Vetiver

Botanical Name: Vetiveria zizanoides

Botany and Origins: It is a tall, densely tufted perennial grass which is native to India. The main root stock is a stout, branching rhizome developing an extensive but not deeply penetrating fibrous mat of aromatic roots. Vetiver is used to prevent soil erosion, since its abundant lacework of rootlets will prevent the loss of soil on mountainous slopes against excessive erosion which occurs during the wet season. Most Indian, Sri Lankan and Malaysian oil is produced from wild plants. Vetiver is grown commercially for oil in Java, the Seychelles, Reunion, Brazil, Haiti and Japan. In India, oil produced from vetiver collected in the wild and cultivated vetiver is differentiated by calling the former Khus oil and the latter vetiver oil.

Method of Extraction: Vetiver oil is steam distilled from cleaned and washed rootlets which are dried, cut and chopped, then soaked in water before distillation.

Cultivation: Certified Organic

Historical and Traditional Uses: Vetiver has long been valued in India for its aromatic properties. In Sri Lanka, it is known as Oil of Tranquility. In India, the dried, thin, wiry roots are woven into fans, screens and mats to scent the houses. As the hot, dry breeze enters through the verandas, the vetiver screens are wet -- refreshing, cooling and fragrancing the house. A drink is made from the fresh rhizomes and is taken as a stimulant and tonic. In Ayurvedic medicine, vetiver is used to alleviate thirst, heat-stroke, fever and headaches. The oil is applied as part of a liniment to relieve inflammatory disorders of the joints and skin, and it has been used for rheumatoid arthritis. Vetiver oil is extensively used in perfumery as a fixative and as an odour contributor in bases such as fougere, chypre, oriental, moss and wood bases and modern woody-aldehydic bases.

Pharmacology and Clinical Studies: It is reported to have antimicrobial activity against cultures of Trichomonas vaginalis.

Indications:

• Musculoskeletal System: Vetiver is a mild rubefacient and may be used for arthritis, rheumatism and muscular pain.
• Nervous System: Vetiver oil is relaxing and is beneficial for anyone experiencing stress, anxiety, insomnia or depression. It is recommended for physical, mental and emotional burnout which results from total exhaustion.
• Reproductive System: It is reputed to regulate hormonal secretions of oestrogen and progesterone. This makes Vetiver an ideal oil to use during menopause, where the hormones need supplementing and its grounding and cooling effects will help to reduce the symptoms of hot flushes. It is useful for PMS because of endocrine and emotional reasons. It is recommended for PMS caused by oestrogen deficiency that often displays weepiness and depression and PMS associated with progesterone deficiency that typically presents feelings of unworthiness.
• Skin Care: Vetiver oil assists in strengthening the body's connective tissue. It is beneficial for weak, loose or simply fatigued skin. Using it during and after childbirth to minimise stretch marks. Vetiver oil mainly influences the subcutis. Its application is especially recommended where the skin has become atrophic and slack and where there is too little adipose tissue built up. The resorptive power of the skin is stimulated, so that tissue development will be strengthened and vitalised.

Safety: Vetiver oil is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitising.

Country of Origin: Indonesia

Size: 10ml, 30ml, 50ml (for 100ml and above, please contact us)