Organic vetiver essential oil is steam distilled from the roots of Vetiveria zizanioides. It is often used in aromatherapy and skin care for its long-lasting aroma and earthy, calming qualities. Vetiver oil ages well and the aroma can experience changes over time.
Vetiver grows as a tall grass that can reach over five feet and the oil is distilled from the lengthy root clusters. These plants are hardy and adaptive, and the strong roots have many positive impacts to help reduce soil loss, stabilize steep banks, and secure topsoil.
The aroma can come off somewhat strong when uncapping the bottle, and when given time to breathe or added into perfume blends it will mellow out. This oil has a high viscosity and can be described as somewhat syrupy. There may be some difficulty dispensing through dropper inserts and the bottle can be gently warmed in the palms if needed.
Aroma
Vetiver oil is a base note with a warm, sweet, woody, and earthy aroma with a touch of smoke. It sometimes bears the nickname ‘fragrance of the soil’, which is fitting for the tenacious and grounding scent distilled from the roots.
Constituents
Vetiver oil contains primarily zizanol (or khusimol) and vetiselinenol. This oil has a complex makeup with a large variety of constituents, though most make up less than 0.5-1% of the total.
Blending and Uses
This base note evaporates slowly, giving body to perfume blends. It can help promote a balanced skin tone when added to lotions or carrier oils and is an ideal base note in any aromatic blend. Vetiver is a popular ingredient for masculine body care products, but its uses don’t stop there.
For a relaxing bath to unwind add a blend of vetiver, bergamot, and lavender oils to the bathwater with Epsom salts or bubble bath. You can also diffuse this blend in the bedroom for its emotionally calming abilities.
Vetiver can also be used for skin-supporting serums with rose and frankincense oils for a luxurious blend. Mix vetiver with basil and sandalwood oil in your favorite carrier to help with occasional blemishes.
It also blends well with clary sage, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, lemon, mandarin, oakmoss, orange, patchouli, and ylang ylang for use in perfumes oils, diffuser blends, and body care formulations.
Packaging
5 mL, 1/2 oz., and 1 oz. essential oils are packaged in amber glass bottles with drop reducers for easy application. 4 oz. and larger sizes are packaged in amber screw cap bottles and do not come with reducers or droppers.
Safety
This oil may contain isoeugenol. Never use essential oils undiluted, in eyes or mucus membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified healthcare practitioner. Keep away from children and pets.
Before using perform a small patch test on your inner forearm or back. Apply a small quantity of properly diluted essential oil and cover with a bandage. If you experience any irritation use carrier oil or cream to further dilute the essential oil on the skin, and wash with soap and water. If no irritation occurs after 48 hours, it is safe to use on your skin. Learn more about using essential oils here.
