Vetiver

Vetiver is also known as vetivert. Vetiver essential oil is produced by steam distillation from its rhizomes and roots. Vetiver essential oil blends well with lavender oil, patchouli oil, Rose oil, clary sage, sandalwood essential oil, Bergamot oil, geranium oil, cassia oil, lavandin, and ylang ylang.

Common Name: Vetiver

Botanical Name: Vetiveria zizanoides (L.) Nash ex Small.

Family: Poaceae.

Synonyms: Andropogon muricatus Retz.; Anatherum zizanioides (L) H & C; Phalaris zizanioides (L); khas-khas; khus-khus; vetivert.

Botanical Description: A densely tufted perennial grass that grows as tall as 3-meters (10 ft.) in height, usually forming large clumps, with rhizomes and a fibrous root system containing an essential oil. The roots are very fragrant.

Origin: Indigenous to India. Vetiver is grown commercially for oil in Brazil, Haiti, Japan, Java, Reunion, and the Seychelles. It is grown for other purposes in the USA, Central America, and some West African countries.

Oil Extraction: Vetiver essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the dried chopped roots. The oil is a thick amber, grayish-brown, olive-brown, or dark brown liquid.

Yield: 1 to 4.6%.

Aroma Profile: The top note is sweet, earthy, green, or potato-peel like, and should not be overly smoky. The body note is richly sweet, heavy earthy, fragrant-woody. The dry-out is very lasting.

Major Constituents: Zizanol, bicyclo vetivenol, vetivones, khusinol, khusimone, β-vetivenene.

Adulterants: Not usually adulterated.

Regulatory Status: 172.510. FDA 121.1163.

Aromatherapy: Anchoring, relaxing, and soothing.

Blends well with: Bergamot, cassia, clary sage, geranium, jasmine, lavandin, lavender, melissa, patchouli,rose, sandalwood, and ylang ylang.

Safety Data: Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing.