8 Benefits Of Vetiver Essential Oil, How To Use It, & Risks

The list of benefits of vetiver essential oil (khus oil) is quite long to go through! This oil is extracted from a grass called Vetiveria zizanioides, which is native to India.

This essential oil goes a long way in improving sexual performance and treating sleeplessness, ADHD, various skin conditions, wounds, rashes, and insect bites.

In this article, we discuss these benefits further and potential side effects you need to be wary of. Scroll down!

Know Your Ingredient: Vetiver Oil

What Is It?
A golden-brown essential oil extracted from a grass called Vetiveria Zizanioides.

What Are Its Benefits?
Helps manage sleep apnea, treats insomnia, ADHD, wounds and insect bites, and boosts skin health.

Who Can Use It?
Those with stress, anxiety, depression, and sleeping disorders can use this oil for relaxation.

How Often?
You can mix it with a carrier oil and use it daily for a relaxing massage.

Caution
Always do a skin patch test before topically using this oil to avoid skin irritation and allergic reactions.

What Is Vetiver Essential Oil?

Vetiver oil or khus oil is extracted from a perennial grass called Vetiveria zizanioides that is native to parts of the Indian subcontinent.

This oil has a characteristic earthy, sweet, woody, citrusy, and refreshing fragrance that is similar to patchouli oil with a dash of tangerine.

The plant, its roots, and the oil are extensively mentioned in traditional and folk medicine across various civilizations.

Trivia

The oil’s grounding, sensual, and deeply calming scent has earned it the names “Oil of Tranquility” and “The Fragrance of the Soil” in India and Sri Lanka.

What Is Vetiver Essential Oil Made Of?

Vetiver oil contains complex molecules called sesquiterpenes that are responsible for its fragrance and medicinal value.

Most abundant of them are – khusimone, vetivenene, alpha-vetivone, khusimol, beta-vetivone, vetiselinenol, isovalencenol, cyclocopacamphanol, and delta-selinene.

antimelanogenicⁱ  It refers to skin-whitening ingredients which can inhibit melanogenesis, that is, the production of melanin pigment. , sedative, anthelminticⁱ  This group of drugs is used to treat and expel parasitic worms from the body without causing damage to the host. , diureticⁱ  Any substance that promotes diuresis (increased urine production) which helps eliminate excess sodium and water from the body. , and cooling effects on your body.” tooltip=”It refers to skin-whitening ingredients which can inhibit melanogenesis, that is, the production of melanin pigment.” ]

Following are some valuable and unique benefits of vetiver that might interest you.

Benefits Of Vetiver Essential Oil

1. Manages Sleep Apnea And Insomnia

Not having a good night’s sleep affects multiple aspects of your health and daily life.

Sleep disorders like apnea and insomniaⁱ  A common sleep disorder characterized by trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, often due to psychological problems. occur when there is malfunctioning in your CNS (Central Nervous System), PNS (Peripheral Nervous System), or respiratory system.

Such problems can be addressed by using vetiver oil, which modifies your respiratory patterns during sleep. It also activates the olfactory centers in your brain to improve sleep quality, reduce snoring, and treat headaches (1).

2. Treats ADHD

Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common disorders among young children today.

A study done by Dr. Terry Friedmann opened new possibilities of using aromatherapy for treating ADHD children.

Dr Be Hutchinson, a vlogger, shared how a vetiver oil blend helped her sleep at night in her video. She said, “I will have a really good rest if I put it on during the night (i).”

Using vetiver oil improved cognition in such children by stimulating the action centers in their brains (2).

3. A Potent Insecticide

Termites scare all of us – they are cancer to our wooden assets and books!

Vetiver oil is a natural remedy that can get rid of them and be your furniture’s savior. Apply it generously on the affected areas of the furniture or leave an opened vetiver oil bottle in your bookshelf and see the magic unfold.

It is one of the most potent oils available against termites. It is long-lasting and environment-friendly too (3)!

