Super popular in aromatherapy for very good reasons, here are the top vetiver essential oil benefits and uses.
Derived from the roots of the Vetiver plant, a native grass in India, vetiver essential oil is renowned for its deep, earthy, smoky fragrance. But that’s not all! Vetiver essential oil packs a range of amazing health benefits, too. Having been a cornerstone in traditional medicine practice, this oil has been gaining traction in wellness practices today as well. Check out the top benefits of vetiver essential oil and the best ways to use it.
Benefits of Vetiver Essential Oil
1) Prevalent in Aromatherapy
Vetiver essential oil is extensively used in aromatherapy. Its grounding scent is believed to help regain emotional balance. Thanks to its soothing properties, it also helps get rid of stress and anxiety. If you are looking to relax after stressful work days or just looking for the perfect essential oil to include in your meditation practices, go for the vetiver oil.
2) Perfect For Perfumery
Vetiver essential oil is not only a unique aroma but a prized base note in many essential oil perfumes. Its long-lasting, earthy scent makes for the perfect foundation for other fragrances, and its versatility allows it to blend well with anything from citrus to floral notes. In perfumery, this can give rise to very unique compositions.
It is thus quite unsurprising that vetiver is an important component in the perfumes of several prominent brands, namely in Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel, Miss Dior by Dior, Vetiver by Guerlain, and more.
2) Helps Instill Positive Feelings of Confidence and Tranquility
The woody, earthy, balsamic notes of vetiver not only work well in perfumes but can also encourage positive feelings of relaxation, tranquility, and positivity. If you need to be confident before an important meeting at work, just take a whiff of Vetiver. Its sedative properties will help relieve your nervousness and panic, restoring serenity in your mind.
A 2016 study also concluded that Vetiver essential oil might help people who have been struggling to focus feel more awake and alert.
3) Helps With Insomnia
Vetiver oil is quite a tonic for sleeping! As you understand from the previous point, it relaxes the mind, which also helps promote restful sleep. The best way to use vetiver oil to sleep is through a diffuser. As you inhale the fragrance of the oil, it regulates your breathing pattern by increasing the quality of exhalation. Decreasing excessive inhalation, this oil is a lifesaver for people who tend to snore heavily.
4) Boosts Immunity
As the vetiver oil balances the mind, it also helps regulate functions of the body, thus boosting immunity. The tonic properties of this oil are renowned for having regenerative effects, which consequently enhance the immune system. These properties also enhance circulation, metabolism, and digestion when used in an aromatherapy massage. To add to the host of amazing properties, vetiver oil’s anti-septic properties aid in wound healing, too, by eliminating harmful bacteria.
5) Helps Tighten and Nourish The Skin
Having covered the physical benefits, a lot needs to be said about the skin benefits of vetiver oil, too! Whether used topically or through cosmetic products, this oil acts like a deeply hydrating moisturizer. It firms up your skin, tightening it against the adverse effects of environmental stressors.
Often, environmental stressors like sun damage cause oxidative damage through the production of free radicals in the skin. These ultimately aid and abet aging signs like wrinkles and fine lines. But with the powerful antioxidant properties of vetiver oil, you can get back your youthful, nourished skin! Not to mention, its regenerative properties also take care of other skin ailments like acne, stretch marks, and scars.
6) Natural Antioxidant That Helps Relieve Inflammation
Vetiver oil is a natural antioxidant and when used medicinally, it can provide relief from various types of inflammation. Whether a joint inflammation or inflammation caused by dehydration or sunstroke, vetiver essential oil can relieve the body of any aches and pains. Both skin creams containing vetiver essential oil and using pure essential oil in its diluted form can give you an antioxidant boost.
How To Use Vetiver Essential Oil
1) Through A Diffuser or By Steam
Of course, the best way to use Vetiver essential oil is to add a few drops to a diffuser. But that is not the only way to use this essential oil. You could also inhale it by adding a few drops to a bowl of hot water and breathing in the vapor. If you have respiratory issues or have trouble falling asleep, this method can be particularly effective.
2) Through DIY Aromatherapy Formulations with Vetiver
Try different DIY formulations and blends with vetiver essential oils. If you are unsure of how to start, here are some blends that can serve various purposes for you!
- To help with stress and anxiety and also get skincare benefits, mix vetiver oil with lavender and tea tree essential oils
- If you are struggling with focus and concentration, diffuse a mixture of 3 drops of Vetiver Essential Oil and 2 drops each of cedarwood and frankincense essential oils.
- For a calming, restful environment to deal with insomnia, restlessness, or emotional outbursts, you can diffuse 3 drops of lavender oil, 5 drops of vetiver oil, and 2 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil. You can also go for a blend of sweet orange or neroli oil alongside vetiver oil for better sleep or meditation.
Note: Do not use too much vetiver oil with any of your blends as its scent may quickly overtake the aroma of other oils.
3) Topical Applications and Dilution
If you are planning to reap the medicinal or beauty benefits of vetiver oil, dilute it first with a carrier oil like jojoba, coconut, or sweet almond before applying it to the skin.
You could also get cosmetic products that list vetiver oil as an active ingredient.
An excellent way to apply it topically, especially during a massage, to create a vetiver blend. All you need are 3 drops of vetiver oil and 1 drop each of Clary sage, lemon, and lavender essential oils. This is one of the best blends to regulate hormones and boost reproductive health.
Precautions and Side Effects
Though vetiver oil offers many benefits and is generally considered safe, you must remain aware of any potential side effects. Here are some important tips to follow before using vetiver essential oil.
- Do a patch test before using the oil topically on a small area of skin and ensure that there are no allergic reactions for at least 24 hours. If you’re in the clear, you can go ahead and use the oil regularly
- Always ensure proper dilution with carrier oils like coconut, jojoba oil, and others before use.
- Avoid using it on sensitive areas of your face like near the eyes and inner ears.