Vetiver Essential Oil (Haiti)

Description

Oil Summary: Vetiver is a perennial bunchgrass native to southern Asia and Indonesia. Since the old days, it has found use in many different applications. Farmers use it to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, as well as inhibit the growth of weeds in the farm area. Additionally, vetiver has a bountiful nutritional structure, which makes it a favorite animal feed. Indian craftspeople also use it for handicrafts, ropes, baskets, mattresses, and other fiber products. However, hidden in the roots underground is vetiver’s real treasure: a rich vetiver essential oil that is vastly popular in the perfumery and cosmetics industries. Because of its many health benefits, the oil is also famous among aromatherapists and herbalists. Vetiver is renowned for its strengths in alleviating emotional stress, anxiety, panic attacks, trauma, hysteria, and depression. When diffused into a room or used in massage, the fragrance of vetiver oil reaches the brain, triggering pacifying reactions, such as a relaxed heart rate and smoother respiration. The neurological effects of vetiver have recently found use in the treatment of ADD and ADHD in kids, where the essential oil’s calming properties help to keep the mind focused, encouraging children to be patient, settled, organized and adherent to directions. 

Odor and Appearance: Today, the medicinal Vetiver roots undergo steam distillation to extract essential oil. Fresh oil is golden or dark brown in color, with a bold, woody, earthy, herbaceous, and spicy aroma.

Country of origin: Haiti

Botanical name: Chrysopogon zizanioides

Contraindication: Vetiver is known as a non-irritant, non-sensitizing and non-toxic substance, and is, therefore, among the safest essential oils to use topically and internally. That said, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers are advised to seek professional help before adding vetiver to their medicine cabinets. Some reports claim that vetiver oil can lead to a miscarriage when ingested, but there is little evidence to justify this side effect. Before extensively using vetiver on the skin, always do a patch test to make sure you are not sensitive to any of the oil’s components.