Vetiver: Applications, Treatments, Health Benefits

Vetiver is primarily a well-known perfume ingredient and is also called moth root because of its insect repellent properties. The essential oil is available pure or mixed with carrier oils and, depending on the application, can do much more than just provide a pleasant smell.

Occurrence and cultivation of vetiver

Vetiver is a species of sweet grass, which thrives in the tropical climate of Asia and has been known as a cultivated plant for a very long time. Vetiver is a species of sweet grass which thrives in the tropical climate of Asia and has been known as a crop for a very long time. The roots, which smell strongly of earth and forest, are a component of some traditional curries in India and Sri Lanka. The essential oil has an existential importance for the countries of origin as an ingredient for soap production. For further processing in the fragrance industry, the Caribbean island nation of Haiti, China, Indonesia, Brazil and Paraguay now produce more than half of the world’s demand for the raw material. However, this is not its only use. The height of the plant, botanically known as Vetiveria zizanoides, among others, can be half a meter to 1.80 meters in some cases. It keeps soils moist with a long root system and has detoxifying properties. Vetiver is used in perfumery, aromatherapy and naturopathy in the form of pure oil, admixed for nebulization or massage, and as incense. In the fragrance lamp, as a bath additive, as an insect repellent, as well as in the formulas of many perfumes, the essence unfolds its relaxing and grounding effect.

Effect and application

The essential oil of vetiver root, obtained by steam distillation and purified, can be used externally as a rub or incense and internally as an inhalation or even ingested. Vetiver can help heal physical and mental ailments. Often both levels are intertwined as well. The coloration of the rather thick oil is in the reddish-brown spectrum. The intensely lingering, earthy scent with woody notes is considered pleasantly calming. The cosmetics industry uses vetiver to anchor more volatile fragrances. Their aromas remain perceptible longer when combined with vetiver. Depending on the desired effect, the oil is applied pure or blended. A common use for general relaxation is to mix up to five drops of the oil with two other relaxing oils and some cream as a bath additive on restless days or simply to prevent stress. The influences of essential oils often cannot be clearly separated into physical and psychological. Thus, in the case of a general feeling of relaxation, which is initially felt emotionally, a complaint such as a burning stomach, which was thought to be purely physical, can of course disappear. A similar interaction is valid for hormonally conditioned sensitivities over the metabolism or for fears up to traumas. Vetiver oil is also suitable for skin treatment, as it helps regulate the formation of talc. This has a balancing effect on acne, excessively dry or oily skin, wrinkles, irritated skin, non-specific itching and tired skin. Care with the oil is considered an effective therapy companion and good prevention. Pure vetiver is used in baths and rubs as well as a fragrance oil to build up and strengthen the immune system and the nerves. Physical effects and applications include especially the promotion of blood circulation and immune defense and the relief of muscle cramps and muscle pain. Vetiver has a hormone-regulating effect and stimulates the endocrine system. Internal use is recommended for depression, nervousness or stress, and being uprooted. It is not yet known exactly how an essential oil actually relieves anxiety and exhaustion, however, users convincingly report that it supports and envelops the grounding and renewing effect in sleep disorders, blockages and trauma. Comprehensibly, an aromatic hydrocarbon is similar in biochemical composition to countless human endogenous substances. A substance that measurably stimulates the production of the body’s own messenger substances naturally supports and thus relieves a tired metabolism. Neutral carrier oils such as almond oil are suitable for bath applications with vetiver. It is also usually applied mixed for massage, especially for the treatment of connective tissue. Applications for stretch marks or cellulite are considered successful.When inhaled, the molecules of the essential oil reach those areas of the brain via the olfactory nerve that control emotions, hormone metabolism and the autonomic nervous system. Along with rosewood, lavender, ylang-ylang and lemon balm, vetiver is also known to have an organizing and focusing effect on depressive moods. A bath with vetiver induces deep relaxation if you feel uprooted or disoriented. It grounds and strengthens the nerves, which is perceived as energizing.

Importance for health, treatment and prevention.

As natural medicine is currently experiencing a rediscovery, it is exciting to see what effects of vetiver are recognized and proven over time. To only know vetiver as a fragrance stick and as a fixative in perfumery would be a shame. Naturopaths value vetiver as a problem solver for skin and connective tissue disorders such as dryness or orange peel skin. Together with lavender and clary sage, the oil helps treat menopausal symptoms. The effect of essential oils in the naturopathic field should be briefly explained. The oil of vetiver root contains valuable secondary plant compounds, which are called sesquiterpenes. The term sounds complicated, but in biochemistry it simply refers to a group of mostly aromatic hydrocarbon compounds with three isoprenes and the formula C 15 H 24. The essential components of vetiver grass cause positive signals to the autonomic nervous system via the routes of vaporization into the mucous membranes, via incense or rubbing into the skin. They reduce aggressiveness, calm anxiety and restore support and self-confidence. They relieve spasms of the muscles and joint pain and bring back a natural balance to the totality of sensations. This has already made vetiver root the object of several studies in America, among others, as its properties are of interest to heart researchers and several psychological disciplines. Other essential oils with a fairly high content of sesquiterpenes are chamomile, lavender and sandalwood. They, too, have healing potential in both physical and psychological areas. Vetiver plants stop soil erosion with their roots, which can be up to three meters deep, and therefore have a long tradition as cultivated plants. People in Asia make ritual fragrant wickerwork and mats for everyday use from vetiver roots.