Vetiver - Chrysopogon zizaniodes

Attachment 262


Vetiver
An unusual tall perennial grass related to citronella, lemongrass and palmarosa. A native of India, it is cultivated for essential oil in Southern India, Indonesia, the Caribbean and South America. The oil is steam distilled from the rootlets, which are washed and dried prior to distillation.

The oil is viscous in nature with a varying colour palette oil the range of amber, olive or dark brown. it has a sweet, heavy smell with woody, earthy undertones and a lemony top note.


Key actions:
Sedating and strengthening.



Benefits:
Skin
A useful antiseptic and is slightly astringent. Use it in lotions, compresses and baths for the treatment of oily skin, acne and weeping sores.


Circulation
Useful in a massage oil for elderly or debilitated people with poor circulation. Helps stimulate the production of red blood cells and is thus beneficial for people with a tendency to anaemia.


Muscles and joints
A useful warming and pain relieving compress or rubbing oil suitable for deep massage of muscular aches and pains, brains, stiffness, rheumatism and arthritis.


Mind and emotions
Supportive when you are feeling emotionally overwhelmed, weepy, under pressure and uncertain which direction to take.



Usage:
See 'Safe Use of Essential Oils' article

Bath, massage, diffusion, compress or skin products

Blends well with: Clary Sage, Jasmine, Lavender, Patchouli, Rose, Sandlewood and Ylang Ylang



Safety:
Safe in dilution

Vetiver can help fade dark spots, great for hand creams to help fade liver spots.