Vetiver, known globally for its aromatic and cooling properties, is widely used in perfumery and in making mats, fans, and screens that provide natural cooling, especially during India’s hot summers. Besides these uses, it is popular in home remedies due to its health benefits and medicinal properties.
We also use vetiver extensively in hair and skin care. The root is the most utilized part of the plant; vetiver root water, made by infusing the root in water, helps reduce anxiety, inflammation, and treats acne. Vetiver oil, extracted from the roots, also has excellent medicinal uses.
What Is Vetiver?
Vetiver is a perennial grass, with its name derived from the Tamil word “Vettiver”, meaning a root that is cut and taken. Native to India, both its leaves and roots have wonderful uses. It is cultivated in states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and to a lesser extent, Uttar Pradesh.
Thriving in tropical climates, the plant features tall, tufted stems and long, narrow leaves, but its most notable feature is its root system. Unlike other grasses, vetiver roots grow downward, deeply penetrating the soil, making it highly effective in preventing soil erosion, a benefit widely used in agriculture.
Vetiver Root:
The root, known for its aromatic properties, is the most utilized part of the plant. Vetiver essential oil, distilled from these roots, is popular in perfumery and hair care. Dried vetiver roots, available in markets, have a long shelf life and are a common household item. I always keep vetiver root at home for remedies and making vetiver water.
In tropical India, we cherish natural ingredients that help keep us cool, and vetiver tops that list for its cooling properties. Personally, I love vetiver water made by soaking the roots in water; it’s wonderfully fragrant and refreshing.
Vetiver Botanical and Common Names:
Vetiver Essential Oil:
Vetiver Chemical Composition:
Vetiverol, Vetivone, Khusimone, Khusimol, Vetivene, Khositone, Terpenes, Benzoic acid, Vetivenyl Vetivenate, Vetivazulene, Epizizianal and ß-vetivone and Iso Khusimol are some of the important chemical compounds present in vetiver.
Vetiver Traditional Uses
a. For Medicinal Purposes
In India, vetiver is used in various forms such as vetiver water, fresh vetiver paste, and vetiver powder. Vetiver water helps reduce inflammation and treat stomach and mouth ulcers, while fresh root paste is applied for wound care. Traditionally, grooms drink vetiver water a day or two before marriage for its supposed aphrodisiac effects, although this has not been scientifically proven.
b. For Skin & Hair Care:
c. As An Aromatic:
Vetiver root has a delightful aroma, and its essential oil is widely used in perfumery, cosmetics, and soap making. It’s also used to fragrance clothes and repel cockroaches. Vetiver is my favorite scent, and I always keep a bottle of vetiver essential oil at home. A few drops in a diffuser fill the room with a beautiful smell that helps me relax.
d. Pest Control
Traditionally, vetiver plants are used for pest control. Growing vetiver near crops like sorghum, rice, or maize helps protect them from stem borers. Vetiver root is also placed in storage closets as a moth repellent, and vetiver essential oil serves as an effective insecticide.
Vetiver Benefits & Medicinal Uses:
1. Anti-inflammatory Properties:
Vetiver is excellent for reducing inflammation. A decoction of vetiver water can treat various types of inflammation, especially those caused by heat stroke and dehydration. If you’re experiencing inflammation, try drinking a cup of vetiver water to help reduce it quickly.
2. Antiseptic Properties:
Vetiver has strong antibacterial properties and is particularly effective against Staphylococcus Aureus, the bacteria often responsible for wounds becoming septic. Using vetiver water to clean wounds can help them heal much faster. To make a vetiver wound wash, simply boil vetiver in water for a few minutes and then strain it.
3. Reduces Anxiety:
The smell of vetiver has a soothing effect on our nerves and helps calm an anxious mind. It also reduces stress and is beneficial for people with mental health issues. Those with nervous disorders will benefit using vetiver oil in aromatherapy. Personally, I can attest to its soothing effects, as I regularly use vetiver essential oil in diffusers.
4. Antioxidant Properties:
Free radicals cause many problems in our body, from inflammation to rapid aging of skin and hair. One of the best ways to combat free radicals is by consuming antioxidant-rich foods, and vetiver water is one such ingredient. It is a natural antioxidant that scavenges free radicals and reduces oxidative stress. You can read the study that supports this claim here.
5. For Skin & Hair Care:
Vetiver extract helps restore the skin barrier and has anti-aging properties. When used regularly on the skin, it improves hydration, gives a radiant glow, and effectively treats acne. We also add a small amount of vetiver when making hair oils, as it helps reduce scalp inflammation.
