Vetiver Essential Oil

Vetiver
Andropogon zizanoides

Source: Roots
Origin: Haiti
Energetics: Yin
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Scent: Deep, earthy, and grounding, with smoky, woody undertones
Blends Well With: Ginger, Lemongrass, Rose, Vanilla, Ylang Ylang, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Lavender and Spikenard.

About

Known as the “oil of tranquility”, the name says it all - serenity at its best. Verivert essential oil may treat acne and other skin conditions but it mainly has aromatic properties, which may help you stay in a positive emotional state. 

Historical Snippets

Vetivert is a very versatile oil and its history of uses is also quite diverse. Since ancient India, Vetiver root has been dried and woven into sandals, mats, window blinds, baskets, and hand fans. It was also used as an ingredient in ancient perfumes and a fragrance to bed linen and clothing. An interesting fact is that the essential oil is still being used in 90% of all western perfumes and colognes. In Ayurvedic medicine, Vetivert was used for fevers, blood diseases, foul breath, urinary ulcers, infections, headaches and central nervous system support due to its astringent, bitter and cooling affect it has on the body.

How To Use

Diffuse: Add a few drops to a diffuser to disperse around the room

Topically: Dilute essential oil with any carrier oil at a 2.5% ratio. This equates to 2.5ml essential oil/oils in total mixed with 100ml of chosen carrier oil. 1ml of essential oil is approximately 20-22 drops of oil.  Decant into a roller or glass bottle with eye dropper to apply easily or a larger bottle if using for massage. Please note this dilution rate is for adults and children over the age of 6. More information on children and essential oils is on our blog page. Essential Oils should not be used directly on the skin without mixing first with a carrier oil

Inhalation: Add 1-2 drops essential oil to a tissue and inhale at a distance while ensuring that the oil does not come into direct contact with the skin. Alternatively, you can smell the oil directly from the bottle.

Shelf Life 

Our freshly decanted Vetivert essential oil will last for 5-8 years minimum from when you open your amber glass bottle if stored correctly.

Primary Storage Considerations: Keep away from direct light (U.V. radiation). Keep in the amber glass bottle with lid tightly closed. Only open when you need to and decant into a smaller "working" amber glass bottle if possible (and label so you know what is in it). This is to reduce oxidation.
Secondary Storage Considerations: Keep in a refrigerator at around 4 degrees celsius.

Safety

General
Some essential oils may cause photosensitivity to the skin - Use diluted in Jojoba or other complete carrier oil.
Do not ingest essential oils.
Do not apply to eyes, sensitive areas or mucous membranes.
The information on this website is not intended to be used in the diagnosis, treatment or mitigation of any physical or mental illness. Ahimsa Oils offer no advice or recommendations only general information. No therapeutic claims are made within.
Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should not use essential oils without first consulting an appropriately trained healthcare practitioner.

The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the TGA. David Bosley however worked for a long period in consultation with the TGA to ensure correct labelling with reference to the Ahimsa Oil product range.

Specific
Hazards: May contain isoeugenol
Contraindications: None known.
Maximum dermal use: 15%
A dermal maximum of 15% is recommended based on 1.3% isoeugenol content with a dermal limit of 0.2%.
For transportation purposes, this product has flash point above 93.3°C

References

Sheppard-Hanger, Sylla. The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, 1999. Print.
Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: Second edition.