4. The Ultimate Skin Care Solution

Vetiver essential oil has the solution for almost all your skin problems – be it pimples, acne, scars, uneven skin tone, wrinkles, or even microbial infection.

The oil can regulate the level of melanin in your skin cells due to its antioxidative activity. Therefore, it can prevent pigmentation and heal scars when added to food, drugs, and cosmetics (4).

This oil is extensively used in the fragrance industry. It also works as an antimicrobial agent against Bacillus, Candida, Staphylococcus, and various microbial strains (5).

Using vetiver oil in perfumes, deodorants, and cosmetics would mean having medicinal value coupled with its soothing fragrance for the erfumer in one go.

What a bet, I say!

5. Heals Wounds, Rashes, And Insect Bites

Remember those mystery rashes you developed on your calf muscles or forearms when you went on a hike or trek? Or the ones you got when you played with stray dogs, cattle, and other furry animals?

Did you observe that sometimes they turned into angry wounds and gave you a fever? And can anybody forget the infamous mosquito bites?

Such dangerous wounds and rashes are usually caused due to tick bites or insect bites. A few common diseases that can arise out of these encounters are Lyme disease, babesiosisⁱ  A rare and life-threatening malaria-like parasitic infection of the red blood cells caused by certain ticks. , ehrlichiosisⁱ  It describes infections caused by tick-borne bacteria that cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, and headache. , Rocky Mountain spotted fever, etc.

Applying vetiver oil can help repel the ticks as it has antiseptic and insect repellent properties. Otherwise tick bites may lead to fever, organ failure, sepsisⁱ  A life-threatening complication that occurs due to the body’s extreme response to a preexisting infection. , or (in worst cases) death (6).

6. Increases Libido

Ayurveda and folk medicine across the world have used vetiver root oil in combination with other essential oils as an aphrodisiac to improve sex drive.

The reason behind this could be the soothing effect vetiver oil fragrance has on your senses.

It reduces cortisol-induced stress levels in your body and may help in stress relief. It also stimulates the brain to secrete testosterone, estrogen, and other associated hormones that provoke sexual desire.

7. Manages Anxiety, Depression, And Stress

Vetiver oil has long been a top-tier ingredient in aromatherapy and naturopathy, making it one of the most popular essential oils for anxiety.

Its active ingredients like khusimone, vetivenene, vetiselinenol, khusimol, alpha- and beta-vetivone are responsible for its characteristic smell and activity (7).

These compounds have potent antioxidative, chelating, anxiolyticⁱ  A class of medications used to prevent and treat physical and medical anxiety symptoms. , and neuroprotective effects and hence can cure anxiety, depression, memory loss (dementia), and oxidative stresses (8).

Walking into a room smelling of mild khus oil vapors can induce relaxation and be incredibly therapeutic. Don’t you agree? Just thinking about this made me get a large bottle of this oil.

8. Offers Pain Relief

While it’s not a replacement for medical interventions, vetiver oil offers a natural option for pain relief. It possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help alleviate the pain associated with sore muscles, joint discomfort, and headaches. When applied topically in a diluted form or used in aromatherapy, it can help minimize muscular aches and joint pain (9). Topical use of the oil may also relax your muscles, reduce inflammation, and relieve chronic pain and discomfort.
Vetiver oil also has a calming fragrance, which makes it ideal for easing emotional stress. This may also help you deal with physical pain as emotional stress can worsen it (10).

If you don’t believe me, read on for some fun facts about vetiver roots and the oil. You’d definitely run to the market to get a bottle of it!

Fun Facts For You

• Vetiver roots infusion (a summer drink) is used as a body coolant and to treat diarrhea, fever, and indigestion.
• Dried roots are woven into screens, curtains, under-beds, hut thatches, and hats to provide a cooling effect in summers.
• The essential oil is used to treat rheumatismⁱ  An autoimmune disease marked by inflammation and pain in the joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. , snake bites, scorpion bites, sprains, menstrual cramps, hysteria, and mood swings in ancient and folk medicine.
• The plant has thick, adventitious roots that can help bind soil, increase groundwater levels, guard the embankments, prevent mudslides, and rockfalls.

Trivia

It is believed that vetiver oil was used in scents along with lime and rosewood during Middle Ages.

How To Make Vetiver Essential Oil Mixtures

The process of extracting vetiver oil from its roots is tedious, laborious, and costly. Many brands often mix lesser grade oils with vetiver extracts.

So, make sure you buy the oil from a trusted source and stick to it for all your recipes.

Here, I am sharing some recipes for making essential oil mixtures with vetiver oil that you can use readily.

You’ll notice a significant change in your mental and physical well-being on using these vetiver oil blends routinely.

Routine use would mean prolonged exposure, and that could be risky. Or not? Read on to find out.

What Are The Risks Or Cautions For Using Vetiver Oil?

Vetiver is considered to be a non-irritating, non-toxic, and non-sensitizing oil.

However, it has a caution associated with its usage among pregnant women and children.

• Pregnant and nursing women taking prescribed drugs should not use this oil without medical consent.
• If you are taking medications, consult a physician or pharmacist first.

Also, bear these points in mind before you buy vetiver oil:

• Always do a skin patch test before applying vetiver oil on your body.
• Do not use it on the eyes, inner nose, ears, and other sensitive areas of your skin.
• It is best not to use this oil if you have cancer, heart disease, or liver damage. You can consult your physician if you want to use this oil.

Infographic: Vetiver Essential Oil

Vetiver essential oil is a popular perfume fixative additive in perfumery and cosmetics and is prized for its unique aroma. Its wonderful scent can help address many problems and soothe your senses.

Check out the infographic below to learn more about vetiver essential oil, how it is made, its global popularity, and the science behind its delightful fragrance. Scroll down.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does vetiver essential oil last?

Most essential oils have a shelf-life of 1-2 years. Some oils like vetiver, patchouli, and sandalwood get better with age.
If stored properly and away from sunlight, vetiver oil stays potent and lasts for about 2-3 years.

What mixes well with vetiver essential oil?

Vetiver oil blends well with bergamot oil, cedarwood essential oil, geranium oil, ginger essential oil, jasmine oil, lavender essential oil, lemon oil, lemongrass essential oil, orange oil, patchouli essential oil, rose oil and sandalwood essential oil.

Is it safe to use vetiver essential oil when taking medication for Parkinson’s disease?

Since vetiver oil has neuroprotective effects, it can enhance the impact of Parkinson’s treatment.
In fact, essential oils are used as alternative medicine to cure neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, dementia, etc.

Is vetiver essential oil good for arthritis?

Yes, vetiver contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce stiffness and pain and improve blood flow. This may help manage the symptoms of arthritis in older people (9).

Is vetiver essential oil good for autism?

Yes, vetiver essential oil has sedativeⁱ  They are medicines that slow down brain activity, promoting a calm or sleep-inducing effect. They are also called CNS depressants. properties that may help reduce anxiety which is commonly seen in individuals with autism spectrum disorders(10), (11).

Illustration: Benefits Of Vetiver Essential Oil How To Use It & Risks

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Discover the captivating aroma of vetiver, featuring a smokey and earthy essence with woody undertones. Learn about its soothing properties by checking out the video below.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Scott JohnsonAMP, CCMA, CEEOS, CPC

 

Dr. Scott A. Johnson is a Board Certified Alternative Medical Practitioner, Certified Elite Essential Oil Specialist, and Certified Clinical Master Aromatherapist with 7 years of experience. As one of the most prolific natural medicine writers of the 21st century, Dr.

Read full bio of Dr. Scott Johnson

Swathi HandooHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Swathi holds a master’s degree in biotechnology from Osmania University and has worked in places where actual science and research happen. She has four years of experience and a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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