Vetiver Vetiveria zizanoides
Specifics
Click on any of the information below to find oils in that category. Example: Click on the plant part to find all the oils extracted form that plant part.
| Country of Origin: Java | Extraction Method: Steam Distilled |
| Chemical Families: Sesquiterpenes, Sesquiterpenols, Ketones | Plant Part: Roots |
| Cultivation: Plant was Wild Crafted | Botanical Families: Poaceae |
| Aromas: Balsamic, Earthy, Exotic and Sensual, Sweet, Woody | |
| Note: Base |
Personal Experience, Research, Possible Actions
This root oil has a depth of character and complexity that still calls my attention after many years of using it. It was used for thousands of years in India as a perfume and has a smoky, earthy, woody aroma. Vetiver is known to boost your immune system as you wear it!
Just as you can use essential oils for cleaning rather than using toxic chemicals, you can use Vetiver (or Sandalwood, Spikenard and Patchouli) as a perfume instead of chemically-derived perfumes. I like to run my finger over the top of the bottle and put that on my wrists and neck. Be sure you do not have a sensitive reaction to it. If you tend to have sensitive skin, just dilute it in some Jojoba oil and make an oil-based perfume, or add it to a cream.
Learn More
Traditional Knowledge
- Antifungal - inhibits growth of fungus
- Antiseptic - assists in fighting germs/infections
- Cooling
- Grounding
- Immune stimulant - stimulates functioning of immune system
- Nervine - supports the nervous system: strengthens, restores, eases
- Sedative - reduces activity, calming (insomnia)
- Tonic - strengthens and restores vitality
Emotional and Energetic Qualities
Connects one with the earth and earth energies
Grounds and protects
Sedates and restores
Connects one with oneself
Recipe
Oil of Tranquility
If you love the aroma of Vetiver, put 3 or 4 drops of it in your hot full bathtub and soak away the blues. At the same time it will support your immune system! Sometimes I add 1 drop of Grapefruit to a teaspoon of Jojoba and add that into my Vetiver bath. Heaven.
Referencing:
1. Battaglia S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. 2nd edition, The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia, 2003
2. Davis P. Aromatherapy an A-Z. New revised edition C.W. Daniel Company Limited, England, 1999
3. Mojay G. Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Henry Holt and Company Inc., England, 1996
4. Price S. Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, 2nd edition, Churchill Livingstone, 1999
5. Schnaubelt K. Advanced Aromatherapy, The Science of Essential Oil Therapy, Healing Arts Press, USA, 1998
Safety Issues
No safety issues specific to this oil.
