Plant description
A tall perennial grass with long narrow leaves, the plant produces an abundance of white rootlets from which the essential oil is produced.
History
Vetivert has been used in the East since antiquity. The rootlets are highly scented and are often woven into straw matting to create a scented aromatic mat for domestic use. Traditionally grown in India to protect against soil erosion during the Monsoon season. In both India and Sri Lanka the oil is known as 'the oil of Tranquillity' reaffirming the relaxing and soothing effect of Vetivert.
Botanical Family
Poaceae
Key constituents
Veiverol, vitivone, terpenes & vetivenes.
Main therapeutic properties
Antiseptic, antispasmodic, depurative, rubefacient, sedative for the nervous system, stimulating to circulatory system, vermifuge.
Main therapeutic uses
Acne, oily skin, arthritis, muscular aches, rheumatism, sprains, depression, nervous tension and stress related conditions.
Blends well with
Sandalwood, Rose, Jasmin, Patchouli, Lavender, Clary Sage & Ylang Ylang.
Safety data
Non toxic, non irritant, non sensitising.
Additional information
Vetivert is a thick, dark brown oil with an earthy woody scent. The oil is produced in several countries but the main supply of oil comes from Haiti, Java and Reunion Isles.
There is a considerable difference in scent depending where the oil has been produced. In some areas of production the 'grass' is burnt before the roots are dug up and cleaned for distillation of oil. This gives the oil a strong smoky scent often overpowering the sweet earthy note of the plant. This oil tends to be much cheaper than the oil produced in Haiti where the grass is not burnt.
Distillation is a slow and labour intensive process as the roots must be cleaned and washed before a slow distillation takes place.
Botanically Vetivert is related to lemongrass, Citronella & May Chang.
There is a considerable difference in scent depending where the oil has been produced. In some areas of production the 'grass' is burnt before the roots are dug up and cleaned for distillation of oil. This gives the oil a strong smoky scent often overpowering the sweet earthy note of the plant. This oil tends to be much cheaper than the oil produced in Haiti where the grass is not burnt.
Distillation is a slow and labour intensive process as the roots must be cleaned and washed before a slow distillation takes place.
Botanically Vetivert is related to lemongrass, Citronella & May Chang.
Why I like this Oil
I love the deep, earthy scent of this oil and find that it is very useful for male clients who tend not to like the sweeter more floral oils. I only use the oil produced in Haiti, I have had samples of the oil from Java but personally found the scent unpleasant and overpowered by the smokiness and quite off putting when comparing the oils. There is quite a difference in price but I feel this oil is worth it, known as ' the oil of tranquillity' for very good reason as it is deeply relaxing both for massage and used in baths.
I tend to use Vetivert for clients who are feeling the effects of stress as it not only relaxes but also is a good immuno-stimulant helping us to withstand the detrimental effects of stress in our lives. As with most stress related conditions muscular aches and pains add to the discomfort of many people and the warming scent and action of Vetivert helps to soothe frazzled nerves and tense muscles. I often recommend a relaxing bath using Vetivert especially for clients who have been through any kind of trauma such as separation, shock or bereavement. I encourage them to relax in a warm bath and inhale the soothing aroma of Vetivert before retiring for the night.
I tend to use Vetivert for clients who are feeling the effects of stress as it not only relaxes but also is a good immuno-stimulant helping us to withstand the detrimental effects of stress in our lives. As with most stress related conditions muscular aches and pains add to the discomfort of many people and the warming scent and action of Vetivert helps to soothe frazzled nerves and tense muscles. I often recommend a relaxing bath using Vetivert especially for clients who have been through any kind of trauma such as separation, shock or bereavement. I encourage them to relax in a warm bath and inhale the soothing aroma of Vetivert before retiring for the night.
