June 25, 2021

Vetiver Essential Oil Benefits

Vetiver is a tropical grass that’s native to India. It belongs to the same family as sugarcane and lemongrass. The grass is often planted on hillsides to prevent erosion, but it’s been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. Vetiver essential oil has an earthy, smoky, or leathery scent. It's commonly used in men’s cologne and masculine personal care products. Along with its pleasing scent, vetiver essential oil benefits help with a variety of conditions for your skin and overall wellness.

Vetiver Benefits for Skin and Wellness

vetiver essential oil benefits for skin reduces acne woman close up of face

There are many benefits to adding vetiver essential oil to your personal care routine:

Helps Heal Scars

Vetiver may help heal scars and other marks on your skin. It contains a compound called cicatrisant that helps regenerate skin and tissues. Vetiver may help with:

  • Dark spots from acne
  • Stretch marks
  • Signs of aging
  • Cracks
  • Acne
  • Burn relief

Just add a few drops of vetiver essential oil to your lotion, face wash, or massage oil and apply it to the affected area. 

Vetiver also has antiseptic properties, which means that it can help prevent infection and may kill bacteria. Research shows that this essential oil is effective against some infections, including staph.

Rich in Skin Nourishing Antioxidants

Vetiver oil is rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals that can damage cells and accelerate aging. 

One study from 2009 demonstrated the antioxidant effects of vetiver root. When applied topically, antioxidants can help reduce pigmentation while fighting fine lines and wrinkles.

Natural Bug Repellent

Looking for a natural way to repel ticks? Vetiver may help. One 2015 study found that this essential oil is highly toxic to ticks. When diluted with a carrier oil, the study found that vetiver may be as effective as a commercial product when it comes to tick bite protection.

Decrease Mental Fatigue

Vetiver essential oil may give your brain the focus boost it needs – without caffeine. One 2016 animal study found that inhaling vetiver oil improved brain function and alertness.

If you suffer from brain fog or have trouble staying on task, diffusing vetiver or blends with vetiver such as Inner Warrior essential oil may help give you that alertness boost you need. 

Improve Snoring

When used in a diffuser, vetiver essential oil may help improve your breathing patterns while you sleep.

In a 2010 study, researchers looked at the responses of 26 participants exposed to different scents while sleeping. The group exposed to vetiver oil saw improved inhalation and exhalation during sleep, which means that this essential oil may help with snoring. 

May Help with ADHD

Vetiver essential oil may help with ADHD. One 2001 study found that vetiver oil was effective at treating ADHD in children. That study lasted two years and involved 40 children, half of which were diagnosed with ADHD.

The children used an inhalation device to inhale the vetiver and used the device three times a day whenever they were feeling scattered. Vetiver increased the children's performance by 100%.

It’s believed that vetiver’s calming and soothing properties are what help combat ADD and ADHD symptoms. 

May Help with Anxiety

Anxiety affects an estimated 40 million adults in the United States alone. Worldwide, more than 284 million people deal with anxiety on a regular basis.

There are many ways to deal with anxiety, and aromatherapy is one effective way. Vetiver can be used in a diffuser or inhaled to help you relax and stay calm. 

One 2015 animal study found that rats that inhaled the scent of vetiver were more relaxed. The oil was just as effective as Diazepam, a medication used to treat anxiety and other medical conditions.

Vetiver Essential Oil Uses

vetiver essential oil benefits and uses blue diffuser on table close up with blurred background

Now that you know the benefits of vetiver essential oil, you may be wondering how to use it. There are many ways to add this oil to your routine.

Massage Oil and Moisturizing Lotion

Vetiver essential oil can be added to moisturizers and oils for easy application. Just add a few drops to your favorite body lotion or facial moisturizer.

You can also add a few drops to a carrier oil and apply it to your face or body to help combat acne or heal scars. If applying to your face, use an oil that won’t clog your pores, such as sweet almond oil.

Aromatherapy

Vetiver essential oil blends is a great candidate for aromatherapy. It’s a calming and soothing scent that can help combat anxiety while lifting your mood.

  • Add a few drops to water in a diffuser
  • Use a specialized inhaling device designed for aromatherapy
  • Add a few drops to sachets and place them around your home

Topically for Scar Healing

Vetiver can help heal scars and its astringent properties can help with wound healing by preventing infection.

Before applying to your skin, make sure that you dilute Vetiver essential oil with a carrier oil. 

Here are some guidelines for diluting essential oils:

  • 10% dilution: 60 drops per 6 teaspoons of oil
  • 5% dilution: 30 drops per 6 teaspoons of oil
  • 3% dilution: 20 drops per 6 teaspoons of oil
  • 2.5% dilution: 15 drops per 6 teaspoons of oil

There are many carrier oils to choose from, including coconut, jojoba, apricot kernel, argan, olive, rosehip, and sweet almond. 

Final Word

Vetiver essential oil has many beneficial properties, from scar healing to antioxidants, relaxation, and better focus. With so many ways to use this essential oil, it’s easy to add vetiver to your self-care routine. Just make sure that you use safe practices when working with potent essential oils to enjoy the benefits without any negative side effects.

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