Vetiver is a potent and useful essential oil for everyday use, though it is not commonly talked about in the essential oil and herb world.
Commonly known and used throughout India for not only its healing properties but also for its functional purposes such as thatching roofs and making mattresses. It’s known better by its other name “Khus” or “Khus-Khus” and is widely used in perfumes, foods, and drinks.
Origins of Vetiver
Vetiver is a perennial grass that is native to India and is a part of the Poaceae family; having a botanical name of chrysopogon zizanioides or vetiveria zizanioides. Commonly known throughout India as Khus, this plant can grow up to 5 feet in height or 1.5 meters with a root system that grows downward and can grow as deep as 8 feet or 2.5 meters. The stems are tall containing leaves that are long, thin and rigid with flowers that are brownish-purple in color.
The vetiver grass is native to India but is widely grown and harvested throughout the world in tropical regions such as Sri Lanka. Though they do enjoy growing in tropical locations, they are very drought tolerant and do help to protect the soil against sheet erosion due to their extended root system.
Vetiver is closely related to the Sorghum family which is a family of plants containing other fragrant grasses such as lemongrass.
The essential oil when extracted is brown to reddish brown and is thick in consistency. It has a strong scent that is quiet earthy or woodsy in smell; which makes sense since the essential oil is extracted from the vetiver root.
The essential oils are extracted from the vetiver root through the process of steam distillation.
Vetiver is known as a sacred herb because of its many properties. It has uplifting/soothing, healing and protective properties that make it highly sought after hence why it is also so sacred. It is also known as the “oil of tranquility” because of these properties as well.
Vetiver essential oil has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurvedic is an ancient form of medicine that dates back more than 3000 years and is said to have originated in India. It is one of the world’s oldest ways of practicing medicine.
Before marrying a bride would have vetiver essential oil massaged into her skin to help sanctify or purity them before the marriage ceremony. This was done because of the cleansing and therapeutic properties that vetiver has; it helps to heal the person from the inside out.
Vetiver was very popular throughout the Middle Ages. It was widely used in perfumes and other scented products; which is still done today. Since it has such a strong woodsy, earthy scent, it is frequently used in men’s fragrances or colognes.
It was a taxable item in India back in the 12th century.
Vetiver comes from the word Tamil which means “hatcheted up” which helps to describe the way in which the roots were gathered up. This is important to note because the vetiver plant’s roots were and are still commonly used to thatch roofs and in the making of rugs, baskets, and curtains.
Health Benefits of Vetiver Essential Oil
When it comes to vetiver essential oil there is lots that it can do for you and your health. Recently, as well, many studies are being performed to understand vetiver’s effects on ADHD and ADD. There are also many other studies being presented with a number of other ailments such as depression and anxiety and even autism.
Vetiver is known to help the body protect itself from infection due to its antiseptic and immunity boosting properties. It also helps in promoting the healing of wounds through its antiseptic properties as well as helping to promote growth of new tissue and better blood flow. It also helps in healing scars and stretch marks.
Vetiver is known to help with joint pain and stiffness. This is very helpful for those suffering from arthritis, joint stiffness or illness or injury.
Vetiver helps to calm the nerves which are essential in helping to decrease stress, depression, and anxiety. It also helps to maintain and improve nerve function and health.
Vetiver is known to help those with insomnia; helping to promote a good night’s sleep.
These are only a few of the many benefits that vetiver offers to its users. However, there are so many more benefits that vetiver can offer you and your health.
12 Uses of Vetiver Essential Oil
When it comes to vetiver essential oil there are many health benefits and uses that can be utilized. The health benefits and uses of vetiver essential oil are very diverse which makes it very beneficial and an important component to your essential oils kit.
- Anti-inflammatory: Vetiver has amazing anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to soothe and cool the affected area and thus helps to reduce the inflammation in the area. By helping to reduce inflammation it also helps to promote circulation and calm the nervous system. It is known to help with sun stroke and dehydration caused by extreme heat and dry winds.
- Antioxidant: Vetiver has antioxidant properties that help in clearing the body of unwanted toxins. It helps the body get rid of unwanted free radicals that can harm the body both inside and out. By getting rid of these free radicals vetiver can then help in the regeneration and production of new cells throughout the body. This is important in preventing the signs of aging as well as in boosting the immune system and in healing the mind and the body.
- Antiseptic: Vetiver is excellent for helping to clean wounds and in helping to prevent infection from taking hold of an injury. It helps to clean the scar from the inside out and can be taken orally or applied topically to the wound to help prevent infection and sepsis.
- Aphrodisiac: Vetiver is known for its aphrodisiac properties. It helps to boost the libido and assists in the arousal of sexual feelings. It helps to stimulate the pleasure parts of your brain to help get you into the mood which is essential for those that have a low libido, impotence or lack of arousal in the bedroom.
- Bug Repellant: Vetiver does help to repel bugs. It does this through its scent. The vetiver plant is also known to repel insects because of its height when at full growth.
- Depression and Anxiety: Vetiver helps with depression and anxiety by helping to calm the body. It helps to regulate the breathing and blood pressure which is especially important when someone is extremely stressed or going through a panic attack. It helps to soothe the nerves and decrease agitation in a person suffering from anxiety and depression.
- Immune System: Vetiver helps to boost the immune system by helping to rid the body of unwanted infection and free radicals. It helps to protect the body from these unwanted visitors as well. It helps to maintain and heal all other systems in the body to help the body run more smoothly.
- Muscles and Joints: Vetiver helps those with joint and muscle pain because of its anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties. It helps to reduce joint stiffness and discomfort which can be associated with arthritis. It also helps to promote blood flow and circulation which also helps in reducing the pain and stiffness in the joints or muscles.
- Nerves Aide: Vetiver helps the nervous system by helping to maintain the health of the system. It helps to heal damaged parts of the nervous system which can be caused by shock, stress or fear that a person may have encountered or going through. It also helps with nervous system problems such as epileptic attacks or neurotic disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.
- PMS Aide: Vetiver helps those suffering from PMS symptoms by helping to reduce the pain and inflammation in the abdominal area due to cramping. By merely massaging it into the skin or taking it orally can help in reducing the symptoms of PMS cramping.
- Skin Care: Vetiver essential oil helps the skin by helping to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks on the skin. It does this by promoting blood circulation, promoting new cell growth and regeneration and by helping to speed up the healing process. It helps to replace dead and discolored tissue which helps in decreasing the look of scars and stretch marks by creating a more uniform surface and look.
- Sleep Aide: Vetiver helps those with sleeping problems such as insomnia or stress. It helps to calm down the body especially the nerves to help a person calm down and relax before bedtime helping to promote more restful sleep.
Recipes for Vetiver Essential Oil
Since vetiver has such a diverse set of health benefits, it only makes sense that are a different number of recipes that can be chosen from when it comes to using vetiver for you ailments or health.
Simple Stress Relief Essential Oils Blend
Ingredients:
- 1 drop vetiver EO
- 1 drop myrrh EO
Instructions:
- Combine the two essential oils together.
- Massage into the skin behind you knees in the morning.
- The essential oils will absorb into your body throughout the day because they are thicker oils.
- Apply every 3-4 hours throughout the day as needed.
Panic Attack Essential Oil Blend
Ingredients:
- 3 drops vetiver EO
- 2 drops orange EO
- 2 drops ylang-ylang EO
- 1 drop patchouli EO
- 1 oz. carrier oil of your choosing
Instructions:
- In a dark glass bottle combine all of the above ingredients together.
- Mix well.
- When you start to feel your anxiety or panic rise massage a few drops of this into your neck or behind your ears.
Essential Oil Injury Blend
Ingredients:
- 4 drops vetiver EO
- 3 drops lavender EO
- 3 drops bergamot EO
- 1 oz. carrier oil of your choosing
Instructions:
- In a dark glass bottle combine all of the above ingredients together.
