Vetiver essential oil, known as the “oil of tranquility,” is steam distilled from the roots of the plant.  It has a warm, woodsy aroma that may remind you of Patchouli or Lemongrass essential oils, as these plants are related.

Vetiver has properties of antiseptic, antispasmodic, calming, grounding, immune-stimulant, rubefacient (locally warming), sedative (nervous system), and stimulant (circulatory, production of red corpuscles).

Vetiver has long been used in fragrances and remains popular today especially in soaps, moisturizers, and men’s cologne.

Aromatically, Vetiver promotes a calm, relaxing atmosphere and is great to diffuse in work and study areas.  It blends well with Clary Sage, Jasmine, Lavender, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, Tangerine, and Ylang Ylang essential oils. It is recommended that Vetiver be diluted with a carrier oil before putting it in your diffuser, as it is very thick.

Rub Vetiver on the sole of your feet to help induce a restful sleep or ease nighttime restlessness is by adding a few drops of Vetiver to your bath water. 

Combine a few drops of Vetiver to V-6 and massage it on your skin to create a calming aroma and the appearance of an even skin tone.  Vetiver oil is said to heal scars by promoting the regeneration of skin and tissue and help remove stretch marks, acne scars, or dark spots on the skin.

A 2001 study conducted by Dr. Terry S. Friedmann reported that Vetiver Essential Oil improved ADHD symptoms in 100% of previously diagnosed children participating.  Other essential oils used in this study were Lavender and Cedarwood.  The children in this studied simply opened the jars and inhaled the aroma of the oils three times of a day.

You might be curious as to how this works.  When an essential is inhaled, small droplets are carried to the limbic system of the brain, which is the center where reason, emotion, and smell are processed.  This study suggests that Vetiver might be the oil of choice if looking for an oil to help your ADHD child.

Overall, what is it good for?

• Promotes a calm, relaxing atmosphere
• Evens appearance of skin tones
• Create a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere
• Help induce a restful sleep or ease nighttime restlessness

Try These DIY Projects!

Focus Roller Blend

• 5 drops Ylang Ylang
• 5 drops Lavender
• 5 drops Vetiver
• 5 drops Cedarwood
• 2 tbsp sweet almond oil or any carrier oil
• 4 oz roller ball or dropper bottle

Apply to back of neck or bottom of feet via roller ball.  This same blend can be added to a 4 oz dropper bottle. Drop 4-5 drops in the palm of your hand and rub on the shoulders, neck, or feet of  yourself or child.  Put on your favorite socks.

Calming Diffuser Blend

• 3 drops of Vetiver
• 5 drops of Lavender
• 2 drops of Ylang Ylang

Study Rub

• Rub an even amount of Lavender, Cedarwood, and Vetiver on the back of neck along the spine