.png)
Vetiver, also known as Chrysopogon Zizanioides, is a a perennial grass plant that is native to India. It is also grown in other parts of the world such as Haiti, Indonesia, and Madagascar. The plant has long, narrow leaves and can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. Vetiver is a versatile plant that has many uses, including in perfumes, essential oils and as a natural erosion control.
Vetiver has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its various health benefits. The plant contains many active compounds, including Sesquiterpene, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. But before we look at some of the benefits of Vetiver in more details - let's take a look at how the Vetiver essential oil we use is made:
Vetiver Essential Oil is made by steam distillation of the roots of the Vetiver Plant. The process starts with the harvesting of the plant roots, which are then washed and dried in the sun for several days until they become hard and brittle. The dried roots are then chopped into small pieces to increase the surface area and facilitate the extraction of the oil. The chopped roots are then put into a still of water and steam causes the oil to evaporate from the roots and the mixture is then condenses to separate the oil from the water.The oil is then filtered to remove any impurities and the resulting essential oil is collected.
The yield of Vetiver oil is relatively low, as it takes around 100kg of Vetiver roots to produce just 1kg of oil. The oil which is very thick has a deep earthy, and woody aroma and some say is very similar to Patchouli oil.
We use Vetiver in our Oriental Orange and Patchouli & Wood fragrance blends because of its complex aroma. Its deep, woody and earthy fragrance has a particular smoky undertone which gives a masculine, elegant and sophisticated base note to our fragrances. Vetiver is also a natural fixative, which means it helps to stabilise and prolong the fragrance of the other essential oils we use to create these two very distinctive and unique Elsie&Tom home fragrances. As a fragrance blend, both Oriental Orange and Patchouli & Wood have been created for their balancing effects on the emotions, reducing stress and anxiety and promoting relaxation. However, Vetiver as an essential oil has many worthy uses:
Here are some of the benefits of Vetiver:
As previously mentioned Vetiver reduces anxiety and stress: Vetiver essential oil is known for its calming and grounding properties. It can help reduce anxiety and stress levels, promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Our Oriental Orange and Patchouli & Wood candles make ideal fragrances for the bedroom. In fact you don't even need to light your candles - just remove the lid and allow the fragrance to be softy carried through the air as you sleep. Our pure oil blends can be used in a humidifier or a reed diffuser will fragrance your bedroom in the same way.
Improves skin health: Vetiver oil can be used topically to improve skin health. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to sooth skin irritations, reduce acne, and promote wound healing. It can also be a good cure against dandruff. Simple wash your hair and add a few drops to Almond or Coconut oil and leave over night, having massaged it into your scalp. We always recommend you seek medical advice before applying essential oils to skin and make sure they are are always diluted with a carrier oil. Do not use if pregnant or breast feeding. Always do a patch test to check for allergies and should irritation occur discontinue use.
A natural insect repellent: A few drops of Vetiver essential oil or our Oriental Orange and Patchouli & Wood pure oil blends can be added to a carrier oil and applied to the skin before going outside to help repel insects such as mosquitoes, flies and other biting insects. Your can also light a candle add oils to a diffuser or spray bottle with water to use it to repel insects in your home or outdoor living areas.
Vetiver is said to help with digestive discomforts such as bloating, constipation and indigestion, but make sure you are using a food grade essential oil, before ingesting and make sure you follow the instructions and again seek medical advice before using.
Boosts immunity: Vetiver oil has antimicrobial properties that can help to boost the immune system and protect against infections.
In conclusion, Vetiver is a versatile plant that has many uses and health benefits. it is grown in various countries and is particularly useful for its calming and grounding properties, improving skin health, aiding digestion, reducing inflammation and boosting immunity.
Our Oriental Orange and Patchouli & Wood essential oil fragrance blends are available in our 1 and 3 wick natural soya candles, reed diffuser and pure oil blends and will soon be available in our natural soap range.