The Most Amazing Health Benefits of Vetiver Essential Oil

Vetiver essential oil, also known as khus oil or by its botanical name of Vetiveria zizanioides, is a dried perennial grass native to India and is used in Ayurvedic medicine. It can grow up to 1.5 meters and its flowers are brownish-purple.

Vetiver essential oil has a lot of health benefits: it can be used as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, aphrodisiac, sedative, and skin healer substance or tonic. It is commonly found in perfumes, air fresheners, cosmetics, soaps and a flavoring agent in food products such as sorbets and some beverages.

Here are some common uses for vetiver essential oil.

Vetiver Essential Oil – Health Benefits and Uses

Antioxidant and Immune Booster

A 2005 study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry showed that vetiver oil was high in antioxidants that possessed free radical scavenging benefits (1), which may help boost the immune system by removing toxins.

In addition to boosting the immune system, antioxidants help detox the body by removing free radicals that may be causing damage to organs and tissues. Toxins build up can be attributed to factors such as improper diet, poor sleep habits, stress and pollutants, and can disrupt metabolic processes by interfering with the function of body systems.

In a 2015 British study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology, researchers found that the antioxidants in vetiver oil inhibited DNA damage and reduced renal toxicity. (2) This study found that vetiver oil can be used as a protective agent due to its unique antioxidant constitutes.

You can benefit from the protective effects of vetiver by directly inhaling the oil, or you can also diffuse the oil into the air in your home or office for protective benefits. You can find more information about essential oil diffuser and how to use it in this article.

Anti-bacterial Properties

Vetiver oil has proven anti-bacterial properties. A 1999 study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology stated that vetiver oil was effective in inhibiting a bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus. (3) This exciting research suggests that vetiver oil may one day make its way into pharmaceuticals.

Try making your own facial wash or cleaner with vetiver oil without all the harsh chemicals.

You can make your own cleaner by combining one cup of water with one tablespoon of baking soda, one tablespoon of vinegar and approximately 10 drops of vetiver oil. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and use as a cleaner. Or you can add 1/2 (half) a cup of borax to 1 gallon (4 liters) of tepid warm water and add about 20 drops of vetiver oil.

Relieves Stress and anxiety

Vetiver oil is a natural stress reliever that may promote sleep by helping with restlessness. It contains well known sedative properties that may help settle down nervousness, emotional outbreaks and anxiety.

A 2015 study published in the Natural Product Research stated that vetiver oil can help reduce anxiety by altering neuronal activation. (4) Researchers used an inhalation method for 7 minutes during the study, so it is recommend to gently inhale or infuse a high quality of vetiver essential oil to help calm yourself down after a stressful day.

You can also add a few drops of vetiver essential oil to a hot bath soak at night. Or you can try adding a few drops to your favorite massage oil for extra benefits to your mental health.

Further reading: Find more essential oils for anxiety and depression as well as essential oils for insomnia and better sleep.

Improves ADHD and Brain Health

A 2001 study showed that vetiver oil can be used to treat children with ADHD. (5)  Researchers tested a blend of essential oils on the children one at time for 30 days. When children were feeling scattered, they were given an essential oil to inhale through an inhalation device approximately three times per day.

The results showed that the relaxing and calming properties of vetiver oil significantly increased the children’s performance.

As suggested in this research, you can use an inhalation device to improve brain health with vetiver oil. If you don’t have a device, you can inhale the scent from a small bottle of vetiver essential oil.

Skin Health

Vetiver is a cicatrisant, which means that it promotes regeneration of the tissues and skin cells. Its healing properties make vetiver oil a great remedy for scars and other marks on the skin, including stretch marks, acne, and burns.

You can use vetiver oil to improve your skin health by adding a few drops to your face wash, body soap or lotions. Or make your own lotion by mixing a few drops of vetiver oil to one tablespoon of carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil for added anti-inflammatory benefits.

Further reading: Find other essential oils to treat scars, acne, eczema and wrinkles.

Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief

The soothing effect of vetiver essential oil calms all sorts of inflammation and is particularly good at providing relief from inflammation in both the circulatory and nervous system. (6)

Vetiver essential oil brings relief to general aches and pains, especially for rheumatism, arthritis and muscular pain and headache. It is one of the top 16 essential oils to relieve pain and inflammation.

Aphrodisiac Properties

Vetiver oil is often use as an aphrodisiac and enhances libido. Try adding a few drops of vetiver oil to a carrier oil and massage your partner, or diffuse the oil with other essential oils that create relaxing yet sensually stimulating effect, such as geranium, jasmine, patchouli, sandalwood or ylang-ylang.

A Word of Caution

Although vetiver oil is found in many perfume products, they may also contain other harmful substances. If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to make your own chemical-free skin care products at home. Coconut oil and vetiver can be mixed together to make an effective natural facial or body cleanser, lotion or massage oil.

Vetiver oil is generally considered safe, non-toxic, non-sensitizing and a non-irritant, but it should not be used during pregnancy or breast feeding due to lack of information.

If you are interested to learn more about essential oils you can find useful information in my e-book Magical Aromatherapy. This e-book will help you to discover the power of essential oils and the most effective ways to use them.

Read my other related articles:
1. The 20 best uses for essential oils
2. Health boosting essential oil recipes for your diffuser
3. 75 extraordinary uses for tea tree oil