Today’s Spotlight: Background, “Benefits” & Uses for Vetiver Essential Oil

Vetiver Essential Oil:

Vetiver is an essential oil that has it’s own touted benefits and uses. This oil is also referred to as khus oil. In addition, is an extract of the vetiver plant, and a member of the Grass family. The vetiver plant grows natively in Indonesia. A clumpy, green grass, which can grow fairly tall, up to five feet. Vetiver essential oil itself is derived from the aromatic roots of the Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash, botanical.

Oftentimes, due to it’s sharp, distinct fragrance, vetiver oil is used in men’s cologne and may become more noticeable once you’ve gotten to know this scent. 

It has been used in holistic treatment, medicinal purposes, and in several applications of aromatherapy. 

Like patchouli essential oil, vetiver is said to have grounding, and sedative-type properties. Thus, making it a popular choice for some in aide of anxiety, and stress-type symptoms. Hence, why some see the benefits of it’s use in aromatherapy and aromatherapy applications. For example, aromatherapy body massages (which may enhance blood circulation due to vetiver’s said tonic properties), and aromatherapy diffusers.

Due vetivers properties and potential in promoting positivity and balance emotions, could it also be an aide in boosting things like immunity, and other physiological functions? 

These types of properties have helped shape the way in which vetiver is used today. Oftentimes, referred to as “Oil of Tranquility”. 

Add a few drops of vetiver oil alone, or blend it with essential oils like patchouli, lavender, lemon or sandalwood into a diffuser. Surely, you’ll have the workings of a tranquil space. 

 Interesting Facts About Vetiver Grass!

In the past, vetiver grass was very useful in applications for “staying cool”. For instance, it functioned well for the making of rugs, mats, roofs and even awnings to help people stay cool. 

It also helps to stabilize soil and protect it from erosions, as well as offering protection against pests and weeds. 

Some of the Main Components of Vetiver Oil Include:

Aroma influential components: a-Vetivone, ß-Vetivone, and Khusinol

However, vetiver oil composition is made up of many other compounds. Indeed, can be very complex (containing more then 100, mainly sesquiterpenes and their derivatives).

Vetiver essential oil is said to get better with age. The end oil is light golden-brown in color to other shades of amber-brown. 

Extraction Process of Vetiver Oil:

Vetiver essential oil is steam-distilled from the aromatic roots of the Vetiver plant. Once the plants themselves have been harvested, the roots are separated and washed. Then, allowed to dry for a few days. Usually the drying process takes place in the shade, to promote better aroma in the finished product, but can also be dried in sunlight. The steam distilling process then takes place to extract the oils. From their the oils are skimmed off and filtered. 

Benefits of Vetiver Essential Oil:

Vetiver essential oil has several potential benefits. Besides having the ability to calm the mind, vetiver can also be used as an antiseptic or in stimulating the circulatory and immune systems, according to some data.

Listed below are some of the potential benefits of vetiver essential oil.

May Help In Suppressing Inflammatory Response:

 According to one study, certain compounds in Vetiver essential oil may help to suppress certain inflammatory responses. Thus, making it suitable to offer an anti-inflammatory solution. In addition, it may help to aid in some joint pain and certain skin inflammatory responses. Vetiver in a topical form (like lotions) or essential oil form, may help with this anti-inflammatory action.

With said anti-inflammatory properties, pain in some instances as well as muscular aches and joint pain may be lessoned.

Potential Usage As An Antiseptic:

 Vetiver root has been known to contain antiseptic properties. Thus, making it suitable for application directly on the body against wounds and skin abrasions. Certain compounds in vetiver may help in the prevention of bacterial infections or wounds. 

Traditionally in India, vetiver was also utilized as an antiseptic.

One specific review, concluded that vetiver EO is manly active against Gram positive bacteria, like Staphylococcus Aureus. However, not against Gram negative bacteria.  

Despite some claims, using vetiver in the form of skin creams, based on research we found, does not play a significant role in preventing signs of aging. However, if vetiver does indeed play a role in skin tightening, firming, and helping to protect this vital organ (the skin) from environmental stressors, then one may conclude vetiver essential oil as an aide in the aging process. 

In this type of application, you can add vetiver essential oil to carrier oils like coconut oil or jojoba oil. Place drop(s) on a cotton swab. Then, gently wipe across the face. Vetiver essential oil has also been suggestive of stimulating collagen production, and cleansing the pores.

Helping Deal with Nervous Disorders:

 Like beforementioned, vetiver essential oil can be used in aromatherapy application. Vetiver has been long used in aromatherapy for relaxation purposes. It may be beneficial in aiding people who suffer with ADHD, stress, and anxiety.

Research conducted in 2016 also indicates that compounds contained in vetiver and it’s roots may help with reducing elements of mental fatigue and improve overall alertness. 

Can diffusing vetiver in conjunction with other treatments for disorders like ADHD be effective short term? Can it also aide in the ability for mental clarity and focus? It’s hard to say, but further research will hopefully give clarity to this topic.

Try adding a few drops (3-5) of vetiver essential oil to a warm bath, helping calm the mind, and soothe your overworked muscles.

Potential Aide In Wound Healing & Other Skin Blemishes:

 This essential oil may aid in wound healing, lifting scars or accelerating the reduction of scars. Vetiver has also been associated with helping to rehydrate dry skin and prevent stretch marks. 

Vetiver oils have been utilized to promote skin rejuvenation and strengthen connective tissue. However, we have found little consistent research or information to support this.

Vetiver for years has been used cosmetically and topically. Applying lotions, containing vetiver over stretch marks, may help reduce the appearance, as well as cover skin cracks, even tone, rejuvenate & nourish the skin. Specifically, when used in conjunction with oils like coconut or jojoba oils.

Used as an Insect Repellent/Ticks:

Using vetiver has also been used to repel insects. One such study looked at the toxicity for 8 different essential oils. Vetiver posted to be the most effective. This study was specifically for termites. However, vetiver proved to have long lasting “activity against them”.

One might conclude that if the toxicity of this essential oil works well against termites, there is probably a percentage chance of it being effective against other insects. However, we could not locate such information or data collection.

Another study in 2015, showed vetiver also has a high toxicity level toward ticks (reducing oviposition of females’ and larval survival), and may be more repellent for ticks then certain commercial products.

Vetiver Essential Oil Side Effects

We DO NOT advocate on ingesting any essential oil. We DO NOT recommend using vetiver essential oil when pregnant or on children. If you do feel you would benefit from using this oil for therapeutic purposes, it is advisable to consult with a licensed medical expert. 

For external applications, always test vetiver on a small area. Furthermore, dilute in a carrier oil. We prefer lighter weight oils, like sweet almond oil, but others can be used as well. Avoid areas such as the mouth, nose, ears and eyes. If you notice a potential allergic reaction, you should stop using it immediately and consult with a licensed medical expert. 

Final Thoughts!

Many of these benefits of vetiver may not be specific for the reasons you may use it. Many just love the aroma of this natural oil. However, we like to provide a basic understanding of essential oils we use in our soap and other products, and research behind them.  

Be sure to read our posts on other popular essential oils like; lavender, ylang-ylang, pachouli, & Rose Geranium.

Resources:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5590077/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5206475/
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257164453_Study_of_the_chemical_composition_antioxidant_activity_and_anti- inflammatory_activity_of_essential_oil_from_Vetiveria_zizanioides
• https://www.ejmanager.com/mnstemps/55/55-1448500242.pdf?t=1542041165
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25553641/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11521400/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26359641/