Vetiver
|
Botanical Name |
Vetiveria zizanoides |
|
Family |
Poaceae (Graminaceae) |
|
Other Names |
Andropogon muricatus, , khus kus, vetivert |
|
Description |
Perennial grass. Straight stem, long narrow leaves. White, yellow or reddish rootlets |
|
Aroma |
Earthy |
|
Native to |
India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka |
|
Cultivated in |
West Africa, South America |
|
Actions |
Antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, depurative, nervine, rubefacient, sedative, stimulant, tonic, vermifuge |
|
Extraction |
Steam distillation of roots |
|
Constituents |
Vetiverol, vitivone, terpenes, benzoic, furfurol, vetivene |
|
Combines with |
Frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, patchouli, rose, rosewood, sandalwood, ylang ylang |
|
Note |
Base |
|
Skin |
Acne, cuts, oily skin, wounds |
|
Circulatory, muscle joint |
Arthritis, rheumatism, sprains |
|
Nervous system |
Depression, insomnia, nervous tension |
|
Other Uses |
Soaps, cosmetics |
|
Other Notes |
Used in India to protect against soil erosion Essence is known in India and Sri Lanka as “oil of tranquillity” Vetiver comes from the Tamil word vetiver meaning hatched up referring to the method of harvesting In Sanskrit text it is said to be used to anoint brides |