Amazing Vetiver Essential Oil Benefits and Uses

Vetiver essential oil isn’t a very popular oil (unlike the very popular lemon, peppermint, and tea tree, etc.), but it’s been used for centuries for its many benefits and uses.  Native to India, this herb is said to be naturally antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and act as a sedative.  

The earthy oil has a heavy scent, similar to patchouli, but with an almost citrusy bottom note.

The entire plant is used for different purposes in India. Vetiver grass is used for many things, including bath powders, for mushroom cultivation, making roofs, and for crafts. Additionally, the roots of vetiver are helpful in preventing soil erosion, which you can see by their structure.

Vetiver essential oil is made from the roots of the plants.  It is a calming essential oil, so it has several uses in both aromatherapy and when applied topically.  

These are vetiver plant roots. Neat, huh?

Amazing Vetiver Essential Oil Benefits & Uses

Vetiver essential oil benefits vary from skincare to emotional health, and more. Here is an outline of what you can expect from this potent oil.

Vetiver Essential Oil Benefits for Skincare

Vetiver is said to help the skin heal by promoting skin cell regeneration, so it’s a good oil for scars and stretch marks.  It’s also said to effectively treat dark spots, acne blemishes, and cracked skin. Got a zit…try vetiver!!

It’s also a natural antiseptic, so it can help kill bacteria when applied topically to the skin.  This makes it an excellent choice for skin care salves and balms, especially for dry or cracked skin.

Because of its multiple skin benefits, vetiver is a great essential oil to add to this Homemade Body Cream.

Vetiver Is Loaded with Antioxidants

Antioxidants are important in skin care because they can delay the visible signs of aging.  Vetiver is a powerful antioxidant, which makes it a fabulous oil to use in skin care products.

Antioxidants scavenge up free radicals, reducing or removing their damaging effects.

Just be careful to dilute this, or any essential oil enough for safe use, blend it well, and if you are going to use it in personal care products that aren't oil-based, be sure to use an essential oil emulsifier.

Vetiver for Anxiety – Take That, Stress!

When diffused, vetiver essential oil may help for natural anxiety relief. It may alleviate anxiety, stress, insomnia, and depression.  In a 2015 study, scientists studied the effects of vetiver essential oil and its effects on the central amygdaloid nucleus, which is associated with emotional regulation, blood pressure, respiration, and heart rate.  

During the study, rats inhaled vetiver essential oil before performing stressful tasks.  They found that the oil performed the same as a prescription anti-anxiety medication.  

If you're prone to feeling anxious, just dilute some vetiver essential oil on your skin, diffuse it, or wear it in a piece of quality essential oil diffuser jewelry.

Vetiver for ADHD

Vetiver can also be used in aromatherapy.  In a 2001 study, children with ADHD inhaled either lavender, cedarwood, vetiver, or a blend of essential oils three times a day and once at night.

Although it was a small study, the results showed promising results.  Lavender improved performance by 53 percent, cedarwood by 83 percent, and vetiver by 100 percent.

This post on ADHD and probiotics has other tips to support those dealing with this issue.

Vetiver for Stress

Vetiver oil has been used for years for relaxation and addressing stress, trauma, anxiety, and more. A 2015 study investigated vetiver oil as a way to help with anxiety.

Rats were given vetiver oil and it was found that the vetiver oil had the same impact as Diazepam, which is a medication that treats anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures and other medical issues. (source)

Vetiver As a Bug Repellant

Although citronella and cedarwood are often thought of as the best defense against an insect infestation, vetiver has longer-lasting effects at lower concentrations.  Vetiver oil repels termites (source) and reduces mosquito larvae–go vetiver! Get those skeeters!

It can also help kill lice, so it’s a good oil to add to shampoo or use on the scalp if you’ve been exposed to a lice outbreak.  It could be added to this proven effective DIY Lice Spray.

Vetiver for Sleep

Though there isn't a lot of information on this, vetiver has been known to be helpful for many people regarding their sleep.

That makes sense because it helps with calming, but there is this study on rats, showing that vetiver oil has a sedative effect.

How to Use Vetiver Essential Oil

You can use vetiver essential oil on the skin or via aromatherapy. It’s generally not safe to take the oil internally. Actually, the common safety essential oils guidelines state that you should not use essential oils internally unless under the care of a physician or aromatherapist. 

I used to think it was fine to use oils internally, but I have totally changed my mind on this one.

So don't go drinking a bunch of oils, please.

As with all essential oils, always dilute with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin. The amount of carrier oil that you should use depends on how you're going to use the oil and how often.

Always do a patch test before applying it to a large area of your body.  

To enjoy the many benefits of vetiver oil aromatically, use an essential oils diffuser and follow the manufacturer's directions. By the way, this diffuser is my favorite ever. Code WNM gets 20% off your first order.

Note that vetiver essential oil should not be used by pregnant women due to the increased risk of miscarriage. Take care if you are nursing as well and consult with your medical practitioner for advice.

Where to Buy Vetiver Essential Oil

It's really important to make sure that you are buying pure essential oils and not adulterated ones with synthetics added to stretch the oils. Some companies use cheaper versions of real oils and pass them off as more expensive oils.

No, thank you!

Years ago, I spent hours and hours and hours on the phone, sending emails, and more, in an effort to find the “best” essential oils company and avoid adulterated or overpriced oils.

Rocky Mountain Oils is the essential oils company I chose years ago when I was trying to find a company that I could trust. You can read the whole series on my hunt for the best essential oils, or skip to the end to find where to buy quality essential oils.

I hope this article inspired you to try this fascinating oil for yourself.

Did you know about the many benefits of vetiver essential oil?
Have you used vetiver oil before, and if so, how?