Vetiver Essential Oil
Vetiver essential oil, also called khus oil, is extracted from a perennial grass native to tropical regions in Asia, botanical name, Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn) Nash. It is in the same family of plants that produces lemongrass and citronella.
The oil is distilled from the roots of the plant, which are aged before being soaked in water. The highly concentrated oil that is released is then skimmed off the top of the water.
With its rich, exotic, complex and earthy aroma, Vetiver oil has historically been used extensively in perfumes. Ayurvedic practices also respected Vetiver for its spiritually inspiring aroma and for its remedial qualities. Accordingly, it was used to address countless health concerns including imbalances in psychosomatic temperament, arthritis and other joint disorders, muscular aches, headaches, fevers, loss of energy, heat strokes, and skin problems. Vetiver Essential Oil became an integral part of Ayurvedic massages for its additional abilities to strengthen the nervous system by sedating the senses and thereby reducing the stress and physical exhaustion linked to low immunity. Its refreshing properties also made it ideal for cooling high body temperatures during hot seasons
Benefits of Vetiver:
- soothes anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, depression and inability to concentrate or remember.
- is a natural antioxidant that promotes relief from various types of inflammation. Its tonic properties are reputed to show regenerative effects as they enhance and maintain immunity.
- has antiseptic properties that eliminate and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
- enhances circulation, boosts the metabolism and digestion, eases muscular aches, and soothes joint pain.
4 Uses for Vetiver:
Diffusing 5 drops of Vetiver Essential Oil for 30-60 minutes and deeply inhaling the aroma can be beneficial for relieving or reducing stress, as well as the symptoms of a headache.
Vetiver aids focus and memory, so is especially useful in a study or workroom. Diffuse or make a spritz in a 120ml spray bottle by adding 10-15 drops of Vetiver Essential Oil, 1 tbsp witch hazel to keep the water sanitised and top up with water.
Put 3 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil and apply to the soles of your feet at night, especially the big toe as this is a Vita Flex point to the brain. Also, rub the same mix on your wrists during the day. As your intention is to be grounded, the idea and the aroma linked together enter the limbic area of the brain to remind it to keep you in balance. The limbic system is involved with our behavioural and emotional responses, especially those connected to our survival and wellness. (You can make up the mix in larger amounts using the same ratios).
Its antiseptic properties make Vetiver Oil an ideal cleanser or moisturising toner when 3-4 drops are added to a tablespoon of Virgin Coconut Oil. A small amount of this blend can be wiped gently across the face on a cottonwool pad to clean the pores of impurities and stimulate collagen production.