Guide to essential oils

Essential oil of Haitian vetiver

4.8 - 130 reviews
The deep, rich, sensual woody, earthy scent of Vetiver essential oil is wonderful for combating stress and promoting relaxation, and is a must-have in perfumery. It is also traditionally used to improve circulatory comfort. In psycho-energetic aromatherapy, it is used to strengthen roots and feelings of security. It is the essential oil of anchoring par excellence.

How to use

  • Skin application and massage

    Skin application and massage

    Suitable

  • Cosmetic active ingredient

    Cosmetic active ingredient

    Suitable

  • Aromatherapy bath

    Aromatherapy bath

    Not recommended

  • Diffusion

    Diffusion

    Appropriate

  • Food grade

    Food grade

    Possible but not recommended

Features

Properties

Precautions

Find out more

Features

Production process

Complete steam distillation

Part of the plant used

Rhizomes (roots)

Botanical name

Chrysopogon zizanioides

Warning

The properties, information and methods of use below are quotes from reference books or websites on aromatherapy, hydrolatherapy and phytotherapy. This general information is provided for informative purposes only and in no way constitutes medical guidance. Under no circumstances can this information be used as a substitute for a medical diagnosis, consultation or follow-up, nor can it incur our liability. We recommend that you consult the guide to essential oils before using them, so that you are aware of any precautions that need to be taken. If in doubt, consult a doctor before using essential oils.

Bibliographic references

Bitsas A. (2009) Aromathérapie corps et âme. Comment ajuster complexité aromatique et complexité humaine. Editions Amyris.

Franchomme P., Jollois R. et Pénoël D. (2001) L'Aromathérapie exactement. Editions Roger Jollois.

Purchon N. (2001) La bible de l'aromathérapie. Editions Marabout.

Telphon T. (2003) ABC des Huiles Essentielles. Editions Grancher.

Baudoux D. (2002) L'Aromathérapie - Se soigner par les huiles essentielles. Editions Amyris.

Bosson.L (2004) L’aromathérapie énergétique, se soigner avec l’âme des plantes

Properties

Haitian Vetiver essential oil is traditionally used for: Haemorrhoids, heavy legs, varicose veins, etc.

Health

Fragrance

Wellness

Find out more

Properties

For health, Haitian Vetiver essential oil is recognised for the following properties:

  • Arterial and venous circulatory tonic, lymphatic tonic

  • Supports the body's natural immune defences

  • Emmenagogue

Uses

It is traditionally used to improve the following:

  • Poor blood circulation, phlebitis, oedema, varicose veins, haemorrhoids, etc.

  • Coronary artery disease, vasculitis (under medical supervision)

  • Immune weakness

  • Amenorrhoea (absence of menstruation)

Synergies

  • Venous tonic: Cypress, Mastic Tree, Niaouli, Calophylla essential oils, etc.

  • Lymphatic tonic: Cedar, Cypress essential oils, etc.

In practice

This essential oil is viscous and very difficult to drain through the dropper cap. To make it easier to use and measure, we recommend that you:

  • Warm your bottle slightly under a stream of hot water or in a bain-marie to thin the oil (bringing it to around 25°C).

  • If the dropper still doesn't work despite heating, remove the plastic dropper cap (keeping it in case you need to transport your bottle).

  • Take a sample and measure out the absolute with a graduated pipette, as you will find on our "empty bottles" page.

Precautions

  • Do not use in pregnant or breastfeeding women, or in children under 6 years old.

  • Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.

  • Keep out of reach of children.

  • Some natural compounds in this essential oil may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals when incorporated into a cosmetic formulation.

  • Avoid using old or oxidized essential oils. Store away from light and air.

  • As a general rule, always perform a patch test by applying your preparation to the inside of your elbow at least 48 hours before use.

  • For use as a cosmetic ingredient, refer to specific precautions.

  • Always use diluted

Find out more

Native to India and Indonesia, Vetiver is a plant of the grass family that grows in tropical areas and takes the form of a green tuft of long, narrow leaves. It is its roots, which grow vertically and can reach depths of 2 to 3 metres, that are distilled to provide the essential oil.

The density of vetiver clumps and above all the length and strength of its roots make it a very useful plant for limiting soil erosion, defining plots, stabilising slopes and controlling water run-off in tropical and semi-tropical areas. Vetiver root is traditionally known for its medicinal properties, particularly relaxing and soothing. The roots, gathered in small bundles, are also used to repel insects, especially moths.

Vetiver essential oil is a very important raw material in perfumery, where it is used as a base note and sometimes a heart note, mainly in men's fragrances.

Its tenacious, earthy, woody and sometimes smoky scent adds depth and sensuality to fragrances, and is an essential (and often eponymous) ingredient in many men's aromatic woody, 'chypre' or oriental compositions. It is the emblematic ingredient of legendary fragrances such as Vétiver by Guerlain and Eau Sauvage by Dior.

Very good quality/price ratio

P
P

Very good

C
C

I am testing

S
Sarah

Not yet used

M
M

Perfect before sleep, 1 drop on each forearm before going to bed.

I
Isabelle

Aromatherapy recipes from the bibliography

EO = Essential Oil VO = Carrier Oil or Macerated Oil

Lymphatic oedema (on medical advice) (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingCirculatory disorders

  • 2 ml Atlas Cedar essential oil
  • 3 ml Juniper essential oil
  • 2 ml of Mediterranean Cypress essential oil
  • 1 ml of Vetiver essential oil

Directions for use: 4 to 6 drops of the mixture applied locally to the skin on the limbs to be treated, always in the direction of the heart, twice a day, morning and noon.

Varicose veins (on medical advice) (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingCirculatory disorders

  • 2 ml Peppermint essential oil
  • 2 ml of Mediterranean Cypress essential oil
  • 1 ml of Mastic Tree essential oil
  • 1 ml of Helichrysum Italicum essential oil (Helichrysum)
  • 1 ml of Vetiver essential oil
  • 3 ml of tamanu carrier oil

Use: Apply 4 to 6 drops of the mixture to the area 3 times a day until symptoms disappear.

Equivalents

Essential Oils

1 ml = approximately 35 drops (with our Aroma-Zone dropper caps)

Carrier Oils

1 pump (Aroma-Zone aluminium pump) = approx. 0.15 ml

Mass / Volume conversion (for a liquid)

Mass (g) = Density x Volume (ml) at 20°C

Further information

1 full teaspoon = between 3 and 4.5 ml

1 full tablespoon = between 7.5 and 10 ml


However, these spoon ratios depend on a number of factors (e.g. viscosity of the liquid, temperature, depth and size of the spoon, rheological behaviour of the liquid), and we strongly advise you to use precise measuring equipment, such as graduated test tubes, graduated pipettes, and precision scales.