Vetivert (Vetiveria zizanioides)
Location: Vetivert grows in India and Indonesia.
Extraction: Steam distilled from the dry roots.
Colour and Odour: The essential oil is thick and dark reddish-brown in colour with a deep, smoky and earthy scent.
Description: A tall, tufted perennial tropical grass growing in India. The plant is cultivated for its roots, which are collected for extracting the essential oil. Older roots produce a better quality scent, as they improve with age. The rooting system helps to prevent soil erosion, especially during the rainy season.
Background: Vetivert has long been used in India for its perfume and insect repellent properties. It is placed with linen to repel moths. The roots are woven into awnings and blinds and hung on the windows in India, where they emanate their scent on warm days when sprinkled with water.
Properties: Sedative, grounding and relaxing.
Uses
Nervous System-Deeply relaxing and good for nervous debility.
Skin- Useful for more mature, dry or irritated skin. It can strengthen the connective tissues and promotes skin regeneration.