02/02/2022
Doing some research on a few essential oils that I need to do more with so I thought I would write about one of them today.
Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) sounds like a cryptic city bazaar full of mysterious exotic people selling all kinds of herbs and plants...well, Vetiver would be one of those plants in that marketplace and it has an aroma that is rather earthy and smoky, yet sweet with a slight mushroom smell as an afterthought. It isn't an oil aroma everyone gravitates to but if you are more concerned about the healing properties that its smell, you are right there with the rest of us! This essential oil is a powerhouse when it comes to supporting emotional wellness, good sleep, and strengthening the immune and nervous systems of the body. Studies have shown that is supports brain development and healing. More research is required to substantiate the therapeutic properties in more detail.
Vetiver is a member of the Poaceae family of perennial bunch grasses and can be considered a "cousin" to members of the Sorghum genus yet it shares similarities with lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), citronella (Cymbopogon nardus), and palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii). Vetiver's native countries are India, Cambodia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, and it has been developed in the countries of North/Central/South Americas and the Caribbean, Australia, and Africa for commerce and trade.
As you can see in the picture below, these plants grow quite tall with the flowers being purple-brown in color and in branched clusters (also called panicle inflorescence). The root system is amazing! At a depth of at least 7 feet up to 13 feet and are extremely strong. This root system can withstand drought and it helps protect against soil erosion. A great plant to grow if you house hangs off a hillside! 😁 Vetiver also is frost and wildfire resistant and can survive heavy grazing if it is cultivated correctly and consistently.
Vetiver oil is a rich source of sesquiterpenols and sesquiterpenes (these are large molecules in the essential oil that are classed as anti-inflammatory, stabilizing, and has the ability of being slight-hypertensors, and analgesic. Vetiver is known as "the oil of tranquility."
Research shows Vetiver offers people (and pets) analgesic, anticoagulant, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, calming, cicatrizant (promoting the healing of a wound), decongestant, digestive, expectorant, lipolytic, mycolytic, sedative, and stimulant abilities.
Making Vetiver into a hydrosol is challenging but definitely worth our while, as you have read above.
I will be working on this throughout the rest of the winter and getting a proper hydrosol prepared for Spring and Summer since Vetiver hydrosol is good for insomnia, "hot sweats," night sweats, heat rash, and hypertension related to anger and frustration.
Research also points out that Vetiver hydrosol is so powerful that care should be given to WHEN we take it. It is a powerful relaxant so taking it during the day when you have a busy job may make it more difficult to focus due to being so "relaxed."
So friends, keep a watch on this one. I will let you know when my own VETIVER HYDROSOL will be coming out! This is going to be fun.....and extremely useful too. 🥰
Resource:
Ambroziak, T. (2021). Tuft enough and deeply routed: Getting to know vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides). NAHA Aromatherapy Journal, Winter Edition.
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