- Mix well.
- Massage into the affected area of the body as needed.
Essential Oil TMJ Blend
Ingredients:
- 4 drops helichrysum EO
- 3 drops white fir EO
- 2 drops vetiver EO
- 1 oz. carrier oil of your choosing
Instructions:
- In a dark glass bottle combine all of the above ingredients together.
- Mix well.
- Apply to the jaw and massage in. Be sure to focus on the species are bothering you.
- Apply twice a day; in the morning and before bed.
Essential Oil Arthritis Blend
Ingredients:
- 4 drops frankincense EO
- 3 drops marjoram EO
- 2 drops rosemary EO
- 2 drops vetiver EO
- 1 oz. carrier oil of your choosing
Instructions:
- In a dark glass bottle combine all of the above ingredients together.
- Mix well.
- Apply to the affects area and massage in.
- Use as needed.
Essential Oil Massage Oil Blend
Ingredients:
- 5 drops lavender EO
- 4 drops vetiver EO
- 4 drops clary sage EO
- 4 drops ylang-ylang EO
- ½ cup grapeseed oil or carrier oil of your choice.
Instructions:
- In a dark glass bottle combine all of the above ingredients.
- Mix well.
- Apply and massage into the affected area on the body. Can be applied to the temples, the shoulders, and neck or too stiff muscles or joint pained area.
- Use as needed.
Night Night Bath Time Blend
Ingredients:
- 2 drops lavender EO
- 2 drops bergamot EO
- 1 drop vetiver EO
- 1 drop geranium EO
- 1 drop ylang ylang EO
- ½ – 1 cup Epson salt
Instructions:
- In hot bath water add in each of the essential oils.
- Be sure to mix well after added each essential oil into the water to ensure even distribution.
- Once all of the essential oils have been added to the hot bath water add in the Epson salt. Add as little or as much as you desire.
- Allow the Epson salt to dissolve completely before getting in.
- Adjust the bath water temperature as needed. Too hot add some cold water. Too cool add some more hot water. You want to ensure you are in a nice warm bath that you can sit in for a while.
- Soak in the tub for at least 20 minutes.
- After your soak, you will be ready for the sheep to take you off to dreamland!
Vetiver and Lavender Night Salve
Ingredients:
- 10 drops vetiver EO
- 10 drops lavender EO
- ½ cup coconut EO
- ¼ cup beeswax
Instructions:
- In a pot on the stove over medium heat combine the coconut essential oil and the beeswax together.
- Heat until both ingredients are mixed well together.
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
- As it is cool add in the vetiver and lavender essential oil.
- Mix well.
- Transfer to a glass jar and allow to cool completely.
- Apply as needed at bedtime. Try applying to the bottom of your feet to help promote rest.
PH Balancing Essential Oil Deodorant
Ingredients:
- 10 drops vetiver EO
- 10 drops wild orange EO
- 1 cup water
- 1 Tbsp. vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. baking soda
Instructions:
- In a bowl combine the water, vinegar and baking soda together.
- Mix well.
- Add the vetiver and wild orange essential oil.
- Mix well.
- Pour combined ingredients into a spray bottle.
- Spray onto underarms as needed daily.
Parkinson’s Disease Essential Oils Blend
Ingredients:
- 2 drops vetiver EO
- 2 drops frankincense EO
- 2 drops helichrysum EO
Instructions:
- Combine all of the above ingredients together in a glass bottle.
- Mix well.
- Apply the blend to the temples and neck and massage into the skin.
- Apply twice daily as needed.
Vetiver Bug Spray
Ingredients:
- 30-50 drops vetiver EO
- ½ tsp. vegetable glycerin
- Witch hazel – as much as needed
- Distilled water – as much as needed
Instructions:
- In a dark glass bottle fill it half full with the distilled water. You can also boil tap water if you do not have distilled water on hand.
- Add the witch hazel. Fill so that the bottle is almost full.
