Vetiver essential oil has a “deepest earth” aroma with woody and smoky undertones. Known as the “oil of tranquillity” in India and Sri Lanka because of its calming effect on the body and the mind. It can be used to soothe mental exhaustion and ease insomnia. It also has beneficial effects on the skin.
- Latin Name
- Vetiveria Zizanoides
- Family
- Poaceae (Gramineae)
- Note
- Base
- Extraction
- Essential oil by steam distillation from the washed, chopped, dried and soaked roots and rootlets
- Constituents
- Vetiverol, vitivone, vitivenes among others.
- Origin
- Java
This tall perennial scented grass has long narrow leaves with an abundant complex lacework of underground white roots.
History
The rootlets have been used in the East for their fine fragrance since antiquity. Its used by the locals to protect domestic animals from harmful vermin, and the fibers of the grass were woven into matting. It is grown in India to protect against soil erosion especially during the tropical rainy season.
