Vetiver - The Oil of Tranquility

Vetiver 

Derived from the roots of the Vetiveria Zizanioides (Botanical name).  Chrysopogon zizanioides ( Scientific name)

A tall fragrant perennial grass from the Paoceae grass family and very similar in structure to other grasses like Citronella, Lemongrass and Palmarosa.  Very closely related to sorghum.

The grass is tall and erect with long narrow blades and these grow in tufts.   The grass prefers a tropical, sub tropical or mediterranean climate but is very adaptable.  It tolerates high acidity, alkaline and even saline soil.  It does best in sandy loam or clay/loam soil. 

While indigenous to India, Pakistan and Malaysia this grass is now cultivated in Argentina, Jamaica, Japan, China, Australia and parts of Africa especially in the DRC.  

Both drought and frost resistant, this beautiful grass likes full sun.  

Vetiver has long linear leaves +_ 1 to 2 m long.   The roots are spongy and fibrous while being very aromatic.   Grown predominantly for essential oil production.  The essential oil is steam distilled from the roots of the plant.    These are cut and sliced before being dried for 1/2 days in the shade.  The essential oil is a thick golden brown or amber colour and the smell improves with age.   Vetiver has been used for centuries for making soaps, perfumes and cosmetics.  Very popular for use in men fragrances as it has a deep woody aroma but has also become a popular option for the heavier dark full bodied ladies perfumes often worn for evening events.    Due to its viscosity the oil has a very low evaporation rate and is soluble in alcohol. 

 The odour profile of Vetiver Essential oil is grounding, calming, balancing, warming, sedative and an  aphrodisiac.   Sensual and alluring.

This grass is also used as a cooling beverage.  A tea can be made from fresh roots and mixed with fruit juice.  Drinking Vetiver water relieves constipation and bloating.  This cleanses the intestinal tract.

Curtains made from the plant are soaked  or sprayed with water and then hung so that the hot air circulates through the wet curtain, providing a cooling effect.  A natural version of air conditioning.   Can be used for making cooking briquettes. 

Vetiver is also an amazing plant to use for erosion control on embankments or as a protective border or windbreak.   Makes an excellent retaining wall.   In really hot tropical countries leaves are used for weaving grass mats, for the floors and to use on ceilings, awnings or as a roof covering because of its cooling effect. 

 Vetiver has good natural insect repellent properties, makes an excellent ground mulch and is a soil reconditioning agent.  It is also carbon sequestrating.

 

 

 A Miracle Grass that is non invasive.

 

COUNTLESS BENEFITS AND USES

Vetiver has a intricate composition with a warm fresh woody balsamic scent.  

This wonderful grass has countless health benefits and a diverse range of uses.

• Joint issues and arthritis.
• Muscular aches and pains
• Headaches
• Fevers
• Energy loss  it stimulates and energizes and helps you focus.
  
• Skin issues - especially dry skin. Deeply hydrating - tightens and protect the skin while firming.  Reduces wrinkles. Promotes new skin growth.
  
• Heat Stroke
• Reducing stress
•  Sedative  
• Wound healing  - Reduces dark spots and scaring.
  
• Stretch mark reduction
• Acne prevention
  
• Anti Septic, Anti inflammatory
• Anti Spasmodic
• Immune boosting and building 
• Increases red blood cell production. 
• A tonic that repels lice
• Can be used internally to treat nervousness and circulation issues. 
• Roots repel flies, cockroaches, bedbugs and fish moths.  An excellent insect repellent.
• Crushed and powdered roots are used in  Potpourri as a fixative
• Can be used to treat waste water 
• The leaves can be used as bio mass as well as thatching and weaving. 
• New shoots can be eaten by cattle.
  

  Aromatherapy :

Often used in aromatherapy massage for soothing anxiety, relieving fatigue, boosting concentration,

lifting the mood and assisting with insomnia.  

This essential oil enhances circulation, boosts the metabolism and aids digestion.  

Can be massaged into muscular aches and sore joints to ease the pain. 

Topical application :

 Use this essential oil to balance the skin, body temperature, hormones and emotions. 

Products made using Vetiver firm and tighten while protecting the skin against free radicals and the environment.   Makes a wonderful additive to anti aging products. 

Medicinal Properties:

Vetiver is a natural anti oxidant and improves the immune system.

It is anti septic, and prevents the growth of bacteria which would be harmful to your products. 

Anti inflammatory and regenerative. 

This plant has definite sedative properties and relieves nervousness and restores serenity. 

Diminishes the feeling of anger, irritability and panic as well as restlessness.   It also encourages a feeling of confidence, stillness and tranquility. 

A really good Essential oil to add to your scent candles, wax melts , diffusers and room sprays.  

A definite room freshener.                        

     

Cosmetic Uses :

 Vetiver can be added to creams and lotions, body wash, hand wash, scrubs, hair products and soaps.

A perfect anti aging additive as it is rejuvenating, super hydrating and replenishing. 

A great additive to balms and healing ointments.  This is wound healing , anti septic and detoxing

Use when making your muscle rubs or soaks as this is stimulating and anti inflammatory. 

Make a lovely natural deodorant and add this essential oil.  It is deodorizing and cooling.

 

 An Uplifting Study Blend:

 Use this blend in an Essential oil burner or diffuser.       

 3 Drops Vetiver : 2 Drops Frankincense 2 Drops of Cedarwood.  

A Sedative Blend :

This can be added to a lotion or foot soak or even a room spray.

5 drops of Vetiver :  3 Drops of Lavender  and 2 drops of Ylang Ylang. 

Balancing Blend :

Use in a bath, massage oil or steam diffuser.   Balance hormones

3 drops of Vetiver  :  1 drop of Lavender  ; 1 drop of Lemon  : 1 drop of Clary Sage

GROUNDING &  BALANCING &  CALMING