- Add the vegetable glycerine.
- Finally, add in the vetiver essential oil. The more you add, the stronger it will be so added until you are content with the scent.
- Spray around the home, outside or on you as needed.
Side Effects and Cautions of Vetiver Essential Oil
When it comes to vetiver essential oil, there are not many side-effects or cautions to note. This is very beneficial and important to know.
Of course, caution should always be used and exercised around women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant as essential oils can affect the pregnancy and unborn child if not handled properly.
Caution should also be used and exercised around children and women who are breastfeeding. Children are more sensitive to essential oils and can have horrible reactions to essential oils if they are not used correctly.
Vetiver essential oil is safe to apply topically to the skin or wounds. It is safe to inhale, and it is also safe to take orally.
It is also important to note that there are no significant side-effects known when it comes to prescribed or over-the-counter medications.
Vetiver essential oil is non-irritating, non-sensitizing and non-toxic which makes it a high essential oil to have on hand at all times. However, a test patch or dilution, if taking orally, should be done before taking or applying the essential oil to the body.
Caution should also be exercised around pets in the home. Dogs should be ok with vetiver essential oil, however, for cats, all essential oils are toxic as they are not able to properly breakdown the essential oils in their system.
What to Look For When Purchasing Vetiver Essential Oil
When it comes to purchasing your vetiver essential oil be sure to do your research. Not all vetiver essential oils are alike.
Vetiver essential oil is time-consuming and challenging to make thus making it expensive to purchase in its purest of forms. So vetiver essential oil is often diluted or blended with other essential oils or carrier oil to make it more affordable to the general public. This diluting can dampen not only the scent of the vetiver essential oil, but it can also discourage the health benefits and healing properties of the oil as well.
Research the company and manufacturer you are looking to purchase your vetiver essential oil from. Research their distillation process to make sure they are using steam distillation to extract the essential oil from the vetiver plant’s roots.
Check to see if the company and manufacturer dilute or blends the vetiver essential oil or is it in its purest of forms. Pure vetiver essential oil may be expensive, but a little goes a long way and will last a very long time.
If you are purchasing a blend with vetiver essential oil in it be sure to check what other essential oils and carrier oils are in the blend. You want to ensure there is a proper blend of all of the ingredients to ensure proper health benefits.
How to Make Vetiver Essential Oil
To make vetiver essential oil, it goes through what it called steam distillation. This process of extracting the essential oils can be extended, complicated and very time to consume to do but in the end, the reward of proper essential oil is well worth it.
The vetiver essential oil is extracted from the root of the plant. The sources are placed in the steam distillatory, and the extraction process commences.
As previously stated, the extraction process can be very long and time-consuming and because of this pure vetiver essential oil can be quiet expensive. To lower the costs of the vetiver essential oil, it is often blended or diluted with a carrier oil. Sometimes this blending decreases the fragrant scent of the vetiver oil, and a synthetic fragrance is added as well.
It is imperative to note with vetiver essential oil to do your research before purchase because you want to ensure you are purchasing a pure essential oil and not a blend or diluted essential oil. If you must buy a mixture be sure to buy a combination designed with other essential oils for a specific ailment you are trying to aid.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading. Hopefully, you’ve found this post helpful on your essential oil journey. If you have any questions, comments or recommendations of your own concerning vetiver essential oil, please make yourself heard in the comment section below!
4 thoughts on “12 Vetiver Essential Oil Benefits & Uses (Plus 11 Recipes, Tips & FAQ)”
I’ve read a lot on essential oils. This article is one of the best that I’ve come upon. It is exceptionally informative, comprehensive, thorough and well organized.
Thanks Dianna.
I use the Parkinson’s mixture you posted for another disease called Essential Tremor. The only difference is that I add drops of cinnamon bark oil. I had seen this on another site when I researched Essential Tremor.
Thank you for the information on Vetiver and other oils that you’ve posted.
Going to make the night time blend. I haven’t had a good night of sleep in a while.