because of it's calming properties, Vetiver essential oil  has been shown to be helpful for people who suffer from anxiety and studies have also shown some effectiveness for ADHD when the oil is inhaled. It helps to balance the mind and spirit and strengthen the reproductive system. It is an effective tonic and sedative, proven anti-oxidant, and is even being studied for it's possible uses as a natural insecticide. Other documented properties include: antiseptic, immune-stimulant, circulatory stimulant,  anti-spasmodic, and it helps with the production of red corpuscles.
Vetiver oil also helps with many skin problems including acne and aging skin due to it's ability to promote skin regeneration and strengthen connective tissue.

Common Uses:

Vetiver is commonly used to help treat anxiety, depression, insomnia, acne, anorexia and more.  Because the aroma has grounding, calming, and tranquilizing properties is has been a valuable tool in relieving stress and helping to induce a good night's sleep.

Popular ways of using Vetiver essential oil:

Clyde’s Note:  I recommend that you always combine your essential oil with a carrier oil (such as jojoba, sweet almond, coconut, avocado, etc.)  when applying essential oils to the skin or adding to your bath.

• Add a few drops to your favorite carrier oil and use to cleanse your face using the Oil Cleansing Method (OCM).  I use organic coconut oil most often for this purpose,
  
• Add drops to a natural home made after shave or face toner.  Make a 50/50 solution of distilled water and witch hazel, Put the mixture in a glass spray bottle and spray onto cleansed face,
• Diffuse by itself or combined with other essential oils.  I love the relaxing scent of Vetiver and Australian Sandalwood being diffused together. (no carrier oil needed)
  
• Use in a warm bath (make sure you add to carrier oil first and THEN put a few drops into your bathwater)
• Add to your favorite massage oil
  

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Precautions:

Vetiver should not be used on children under the age of 6 and should be greatly diluted for children over age 6.   Pregnant or nursing women should consult their health care providers before using any essential oils.
Internal use of frankincense (and other essential oils) may have toxic effects and should not be ingested without supervision of a health professional.
Always test for skin sensitivity prior to use. Excessive use of any oil can lead to skin sensitization. Keep out of eyes, ears, or nose.
Not all oils are created equal, so be particular about the brand of essential oil you use.

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Links to some of the items mentioned in this post:

Vetiver 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil by Edens Garden- 30 ml

Carrington Farms Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 12 Ounce

T.N. Dickinson's Astringent, 100% Natural, Witch Hazel 16 fl oz (473 ml)

2 oz Cobalt Blue Glass Bottles, with Black Fine Mist Sprayers

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Sources:

livestrong.com
Vetiver Essential Oil (post dated March 20, 2016
Aromatic Science

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Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician. It is not meant to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, circumstances or adverse effects. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your doctor before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen.