Vetiver oil – also known as khus oil and is sometimes referred to as the Oil of Tranquility in India – has been used for centuries in incense and perfumes. It is a common ingredient in many modern perfumes, as a scent and a fixative, and is also used in many other cosmetic and beauty products. Vetiver oil is also a natural insect repellent and antiseptic, and has been used in traditional Asian medicine as a herbal remedy for a variety of complaints. The oil perhaps is best known as an aromatherapy essential oil used for its calming and relaxing effects.
Derived from the vetiver plant, Vetiveria zizanoides, the oil is also known as vetivert or khus khus and is a scented perennial grass that grows up to 3 feet (about 91.44 cm) tall. It is native to India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Vetiver has been grown around the world in places as far away as Japan, Brazil, West Africa, Java, and Haiti.
In India, vetiver has been cultivated to prevent soil erosion during heavy rains. The vetiver grass itself is used for thatching and for weaving mats. Vetiver is also used to make blinds for windows and awnings, taking advantage of its insect-repellent properties. The vetiver oil is derived from the plant’s spongy, white net of roots, which are steam distilled after having been dried and chopped, producing the essential oil.
Depending on the source, vetiver oil varies in color from brown or deep amber to olive green. The scent, which also varies depending on the source, can be described as woody or earthy, similar to patchouli oil. It is possible to identify the oil’s origin by color and smell.
Vetiver oil’s pleasant scent and calming effects have made it a popular choice for use in aromatherapy. Typically, vetiver oil is used by inhaling vapors produced by heating a small amount of oil. It may also be applied topically, massaged into the skin or dropped into warm bathwater. Vetiver oil has been recommended for treatment of a host of ailments including tension, insomnia, depression, and anger. It has also been used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, and general aches and pains.
The antiseptic properties of vetiver oil have also made it a natural choice as topical treatment for acne and to speed the healing of small cuts and abrasions. It may also be used to treat oily skin. Consultation with a health care professional is recommended before the treatment of any medical condition.
