Vetiver

Vetiver

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides) Essential oil

Derived from the roots of the Vetiveria zizanioides plant, this earthy-scented oil offers a plethora of benefits for soothing the mind and nourishing the soul.


Grounding and Stability: Vetiver essential oil is renowned for its grounding properties, making it a valuable ally in times of emotional upheaval or stress. Its deep, earthy aroma anchors the mind, promoting feelings of stability and inner peace. Incorporating vetiver oil into your daily routine can help you stay centered and grounded amidst life's uncertainties.


Calming and Relaxing: The tranquilizing scent of vetiver essential oil has a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to alleviate feelings of anxiety and tension. Whether diffused in the air or applied topically, vetiver oil induces a sense of relaxation and serenity, allowing for deeper rest and rejuvenation.


Focus and Concentration: Vetiver essential oil is prized for its ability to enhance mental clarity and focus. Its soothing aroma clears the mind of distractions, sharpening concentration and improving cognitive function. Whether studying for an exam or tackling a demanding task, vetiver oil can help you stay on track and maintain productivity.


Emotional Balance: Vetiver essential oil is believed to have profound effects on emotional well-being, promoting balance and harmony within the psyche. Its grounding properties help to soothe frazzled nerves and alleviate feelings of irritability or agitation. By fostering emotional resilience and stability, vetiver oil empowers individuals to navigate life's challenges with grace and equanimity.


Sleep Support: Vetiver essential oil is a popular choice for promoting restful sleep and combating insomnia. Its sedative properties help to calm the mind and induce a state of relaxation, making it easier to drift off into a peaceful slumber. Diffusing vetiver oil in the bedroom or adding a few drops to a bedtime bath can help promote a deeper and more restorative sleep.

Keywords:

  • Calming
  • Balancing
  • Grounding

Therapeutic uses:

  • Nervous tension
  • Restlessness
  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • Mental burnout 
  • Oversensitivity

Aromatic notes:

  • very pungent
  • earthy, woody
  • sweet, deep

Chemistry:

  • rich in sesquiterpenes 
  • extremely complex

About the plant:

  • Native to India
  • Tall and densely tufted perennial scented grass
  • Essential oil is extracted from its roots

Key Scientific Researches:

  • Volatile compounds emitted from the roots have helped the subjects to maintain performance, while maintaining high sympathetic nervous system activity. Matsubara et al (2012) Biomedical Research 32, 1, 19-28
  • Anxiolytic dose of vetiver via the inhalation method is 2.5%, which is the equivalent of the diazepam. Both 2.5% vetiver and diazepam significantly increased c-fos expression in amygdala and suggested that the anxiolytic-like properties of vetiver might be associated with altering neuronal activation. Saiyudthong et al. (2015) Natural Product Research 29, 22, 2131-2144

Fun facts:

  • In India, the roots are woven into door and window screens.
  • The British occupation of India made vetiver popular in 19th century England and North America
  • In India and Sri Lanka, vetiver oil is known as 'the oil of tranquility'

Caution:

  • Vetiver essential oil is often adulterated, because the vetiver roots yield very little oil, making the oil expensive. When purchasing the essential oil, make sure that it's not a synthetic or adulterated. 
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