5 Benefits of Vetiver Essential Oil

Vetiver essential oil is popularly known as one of the most grounding oils– and it makes sense considering it belongs to the grass family, Gramineae. 

While vetiver is largely praised for its sedative and calming effects, the benefits of vetiver essential oil make it a more versatile oil. 

In this article, we’re going to talk about the top 5 benefits of vetiver essential oil and how you can use it for anxiety, ADHD, focus, and more! 

Historical Uses of Vetiver 

Historically, vetiver was used to create an uplifting, tranquil, and calming environment. Many cultures have referred to vetiver oil as the “oil of tranquility” and “fragrance of the soil.” 

Vetiver has also been used in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and West Africa as traditional medicine harnessed for its healing, soothing, and calming properties. 

As a natural body cooler, vetiver was extremely useful in tropical countries to help cool the body, boost energy levels, and soothe feelings of nervousness.

In the middle ages, vetiver oil was used as a popular fragrance due to its woody and earthy aroma. Today, it is still used in more masculine perfumes. 

For thousands of years, Ayurvedic medicine has used vetiver oil to treat arthritis pain, muscle aches, fevers, headaches, and more.

Today, other possible uses include acne, postpartum depression, insomnia, sprains, tuberculosis (1), and more! 

Vetiver Essential Oil Properties & Common Uses  

Vetiver is a must-have oil due to its therapeutic properties: antiseptic, antispasmodic, calming, grounding, immune stimulant, sedative (nervous system), circulatory stimulant. 

The potent oil can be used aromatically, topically, and internally (though not recommended for kids). Harness vetiver’s smokey and earthy fragrance as a natural tranquilizer to relieve stress, induce sleep, and recover from emotional trauma. 

The heavy oil blends well with clary sage, rose, lavender, sandalwood, and ylang-ylang. To use vetiver for its calming effects, try diffusing 5 drops or combining with one of the oils above. 

Top 5 Benefits of Vetiver Essential Oil 

Treats ADHD 

A case study by Dr. Terry S. Friedmann showed that certain essential oils positively impacted the symptoms of children with ADHD. The study involved 40 children (6-12 years old) 20 were diagnosed with ADHD and 20 of whom we’re not, who served as the control group. 

For 2 years, children would inhale at night and about three times per day when they felt “scattered.” 

The results showed that lavender, cedarwood, and vetiver all worked exceptionally well. Perhaps the best oil of all was vetiver, which increased performance by 100 percent! 

Vetiver offered significant calming and relaxing properties, which helped with concentration, focus, impatience, fidgety behavior, and organization. 

Vetiver has the potential to serve as a natural remedy for ADHD rather than prescription medicine. 

How to use vetiver oil for ADHD:

• Add 5-10 drops into a bath for relaxation.
• Diffuse 3-5 drops.
• Add 1-2 drops with an equal parts carrier oil to each wrist.

Relieves Anxiety, Stress, and Nervousness 

In 2015, a study researched the effects of vetiver oil on the central amygdaloid nucleus. The central amygdaloid nucleus connects with areas of the brain that control perception and emotions and heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure. 

The study administered vetiver oil to rats via inhalation and found that it had the same effect as Diazepam, a prescription medication that treats seizures, muscle spasms, and anxiety. 

The research is promising and suggests that traditional vetiver uses are correct: that the oil can help relieve tension, nervousness, and anxiety. 

How to use vetiver oil for anxious feelings: inhale straight from the bottle, diffuse 3-5 drops of the oil. 

Repel Termites and Mosquitoes 

Vetiver essential oil proved to be the most effective termite repellent in a study done by the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center. The research analyzed termite repellency of eight essential oils, including vetiver, cedarwood, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and more. 

Because of vetiver’s long-lasting activity, it showed the most promise as it decreased termite tunneling activity. 

More research found that vetiver acts as a natural mosquito deterrent. Diffusing 3-5 drops of this oil will help repel mosquitoes. 

Heal Scars 

Vetiver is a cicatrisant, which means it can regenerate and rebuild skin and tissue–making it perfect for healing scars and marks on the skin. It can also help with stretch marks and anti-aging! 

Mix 2-3 drops of vetiver oil with a good carrier oil like coconut or jojoba and use it on your body for marks and stretchmarks. You can also harness vetiver’s anti-aging and acne-clearing properties by adding a drop to your face wash or moisturizer. Your complexion will love you for it. 

Vetiver’s antiseptic properties can be used to reduce the risk of infection and kill bacteria for open wounds and cuts! 

Hormone Balance 

Vetiver’s calming properties can help balance hormones naturally and treat insomnia and chronic stress. 

When you get proper sleep, you can naturally raise testosterone and promote estrogen-like effects. Because of this, vetiver oil has the potential to strengthen the female reproductive system and treat menstrual symptoms like bloating, skin issues, fatigue, cramps, and emotional changes. 

When purchasing vetiver oil make sure you are getting it from a reputable source. Vetiver is a thick oil so using a toothpick is sometimes helpful when using the oil for topical purposes. 

Now that you know the top 5 benefits of vetiver essential oil, are you ready to give it a go? Let me know in the comments below!

Cites

1. Modern Essentials Handbook. AromaTools, 2019.