The Benefits of Vetiver

Vetiver essential oil, also called khus oil, is extracted from the vetiver plant, a clumpy, green grass native to India that can grow five feet high or more.  The root system, where the essential oil comes from, is massive, deep, penetrating, tough, and can grow to 7 meters deep in 36 months.  This feature provides vetiver with an extremely strong anchor to the soil, which is vital in erosion control of steep slopes such as road batters and riverbanks.

Vetiver is in the same family as other grasses used for their essential oils, including lemongrass and citronella.

Vetiver oil is quite fragrant, with a distinctive sharp and earthy scent you may recognize from popular men’s cologne.  Vetiver oils are so complex that so far they have not been successfully synthesised

Vetiver essential oil is distilled from the vetiver plant’s roots, which are aged before being soaked in water. The highly concentrated oil that is released is then skimmed off the top of the water. It’s used in holistic practice for its soothing, grounding capabilities.

Keep reading to find out what we know about using vetiver oil for health benefits.

 
There are many amazing health benefits of Vetiver Essential Oil. These benefits can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, cicatrizant, nervine, insecticide properties. All of these incredible benefits make Vetiver a staple to any Essential Oil collection.
 
Vetiver helps to reduce inflammation by way of its soothing and cooling effects. Particularly effective against inflammations caused by heat stroke and dehydration; as well as in both the circulatory and nervous system.
 
Vetiver has powerful antibacterial properties. According to a report published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Studies, this oil efficiently stops the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Vetiver is used to clean the wounds and help it heal faster.
 
An aphrodisiac is a substance that increases sexual attraction and desire. Vetiver oil has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac.
 
Cicatrizant agents are substances that speed up the disappearance of scars and other marks on the skin. It is known to promote the growth of new tissues, that replace the dead and discolored tissues and helps achieve a uniform look in affected areas.
 
A tonic for the nerves is known as a nervine. The smell of Vetiver has an amazingly soothing effect on our nerves and is calming to our brain. It can help heal the damage done to the nerves by stress, fear, and shock.
 
Insects dislike the strong aroma of Vetiver. Making it a great bug repellant right along with citronella and lemongrass.