6. Anti-Tuberculosis Properties:
Vetiver extract, as mentioned before, has wonderful antibacterial properties and is very effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Both the ethanol and hexane extracts of the root have been proven to be effective against tuberculosis. Significantly, even after extracting the essential oil, the root remains effective against tuberculosis.
7. Natural Tonic:
Vetiver water is truly a natural tonic that rejuvenates the body and boosts immunity. It helps eliminate tiredness, improves digestion, and reduces stress. During summer, make sure to include this natural tonic in your diet regularly. I always have vetiver water stored in a mud pot, ready to drink during hot summers.
8. Other Uses:
Vetiver replenishes nutrients in infertile soil, making it ideal for planting in barren areas. Young vetiver grass serves as livestock feed and is also used as a medium for mushroom cultivation, roofing material, and handicrafts. One of the main uses of vetiver is soil conservation; its roots are very effective in preventing soil erosion. Additionally, vetiver is good for mulching, as its antifungal properties reduce fungal attacks on plants.
Vetiver Side Effects:
In my personal experience, vetiver rarely causes any allergies or side effects, whether applied externally or consumed internally. I couldn’t find any studies proving the amount that is toxic for humans. However, a study on mice showed that even at 2000 mg per kg of weight, vetiver remained non-toxic.
Vetiver Dosage:
For making vetiver water, we usually add a small bunch, about 10 grams, to a big pot of water to infuse, and we use it regularly during the summer months without any side effects. However, if you are taking it as a tea regularly, I would suggest not to overdose, as anything in excess can do more harm than good.
Where To Buy Vetiver?
Vetiver can be bought cheaply in all herbal shops in India and is also easily available online. Vetiver powder and vetiver essential oil are also readily available online.
5 Top Ways To Use Vetiver:
1. Vetiver Face Pack For Acne:
Since vetiver has antiseptic properties, it is very effective in preventing acne. Using vetiver as a face pack with sandalwood makes for an effective acne treatment. To make the face pack, soak dried vetiver root in water overnight. The next day, take a sandalwood bark and rub it into a paste using the soaked vetiver water. Apply this mixture to the affected area regularly for the best results.
2. Vetiver Water:
To make vetiver water, place a bunch of vetiver root at the bottom of a clay pot. Pour cooled, boiled water over the vetiver root and cover the pot for 2 to 3 hours. After this time, the vetiver essence will have infused into the water. Add thin slices of lime to the water. You can strain the water before drinking. This vetiver water is very cooling and refreshing, perfect for hot summer months. I absolutely love this aromatic vetiver water!
3. Vetiver For Hair:
Vetiver water is excellent as a final rinse, giving your hair a nice sheen. To make a vetiver hair rinse, boil a small bunch of vetiver in water until the water changes color. Remove from heat, strain, and let it cool. Add a few drops of rosemary essential oil and mix well. You can also boil vetiver root in coconut oil to create a hair massage oil. This helps improve blood circulation to the scalp and reduces hair fall. Make sure to warm the oil before use.
4. Vetiver Bath Powder:
Vetiver is a fantastic addition to bath powders due to its antibacterial properties and pleasant fragrance. To make the bath powder, sun-dry a kilo of green gram dal with a small bunch of vetiver until they become very crisp. Finely powder the mixture in a blender, sieve, and store.
This bath powder won’t strip your skin of natural oils and regular use will make your skin radiant. To use, mix the powder with water. During the winter season, mix the powder with milk or yogurt instead.
5. Vetiver Curtains For Sleep:
If you’re looking for a natural room cooler that doesn’t dry out your skin like regular air coolers, vetiver curtains are perfect. Dried vetiver roots are woven into window curtains, making the whole room smell fresh and fragrant. The aroma from these vetiver curtains relaxes the mind and promotes peaceful sleep.
During hot afternoons, sprinkle water over the vetiver mats. As hot air passes through the curtains, it cools the air and adds a wonderful fragrance. This method is much better than regular air coolers, economical, and saves a lot of electricity.
6. Vetiver Bath Scrubs:
Many of you might have seen round scrubs hanging in Ayurvedic shops—these are vetiver scrubs. Made from vetiver roots, these natural scrubs are a great alternative to loofah sponges. They can be reused multiple times and are wonderfully fragrant. Vetiver scrubs improve circulation and naturally exfoliate dead skin cells, keeping your body healthy.
Next time you see these scrubs, give them a try. Before using, soak the scrub in water for a while, then use it like a regular loofah sponge. If you can’t find these scrubs, you can make your own by tying a thick bunch of dried vetiver roots into a scrub-friendly shape. Soak it in water for a few minutes, and your scrubber is ready!
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