Vetiver for Grounding. Vetiver for Comfort. Vetiver for Trust.
Being an over-thinking worrywart, I love this essential oil.
Vetiver is the friend I turn to when I’ve worked myself into a mental frenzy. One whiff of this sweet, mysterious, earthy oil and there is a renewed sense of safety.
Vetiver Essential Oil
Chrysopogon zizanioides or Chrysopogon zizanioides
The Foundations of Vetiver
Family: Poaceae (grass)
Name Change: The accepted (official) Latin binomial for Vetiver was changed from Vetiveria zizanioides to Chrysopogon zizanioides. Vetiveria zizanioides is still the scientific name you’ll find in most essential oil books and documents. Learn more about Latin binomials in this earlier post.
Geographical Source: Vetiver is grown in the countries of Java, Reunion, and Comoros
Plant Part: The essential oil is expressed from the root
Note: Base (about as base as they get!)
Characteristics: Vetiver is a very very thick and syrupy essential oil. Its color is a deep brown. Her aroma is earthy, sweet, musty and mysterious and reminds me of the wet earth smell you experience in the first minutes of summer rain. I’ve heard it described as smelling like a damp forest floor. Due to its excellent fixative properties, vetiver is contained in 90% of all western perfumes.
Chemical Families: Made up primarily of Sesquiterpenes, Sesquiterpenols, and the safe Ketone molecule, ‘Vetivone.’
Therapeutic Properties of Vetiver Essential Oils
- Relaxing, sedative
- Inhibits growth of fungus
- Supports skin healing
- Cooling
- Stimulates immune function
Some Suggested Applications of Vetiver Essential Oil
- Add to Lemongrass or Tea Tree in organic Aloe vera gel for skin or toenail fungus
- Bath: 5 drops in the tub for deep relaxation
- Massage: A nice addition to a relaxing massage, especially when adding 1 drop of Neroli essential oil
Subtle Properties (vibrational or energetic):
In India, Vetiver is known as ‘the oil of tranquility, therefore, it’s no surprise that it corresponds with the Root Chakra and is the best oil for making you feel safe and “at home”. Vetiver can help you connect with earth energies and restore your sense of feeling centered in your body.
Vetiver can help you feel connected to Divine Love.
Vetiver Essential Oil DIY Recipe:
Feel Safe Massage Oil
- 4 drops of Vetiver Essential Oil (
- 2 drops of Jasmine Absolute (
- 1 drop of Lavender Essential Oils
- 1 fl oz/30 mL Jojoba oil (wax)Repeat this affirmation: I am secure, protected and safe. I am surrounded by Divine Love.
Safety Information for Vetiver Essential Oil
Non-toxic, non-irritating.
My Aromatic Wisdom SoulCollage Card for Vetiver
References:
- Battaglia S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. 2nd edition, The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia, 2003
- Mojay G. Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Henry Holt and Company Inc., England, 1996
- Keim, J. Aromatherapy & Subtle Energy Techniques
- Fulcher, L. Aromatherapy Certification Manual
Updated on August 9, 2024. This blog post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using them. The commission is paid by the retailer at no extra cost to you.
Love live live this oil. My fave for bedtime or stressed out moments and particularly great to use with children especially tantrums… calms instantly.