Valuable Benefits of Essential Oil of Vetiver

Vetiver is a perennial bunchgrass, which shares characteristics with other fragrant grasses such as lemongrass and citronella. It is native to India, where it is known as 'khus' and is also cultivated in Indonesia, Haiti and Reunion. It is used in ayurveda to balance Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The vetiver plant can grow up to 150 centimeters or five feet tall. It forms clumps and has tall stems, long, thin leaves and brownish-purple flowers. The roots grow downwards, unlike most grasses, in which the roots spread horizontally. The vetiver plant is drought tolerant. Essential oil of vetiver is extracted through steam distillation of the plant's roots. Vetiver grass helps stabilize the soil and protect it against erosion as well as protect the fields against pests and weeds. It has good qualities as an animal food. The oil is used in cosmetics, aromatherapy, perfumes, herbal skincare and ayurvedic soap.

 As the grass has fibrous properties, it can be used for handcrafts and ropes. Vetiver grass has a pleasant, mild, earthy scent, which cools the body and calms the mind. In the tropical places where it grows, it has also been used on thatched roofs and even as curtains on doors and windows. It cools and scents the room as well as keeps the insects away. Vetiver essential oil blends well with benzoin, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, ylang ylang, clary sage, rose, sandlewood and frankinsence. In a blend, the qualities of vetiver oil as well as the other oils in the blend are heightened. Essential oil of vetiver is popular in the perfume industry because of its refreshing lemon-like aroma. 

 Valuable Benefits of Essential Oil of Vetiver 

Vetiver oil has effective anti-inflammatory properties. It is cooling and soothing and relieves inflammation in the circulatory and nervous systems. It is one of the best oils for general pain relief and has been effectively used in cases of rheumatism, arthritis, muscular pain and headache. Vetiver essential oil is a tonic for the nerves and heals damaage casued by shock, stress and fear. It can help with various nervous disorders, including epileptic fits and hysteria attacks and neurotic disorders. It has an uplifting effect in cases of depression. It is a great sedative, having a relaxing effect and inducing sleep. It has been beneficial in cases of Parkinson's disease and when there are spasms and a lack of control over the limbs.Vetiver oil is known to be very grounding. Veitver oil has been used with success to help children with ADHD. If inhaled, it can improve focus and concentration and is generally beneficial for brain health. Essential oil of vetiver has strong antiseptic properties, It can stop the growth of bacteria that causes sepsis and for this it is sometimes taken internally. It can be applied topically to wounds and promotes the growth of new tissue in the wounded area. It prevents wounds from becoming infected by inhibiting the growth of microbes. It is popular for wound healing in the tropical countries in which it grows as wounds can turn septic fast due to the the hot, humid conditions. It is often added to face washes and soaps as it has antibacterial qualities.

 Essential oil of vetiver is well-known for its cicatrisant properties so it can help scars and other marks on the skin to disappear.It helps facilitate the growth of new tissues in affected areas which enables the skin to maintain an even, uniform look. It is very good for eliminating post delivery stretch marks and other spots left by pox or burns. It's antibacterial properties promote the healing of acne. It is effective against eczema, reducing redness, dryness and flaking of skin. A few drops of vetiver added to face washes, body soaps or lotions, will do wonders for the skin, including having an anti-ageing effect. If used with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba, its anti-inflammatory qualities will be enhanced. Vetiver is a good general tonic as it facilitates the regeneration of the body and tones all its systems, boosting immune and metabolic function. It is high in antioxidants that possess free radical scavenging benefits and therefore, removes toxins. Vetiver essential oil has been found to inhibit damage to the DNA and to reduce renal toxicity. It can also work as an aphrodisiac. Essential oil of vetiver is effective at warding off ticks and therefore helping to stop the spread of Lyme disease. It has also worked well against termites and can work as an insect repellent. A blend of vetiver, clove, citronella and lemongrass makes a good bug repellent spray. Vetiver oil is a strong head lice repellent and improves scalp health. It also heals any inflammation the lice could cause to the scalp. Essential oil of vetiver is believed to be able to help relieve some of the toxic effects of chemotherapy because of its antioxidant properties.

 How to Use Essential Oil of Vetiver 

A drop of essential oil of vetiver can be added to hot tea in winter to boost immunity and help heal sepsis. It is important if using essential oils internally to dilute them properly and use a low dosage. Vetiver oil makes a wonderful addition to a massage blend. It goes well with a base oil such as coconut or jojoba and promotes circulation and relaxation. For deep relaxation after a busy day, vetiver oil can be added to a bath. This will help promote sleep too. This is a great way to unwind and relieve stress. Another stress reliever is to diffuse it throughout the room blended with lavender and wild orange. It can be applied to the wrists and neck. Blended with a citrus oil and diffused throughout a classroom, it will improve concentration. Put a drop in cocount oil and apply to the face to cleanse the face. Add it to face washes, body lotions and shampoos to benefit the skin and hair. If mixed with baking soda, vinegar and water, it will be effective as a natural house cleaner. 

Risks of Essential Oil of Vetiver 

As with all essential oils, a patch test should be done on the skin with essential oil of vetiver to check for skin sensitivity. Excessive use of any oil over time can lead to sensitization. Essential oil of vetiver should be kept out of the ears, eyes and nose. If using internally, dilute well and use only a low dosage. Consult a health care practitioner if using essential oil of vetiver while on medication or if you are pregnant. Essential oil of vetiver should be used with caution during pregnancy especially during the first trimester. Never use any essential oil in a way not recommended by its maker. If ever an adverse reaction occurs, discontinue use immediately.

 Buying and Storing Essential Oil of Vetiver

It is important to buy good quality essential oils as there is a lack of industry regulations on terms such as 'pure' and 'natural'. Make sure the producers of the oil use proper plant varieties that are grown indigenously and organically without pestcides and herbicides. The oils should be harvested and extracted correctly tp preserve the oil molecules and the producer should stand behind internal use of their oils. As with all essential oils, essential oil of vetiver should be purchased and stored in dark glass bottles and kept in a cool, dark cupboard away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children