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| Vetiveria
zizanoides |
Vetivert |
Gramineae |
Vetiver is a
tall, tufted, perennial, scented grass with long narrow leaves and an
abundant complex lacework of underground white roots.
It is mainly cultivated in the tropics such as India, Tahiti, Java and
Haiti.
Vetiver is also known as the 'oil of tranquility' because of its
calming properties.
Vetiver grass was used in Calcutta for awnings, blinds and sunshades,
in Java the roots were used for weaving mats and thatching huts and in
Haiti the grassy parts were also used for thatching. It gave rooms an
exquisite fragrance and deterred insects.
It is a popular ingredient for soaps, toiletries and perfumes and
growing Vetiver grass protects against soil erosion.
Vetiver oil is extracted from the washed, chopped, dried and soaked
roots and rootlets by steam distillation. The yield is 0.5%.
The main chemical components are: Benzoic, Vetiverol, Vetivone,
Vetivene and Furfurol.
The therapeutic properties of Vetiver oil are: antiseptic,
antispasmodic, stimulant and nervine.
Vetiver oil has a calming and soothing effect on the nervous system
and could be helpful for muscular aches and pains. |
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Botanical Name: Vetiveria zizanoides
Country of Origin: India - Wild Crafted
Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
Parts Used: Cleaned and Washed rootlets |
The rootlets of Vetivert have been used for their fragrance since
antiquity. The parent plant is a grass, a tall perennial which originates in
India. The grass grows wild in India. It also serves as a soil protecting
plant since its abundant lacework of rootlets will secure the soil on
mountainous slopes against excessive erosion during the torrential tropical
rains.
Vetivert Oil is steamed distilled from the cleaned and washed rootlets which
are dried, cut and chopped, then usually soaked in water prior to
distillation. Most of the Indian Vetivert Oil is absorbed by this countries
local soap and perfume industries.
This oil is amber colored to grayish brown, olive brown or dark brown viscous
liquid whose odor is sweet and very heavy woody earthy, reminiscent of roots
and wet soil, with a rich undertone of 'precious wood' notes.
This oil has a deep, smoky and earthy fragrance. Like the oils of patchouli
and sandalwood, vetivert oil is a base note that is used as a valuable
fixative in perfumes. Because of its potency it is best used in no more than
one drop per 25ml of carrier oil.
Vetivert, like patchouli, is a very interesting and earthy oil. Some people
can barely tolerate the smell while others are affected quiet deeply by its
aroma, which can be compared to the smell of a damp forest floor.
Vetivert is often referred to as the 'oil of tranquility' and may be used as a
protection against sensitivity. The oil may be applied to the solar plexus to
prevent becoming a 'psychic sponge'.
Caution: Rare reports of dermatitis in hypersensitive individuals. |
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