Vetiver essential oil is well-known throughout the Indian subcontinent. People might recognize it better by its common name ‘khus-khus.’ Essential oil is the concentrated liquid that is extracted from a plant that contains some volatile aroma compounds(1). Vetiver essential oil is extracted from Vetiver, which is a perennial grass that is native to India. Learn to know vetiver essential oil benefits & uses.
The essential oil of vetiver is extracted through the process of steam distillation of its roots. instantly recognizable by its woody, smoky and earthy aroma, it is used extensively in the perfume, cosmetic and soap industry and also as a flavoring agent in beverages. The aroma of vetiver oil has a very calming effect. Here are the vetiver essential oil benefits.
Vetiver Essential Oil Benefits
1. Anxiety
One of the vetiver essential oil uses is that it may help you if you experience mental conditions like stress, anxiety, and depression. Being a therapeutic oil that works on the seven chakras of the human body, you may either diffuse the oil in the open air or apply a few drops on your wrists, chest, and neck.
2. Clears acne and boosts skin health
Vetiver oil exhibits very strong anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Acne-causing bacteria do not find favourable conditions to grow, in the presence of the anti-bacterial properties of vetiver oil. You may thus gain freedom from frequent acne outbursts. Your face care routine may also include mixing a few drops of vetiver essential oil in your face-wash for use. This may help rejuvenate your skin cells to get soft and nourished skin.
3. Protects against parasites like ticks
According to a study, vetiver oil has high toxicity for ticks. When diluted with a carrier oil, and applied topically, it may even be more effective than some commercial products that are marketed to kill ticks(2).
4. Promotes better sleep
Vetiver essential oil is a tried and tested remedy for insomnia and irregular sleep patterns. Try and include a little vetiver oil in your diet, and you may sleep better.
5. Improves immunity
High on antioxidants, vetiver oil may help boost your immune system, by removing all toxins from your body and fighting free radicals. You may benefit from the oil by directly inhaling the aromatic vapours. Or, you may diffuse it into the air circulating at home.
6. Anti-septic properties
In humid countries like India and its neighbours, microbes, and bacteria multiply fast, thanks to the favorable hot and humid conditions found in these regions. Hence, any wound inflicted on you may be prone to sepsis. Vetiver essential oil prevents the growth of Staphylococcus Aureus, the bacteria responsible for causing sepsis, and gets rid of them. Vetiver oil may even be applied externally, as it helps heal wounds by promoting the growth of new tissues.
7. Anti-inflammatory properties
Known for its soothing and cooling effects, vetiver oil helps calm all sorts of inflammation. More so, it is especially good at relieving inflammation in both the circulatory and nervous systems. It is also considered a great treatment for inflammation caused by sunstroke or dehydrated skin. Using diluted vetiver oil on your body and skin and muscles may help with inflammation.
8. Antioxidants.
According to a 2009 study (2), the vetiver root has antioxidant properties. These antioxidants seek out toxins or ‘free radicals’ in your body, which disrupt the body’s processes. By neutralizing these free radicals, vetiver oil does us a huge favor.
How to Use Vetiver Oil?
Vetiver oil may be used on its own or diluted with some coconut oil or water, depending on what you’re using it for. You may also put some in a diffuser if you are looking to spread the aroma around your home.
Myths and Side Effects
One major myth that does the rounds is that vetiver oil causes hair loss. This is not true, and it can be used safely to massage onto the head. For side effects, when taken orally, vetiver oil is likely safe in food amounts. Also, when applied to the skin, there isn’t any reliable information on side effects. However, one side effect of using vetiver oil is sleepiness. Since the aroma induces calm, you might feel a little light-headed when you take it in for the first time. So you can say that vetiver oil side effects are almost zero.
Vetiver is a lesser-known essential oil, with powerful properties. There may be more research required to understand how vetiver essential oil affects the brain and the rest of the body, whether it is applied topically or inhaled. However, as elucidated above, the oil has a host of advantages if used correctly. Speak to your doctor or physician, and see if you can include vetiver oil in your daily life.
FAQs
1. Is vetiver thick oil?
Vetiver oil is famous for its viscosity. Incredibly thick, it may take a lot of time to flow from the bottle. Because Vetiver essential oil is so thick, we recommend adding it to a carrier oil before you put it in your diffuser
2. How do I use vetiver oil on my hair?
Place a bunch of vetiver roots at the bottom of a clay pot. Pour cooled, boiled water over the top of the root, and cover the pot for at least a couple of hours. Remove cover, add lime and allow it to settle for a few minutes. Then, you can strain the water, and use it for a hair rinse.
