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Vetiver Essential Oil Uses for Skin,
Hair, and Aromatherapy

Overview Of Vetiver Oil

A scent that is earthy and smoky, vetiver essential oil is a grounding aroma highly regarded in perfumery. Among aromatherapy enthusiasts, it is known to help calm and refocus the mind. Read on to find out how you can get the most from this essential oil.

What Is Vetiver Essential Oil?

Vetiver essential oil is extracted from the vetiver plant, also known as vetiveria zizanioides. Native to India, vetiver comes from the same family of other grasses like lemongrass and citronella. A fragrant scent with distinct earthy notes, it is found in many perfumes today, including the famous Chanel No. 5.

Vetiver is a perennial grass native to India and called khus in northern parts of India. It is also cultivated in tropical regions of Haiti and Indonesia.

Since ancient times, the vetiver plant in its entirety was used to make various products like perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics. In India, vetiver grass was also often sewn together to construct awnings, roofs, rugs, baskets, blinds, animal fodder, bedding, and other necessities for the home, showing that it is more than just a scented plant.

An essential oil harvested by the steam distillation of vetiver roots, this extraction method is used to ensure the potency of the extracted essence of the plant and makes the plant's calming scent and benefits shine through.

If you are interested in a comprehensive report on vetiver, its uses, benefits, chemical composition, and extraction process, you will find it here.

Name

Vetiver Essential Oil

Botanical Name

Lavandula angustifolia

Native to

Mediterranean regions

Main ingredients

Linalool, eucalyptol, linalyl acetate, terpineol, limonene, ocimene, lavandulol, camphene

Aroma

Sweet, floral and herbal

Blends well with

Bergamot, tea tree, vetiver, patchouli, jasmine,ylang ylang, cypress, eucalyptus, oakmoss, marjoram, peppermint, geranium, black pepper, chamomile, lemongrass, pine and cypress essential oils

Category

Floral

Substitute

Vanilla, rose, sweet marjoram or sandalwood essential oil

Benefits & Uses of Vetiver Essential Oil

9 Benefits and Uses of Vetiver Oil

 

Vetiver Essential Oil Benefits

Wanna get a hang of this versatile oil’s benefits? The health benefits of vetiver oil are numerous. It can be used for hair care, skincare, etc. Here’s a rough guide to get you started on the wonderful wow-factors of vetiver essential oil.

1

It Refreshes Tired Minds

An earthy scent that is sharp yet grounding, vetiver oil can help awaken the mind.

It is a botanical marvel that can be blended with aromatic patchouli and sandalwood in an aromatherapy diffuser for a rejuvenated mind. The essential oil has an earthy aroma and this oil is known to have a grounding effect.

2

It Aids Clearer Breathing

Exuding a scent that helps clear nasal blockage, vetiver can help ease breathing difficulty. Diffusing it around living spaces can help purify the air and this essential oil clears congestion and promotes clear breathing.

3

Fade Scars

Vetiver oil when applied topically removes dead cells. It also fades the discoloration of the skin and brings uniformity in look. Women use this oil post-childbirth to remove stretch marks.

4

Libido Booster

The aroma of vetiver has a sensual effect on the psyche. Most sexual disorders are psychological.

5

Body Tonic

A body tonic energizes the body and improves the functionality of different systems in the body. Applying vetiver on the body or inhaling its aroma rejuvenates the body systems. Do not confuse tonic as something to be consumed or ingested.

Apply vetiver oil mixed with coconut oil or jojoba oil and rub it into the body via massage. The compounds of the oil are absorbed and subsequently start its work.

Although vetiver has several health-related properties; but, it is not for ingestion or it should not be taken internally unless under the supervision of a medical doctor who is also qualified in clinical aromatherapy.

6

Welcomes restfulness

Vetiver when inhaled in calm surroundings induces rest. Its sedative effect soothes emotional outbursts. Diffuse the aroma of vetiver in the bedroom or close to the bedroom.

A few healthy practices including switching off mobile phones an hour before bedtime and eating the right food at the right time also supplements the efforts of vetiver. 10 drops of pure vetiver oil is blended with palmarosa and its calming aroma ensures a restful state.

Vetiver Essential Oil For Hair

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7. It Promotes A Healthy Scalp

For luscious hair, you need fertile ground, and vetiver oil can help with just that. Applying it onto the scalp can help treat scalp issues like dandruff thereby boosting scalp and hair health.

Vetiver oil must become an integral part of one’s hair care routine to see its effects.

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8. It Strengthens Hair Strands

Vetiver oil promotes better hair growth by strengthening your hair strands. Applying it to the hair can help improve the lifespan of hair, thereby allowing the hair to grow and appear fuller. Vetiver oil is applied with carrier oil, preferably at night.

It is then left overnight before washing it off with rose water. Vetiver oil also has active ingredients with rich nutrients that rejuvenates hair growth and revitalizes dull hair. Skin disorders of the scalp such as psoriasis of the scalp can be treated or reduced with the use of vetiver oil.

