History
Vetiver
is a tall, tufted, perennial, scented grass with
long narrow leaves and an abundant complex lacework
of underground white roots. The name Vetiver comes
from the Tamil word which means "Hatcheted up" and
is a description of the way in which the roots are
collected.
Vetiver oil has an earthy, musty smell and is amber
to olive in color and is viscous. It is mainly cultivated
in the tropics such as India, Tahiti, Java and Haiti.
Vetiver is also known as the 'oil of tranquility'
because of its calming properties.
Vetiver grass was used in Calcutta for awnings,
blinds and sunshades, in Java the roots were used
for weaving mats and thatching huts and in Haiti
the grassy parts were also used for thatching. It
gave rooms an exquisite fragrance and deterred insects.
It is a popular ingredient for soaps, toiletries
and perfumes and growing Vetiver grass protects
against soil erosion.
Vetiver oil is extracted from the washed, chopped,
dried and soaked roots and rootlets by steam distillation.
The yield is 0.5%.
Vetiver oil generally has no contra-indications
and is listed as non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.
The other common names are Akar Wangi - fragrant
root - name used in Java, Khus Khus - aromatic root
- name used in India, Oil of tranquility - name
used in Sri Lanka
Vetiver has a long and rich history. In India it
has been used to make blinds necessary to keep out
the intense heat. When the blinds are sprinkled
with water they emit the vetiver scent. In Java
the root has been used for centuries in weaving
mats and thatching huts. The Vetiver root is used
in folk magic for its purported ability to provide
safety and increase financial resources. A ritual
designed to promote personal safety calls for inhaling
Vetiver while visualizing one’s body as being sealed
off from negative energies.
Uses
Vetiver (Vetiveria Zizanoides) is used for nervousness,
insomnia, rheumatism, muscular relaxant, antiseptic,
tonic, tones the reproductive organs, balance female
hormones, cleanses the blood, helps wounds and cuts
heal, strengthens the nervous system, reduces anxiety,
stress, tension, depression, and insomnia.
The therapeutic properties of Vetiver oil are: antiseptic,
antispasmodic, stimulant and nervine. Vetiver oil
calms and soothes the mind, thus helping with nervous
tension and stress. It can revitalize the body and
help with mental and physical exhaustion.
In vapor therapy Vetiver oil can be helpful for nervous
complaints and insomnia.
Blends With
Although most essential oils blend well with one another,
Vetiver oil blends particularly well with: with Basil,
Clary Sage, Ginger, Jasmine, Marjoram, Orange, Patchouli,
Sandalwood, Spearmint and Ylang Ylang.
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