{"id":160836,"date":"2023-02-24T13:15:16","date_gmt":"2023-02-24T13:15:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/eu\/?p=160836"},"modified":"2023-02-24T14:18:22","modified_gmt":"2023-02-24T14:18:22","slug":"how-to-use-vetiver-oil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/eu\/en\/how-to-use-vetiver-oil\/","title":{"rendered":"Lifting the Veil on Vetiver Oil: Origins and uses"},"content":{"rendered":"

For a long time, vetiver was a lesser-known essential oil. Now, vetiver oil<\/a> is more popular than ever due to its indispensability as an ingredient in perfumery and other scented products. Join us today as we venture into the history and uses of this enigmatic oil. You\u2019ll also find some DIY recipes for a pampering treat as well as some exquisite essential oil blends that celebrate the versatility of vetiver.<\/p>\n

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What is vetiver oil?<\/h2>\n

Vetiver essential oil is derived from the roots of a fragrant perennial grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) that is native to tropical Asia. Vetiver grass grows up to 1.5 metres tall, blooming rigid leaves and purple flowers. It\u2019s a member of the fifth-largest plant family, the Poaceae, which Lemongrass and Citronella are also members of.<\/p>\n

To extract vetiver oil, the roots are harvested at 18-24 months old, washed, sun-dried, chopped, soaked, and steam distilled to produce the oil in its purest form.<\/p>\n

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The history of vetiver<\/h2>\n

Vetiver oil has a colourful history, particularly in Ayurveda where it was used for both spiritual and remedial purposes. The oil has also been an integral ingredient in perfumes since the 12th<\/sup> century. Nicknamed \u201cthe oil of tranquillity\u201d, it was believed that the scent of vetiver oil in fragrances could encourage feelings of stability and serenity.<\/p>\n

Vetiver gets its name from the Tamil word meaning \u201croot that is dug up\u201d. Though the etymology may not seem remarkable, the root system of the vetiver plant is anything but ordinary. While most grasses have roots that spread out in a horizontal pattern, vetiver roots penetrate vertically into the soil, with some roots extending as deeply as 12 feet underground.<\/p>\n

Interestingly, the vetiver plant was used as an early form of air conditioning. The roots were soaked and hung above doors to cool hot air when passing through. The plant also has an interesting role in environmental conservation. Its root system is so strong that vetiver grass is planted as a natural barrier in areas at risk of flooding and landslides. The grass prevents soil erosion by trapping the sediment and slowing down the flow of water. Next time you take a whiff of vetiver oil, pause to reflect on the miraculous plant this oil proudly comes from.<\/p>\n

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What does vetiver oil smell like?<\/h2>\n

Renowned for its calming, grounding effect, vetiver oil has a highly distinctive aroma that is deeply earthy and woody. Historically, vetiver\u2019s woody aroma was associated as a masculine scent most commonly used in men\u2019s cologne but it\u2019s increasingly being used as an integral note in women\u2019s fragrances too. Moreover, vetiver\u2019s versatility means that it blends well with lavender, bergamot, lemon, jasmine, black pepper, grapefruit\u2026the list goes on!<\/p>\n

The scent is reminiscent of sandalwood, palo santo, and patchouli but, in all honesty, there is no scent quite like vetiver oil. There isn\u2019t even a synthetic version due to its complex olfactory profile made up of over 100 constituents that is impossible to replicate. It is truly one of a kind!<\/p>\n

5 ways to use vetiver oil<\/h2>\n

As well as aromatically, vetiver oil can be enjoyed topically because it is considered a neat oil which means it is safe to apply to your skin. Always dilute with carrier oil, mixing 1-2 drops of vetiver with 10 drops of carrier oil. And remember, you can always perform a patch test in case of sensitivity. Check out some of the wonderful ways vetiver oil can be used, some of which we\u2019ve listed below:<\/p>\n

1. Manifestation practice<\/h3>\n

Manifestation<\/a> is the act of setting intentions towards something in the belief and hope that it will happen. Essential oils pair beautifully with manifestation as scents link to emotions and memories and can help envision your goals. Vetiver has a grounding aroma, making it a powerful pairing for manifestation practice. Apply to your pulse points to breathe in the earthy, stabilising fragrance or massage into the bottom of your feet to help you feel more centred.<\/p>\n

2. Bath time bliss<\/h3>\n

After a particularly busy day, combine vetiver oil with Epsom salts for a deeply calming bath time blend:<\/p>\n

Ingredients:<\/h4>\n