9. A Natural Insect Repellant

Vetiver oil has been used to drive out flies and bugs from the houses for a long time. It is sprayed in the nooks and corners of the house to prevent insects from getting in. To ascertain the veracity of vetiver’s insect repellent properties a study was conducted to find its effectiveness against Formosan subterranean termite. It found that vetiver was effective against subterranean termites and it was environmentally safe. The study was published in 2001 in the Journal of Chemical Ecology. (3)

How To Use Vetiver Oil

There are a multitude of ways to harness and experience the many benefits of vetiver oil. Some experience it through direct inhalation, while others use it with a skin-friendly carrier oil or through diffusion. Here’s how you can get the most out of this earthy and grounding natural extract.

Vetiver Essential Oil To Repel Ticks

An essential oil that is safe for humans but extremely lethal to ticks, vetiver can from tick bites that can cause Lyme disease. Here’s how you can protect yourself and loved ones from ticks before you go out and enjoy the great outdoors.

Ingredients:

  • 12 Drops Of Vetiver Oil
  • 12 Drops Of Clove Bud
  • 12 Drops Of Ylang Ylang
  • 12 Drops Of Sweet Orange
  • 2 Oz Jojoba Carrier Oil
  • 2 Oz Spray Bottle

Instructions:

  1. Add the essential oils directly to the spray bottle.
  2. Fill the remaining 2oz spray bottle with jojoba carrier oil. Shake well.
  3. Spray periodically on exposed skin to repel ticks.

Vetiver Essential Oil For Relaxation

With a super-soothing scent, vetiver essential oil can help calm the mind and help relax during long workdays. Here’s a vetiver oil blend that can keep you calm and productive.(4)

Mind Soothing Blend

Ingredients

  • 3 Drops Of Lavender
  • 2 Drops Of Rosemary
  • 1 Drop Of Frankincense
  • 1 Drop Of Vetiver

Add this into a diffuser, and voila, you’ll stay calm and composed all day long.

Vetiver Essential Oil To Improve Breathing Patterns

A scent that is calming and soothing for the body, vetiver essential oil also helps ease breathing difficulty. Diffusing it into the air or applying it to the body can decongest the airways and nasal canals from phlegm and mucus. Here’s how you can make a vetiver oil diffuser blend for breathing easily.

Ingredients:

  • 3 Drops Of Vetiver
  • 5 Drops Of Lavandin
  • 2 Drops Of Ylang Ylang

Simply add the oils above into a diffuser or vaporizer filled with water to experience clearer airways and congestion-free days

Vetiver Oil Blend Recipe for Wellness

Ingredients:

  • 4 Drops of Vetiver
  • 4 Drops of Cedarwood
  • 2 Drops of Sweet Orange
  • 2 Drops of Lavender

Vetiver Essential Oil For Aromatherapy

Though it is perfectly normal to inhale the scent of vetiver oil directly from the bottle, diffusing it into the air via a vaporizer/diffuser is a more effective way to calm and relax atmospheres. Here’s how you can use vetiver essential oil with a diffuser.

  1. Set it up according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Place it at least 2-feet above the ground to get the full benefits.
  3. Fill the tank with filtered water to reduce mineral buildup and to prolong the life of your diffuser.
  4. Don’t skimp on the oil! Remember, adding more oil makes the scent last longer. Most people add about 3 to 15 drops per 100ml of water.
  5. Experiment and mix & match essential oils to tailor your own unique blend of scent.
  6. Take time to explore your own diffuser and find a spray setting that suits your fancy.

Vetiver Massage Oil

Ingredients:

  • 4 Drops of Vetiver oil
  • 3 Drops of Lavender oil
  • 2 Drops of Bergamot oil
  • 1 oz of carrier oil (we like sweet almond oil)

Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a dark glass bottle.
2. Store in a cool, dark place until ready to use. 
3. To use, apply a small amount to the affected area and massage in gently.

Safety When Using Vetiver Oil

Essential oils are great for self-care routines. However, we should also take care and follow caution when using them to keep ourselves and loved ones safe from its side effects. Generally essential oils are safe, but a few guidelines must be followed to avoid any adverse effects. Also, the oils are different, made up of different compounds. Some people may be allergic to certain compounds while others may be allergic to others. Concentrated oil must be bought after careful deliberation. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind.

  1. Read the label and instructions to make sure you’re using the oil correctly.
  2. While buying essential oils be wary of the terms fragrance oil, perfume oil and natural identical oil.
  3. The term pure essential oil can be widely seen on the bottles. These maybe made from substandard sources.
  4. Ensure that you are not allergic to any ingredients or compounds in the oil.
  5. Make sure to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil for safe application.
  6. Do not add too much of the oil in the diffuser.
  7. Avoid using essential oils of sensitive areas like the eyes and nose.
  8. Don’t apply it on broken skin either unless it’s mentioned on the bottle or label.
  9. Keep it out of reach of kids and fur kids.
  10. Do not diffuse the oil near kids and pets. Consult a doctor before doing so.
  11. Some oils may make you sensitive to sun damage, so be sure to load up on SPF.
  12. Check the label to see if the oil is photo-toxic.
  13. Always do a small patch test before topical application.
  14. If aromatherapy is performed directly from the bottle, make sure that the oil does not touch the skin.
  15. The common unwanted effects caused by essential oils up on topical application are rashes, redness and swelling.
  16. If you show signs of irritation, stop use and consult a health professional.

Recommended Vetiver Essential Oil Products

Want to add vetiver essential oil into your everyday routine? There is no better place to purchase your vetiver oil than here. Simply follow the links below and add these oils to your checkout cart today.

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