Vetiver is a plant that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is a large tufted bunchgrass that can grow up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) in height. The thin leaves and stems are erect and rigid, and the plant bears small brown-purple flowers in long spikes. The fragrant roots grow downward in the soil and can attain depths of more than 3 meters (10 feet) . Vetiver is native to tropical Asia and has been introduced into the tropics of both hemispheres; it has escaped cultivation and become a weed in some regions.
The root of the vetiver plant is used to make medicine. People take vetiver for nerve and circulation problems, stomach pain, and to relieve stress, emotional traumas, and shock. It is also used for arthritis, stings, and burns. Vetiver is sometimes inhaled as aromatherapy for nervousness, insomnia, and joint and muscle pain. In manufacturing, vetiver is used as a flavoring in alcoholic beverages.
Vetiver essential oil, also called khus oil, is extracted from the vetiver plant’s roots, which are aged before being soaked in water. The highly concentrated oil that is released is then skimmed off the top of the water. It’s used in holistic practice for its soothing, grounding capabilities. Vetiver oil has quite a few properties that make it a promising ingredient for aromatherapy. It is beneficial for soothing anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, depression, and inability to concentrate or remember. It is also known to firm, tighten, and protect skin against the harsh effects of environmental stressors, thereby exhibiting anti-aging properties.
In summary, vetiver is a plant that is used for medicinal purposes and in manufacturing. Its roots are used to make essential oil, which is used in aromatherapy for its soothing and grounding capabilities.
