Monday Spotlight: Vetiver Essential Oil

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides) has a heavy, earthy fragrance similar to patchouli with a touch of lemon.  According to Roberta Wilson in her book, Aromtherapy: Essential Oils for Vibrant Health and Beauty, because of its calming action, vetiver earned the name "oil of tranquility" in India and Sri Lanka.

Vetiver essential oil can be used medicinally for:

• improving circulation and immunity by stimulating the production of red blood cells.
• relieving aches, pains, and stiffness associated with arthritis, rheumatism, sprains, and strains.
• calming hyperactivity (Terry Friedmann, MD, found in clinical tests that vetiver essential oil was able to successfully treat ADD and ADHD in children).
• inducing restful sleep.
• balancing female hormones--especially adjusting imbalances of progesterone and estrogen.
• relieving symptoms of menopause and premenstrual syndrome.

Its beauty benefits include:

• balancing the activity of the sebaceous glands (oil glands) and helping to normalize oily skin and clear acne.
• replenishing moisture in dry and dehydrated skin.
• strengthening the connective tissue of the skin providing a rejuvenating effect on the complexion (especially mature skin).
• preventing stretch marks when used regularly during pregnancy. 

 Vetiver also has emotional benefits.  It

• strengthens the central nervous system.
• is emotionally calming and is helpful in overcoming depression, insomnia, and nervousness.
• reduces stress, anxiety, and tension by calming the mind.

If you have decided to take advantage of the many benefits of Vetiver essential oil, you can use it in a variety of ways.

• diffuse or inhale directly.
• apply 2-4 drops directly on area of need.
• take as a dietary supplement.
• gargle with mouthwash (Vetiver essential oil is found in Thieves Fresh Essence Mouthwash).