Blog
The Benefits of Vetiver
- November 20, 2023
- Posted by: Plant Prana Calendar
- Category: Properties of Oils
Vetiver Essential Oil
“KNOWN AS THE “OIL OF TRANQUILITY”
Vetiver has a rich history of medicinal and folk remedies across various cultures. Some of its historical uses include:
Perfume and Scented Oil:
Vetiver’s aromatic roots have been used for centuries in perfumes and scented oils. Its earthy and woody fragrance is prized for its pleasant scent and fixative properties.
Cooling Agent:
In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, vetiver was used to cool the body and alleviate heat-related conditions. It was applied topically or used in cooling drinks.
Anti-Inflammatory:
Vetiver was used as an anti-inflammatory agent in traditional medicine to reduce swelling and inflammation associated with injuries or skin conditions.
Wound Healing: The roots of vetiver were sometimes ground into a paste and applied topically to wounds and cuts to promote healing and prevent infection.
Sedative and Relaxant: Vetiver has been traditionally used to soothe the nervous system and promote relaxation. It was used in remedies to treat anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders.
Digestive Aid: In some cultures, vetiver was used as a digestive aid to alleviate indigestion, bloating, and stomach discomfort. It was often consumed as a tea or infusion.
Antiseptic: Vetiver’s antiseptic properties made it valuable for disinfecting wounds and preventing infections.
Aphrodisiac: In certain traditions, vetiver was considered an aphrodisiac and was used to enhance sexual desire and performance.
Fever Reducer: Vetiver was sometimes used to reduce fevers by applying a paste made from its roots to the forehead or as a cooling bath.
Diuretic: In folk medicine, vetiver was used as a diuretic to promote the removal of excess water and toxins from the body.
Dental Care: Chewing on vetiver roots or using them as toothbrushes was believed to have dental benefits, including freshening breath and maintaining oral health.
These historical uses of vetiver highlight its versatility in traditional medicine and folk remedies. While modern scientific research has provided insights into some of its potential health benefits, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using vetiver or any herbal remedy for medicinal purposes, especially for serious health conditions.
- Used as a body tonic to relax the body, reduce tension, and gently strengthen the immune response
- Enhance a goodnight’s sleep with a Vetiver salt bath
- A few drops internally can relax the the muscles of the gut while rehabbing a stress plagued digestive tract
- Ointments and neat applications can be helpful for strained muscles, arthritis, and chronic pain syndromes
- Applied in a rollerball to the base of the skull can unwind the neck and improve the breath
- Sustained inhalation can help anxiety
NERVOUS SYSTEM:
Insomnia, nervous tension, prevention of stress, effects of stress, stress headaches (apply to the base of the skull,) incredibly relaxing (physically, emotionally, and mentally.), calms sensory nerves and hypersensitivity, balancing effect on the two sides of the brain
IMMUNE SYSTEM
gently stimulates immune function, great oil to use with autoimmune issues in small doses
CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
stimulates circulation, stimulates production of red corpuscles
MUSCULAR SYSTEM:
Increases circulation in muscle tissue, relaxes tight muscles, aches and pains, arthritis, sprains, strains, pulled muscles, stiffness in joints, rheumatism.
PSYCHOLOGICAL:
Calming and Relaxing:
Vetiver’s earthy and woody scent is often used to induce a sense of calm and relaxation. Inhaling vetiver can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, promoting a more peaceful state of mind.
Grounding and Centering:
Vetiver’s grounding properties can help individuals feel more centered and connected to the present moment. It can be especially useful for those who feel scattered or overwhelmed.
Stress Reduction:
The aroma of vetiver essential oil is believed to lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. As a result, it may help individuals manage stress and experience a greater sense of tranquility.
Focus and Concentration:
Vetiver’s calming influence can improve mental clarity and concentration, making it a useful aid for tasks that require focus, such as studying or working.
Emotional Support:
Some people use vetiver to address emotional challenges, including feelings of insecurity, anger, or grief. It may help individuals process and release these emotions.
Sleep Aid:
Vetiver’s relaxing properties can assist those struggling with sleep issues. Diffusing vetiver essential oil or using it in a bedtime routine may promote better sleep quality.
Confidence and Self-Esteem:
Vetiver’s grounding qualities can help individuals feel more secure and confident in themselves, reducing self-doubt and insecurity.
Mood Enhancement:
While vetiver is often associated with calmness, it can also have an
uplifting effect on mood by reducing anxiety and tension.
PTSD and Trauma Support:
Some studies suggest that vetiver essential oil may be beneficial for individuals dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related symptoms due to its calming and grounding properties.
ENERGETICALLY:
Grounding and stabilizing:
Vetiver is often associated with grounding energy. It can help individuals connect with the Earth’s energy and find stability, making it useful for people who feel scattered or ungrounded.
Calming and soothing:
Vetiver’s earthy and woody aroma has a calming and soothing effect on the mind and emotions. It can be used to reduce stress, anxiety, and restlessness.
Balancing energy:
Vetiver is believed to balance the body’s energy, making it valuable in practices such as yoga, meditation, and energy healing.
Root chakra alignment:
Vetiver is associated with the root chakra, which is the energy center related to physical stability, security, and basic needs. Using vetiver can help balance and align this chakra.
Spiritual protection:
Some people use vetiver as a protective tool, creating a shield of positive energy around themselves or their spaces to ward off negative influences.
Enhancing focus and concentration:
The grounding qualities of vetiver can help improve mental clarity and focus, making it beneficial for tasks that require concentration.
Promoting sleep:
Vetiver’s calming properties can be useful for those who struggle with insomnia or sleep disturbances. It can be diffused in the bedroom or added to a bedtime routine.
Emotional support:
Vetiver can assist in releasing emotional blockages and supporting emotional healing and self-awareness.
Meditation aid:
Many individuals find that vetiver’s grounding energy enhances their meditation practice by helping them stay present and centered.
Aura cleansing:
Some energy workers use vetiver to cleanse and purify the aura, removing stagnant or negative energy.
SPIRITUAL:
Vetiver, an aromatic grass, is often used in spiritual practices and aromatherapy for its grounding and calming properties. Some common spiritual uses of vetiver include:
Grounding and centering:
Vetiver essential oil is believed to help individuals connect with the Earth’s energy, promoting a sense of grounding and stability during meditation and spiritual rituals.
Balancing chakras:
Vetiver oil is associated with the root chakra, which is related to feelings of security and stability. It can be used to balance and align this chakra, helping individuals feel more grounded.
Cleansing and purification:
Some people use vetiver to purify their spaces, promoting a sense of spiritual cleanliness and positive energy flow.
Anointing or blessing:
Vetiver oil can be applied to the body or sacred objects as part of rituals or ceremonies to bless or anoint participants.
Remember that the spiritual uses of vetiver can vary depending on cultural and individual beliefs. Always use it with mindfulness and respect for your specific spiritual practices and traditions.
Planetary Influences:
Earth:
Vetiver is frequently associated with the Earth element due to its strong grounding and stabilizing properties. It is believed to connect individuals with the Earth’s energy and provide a sense of stability and security.
Saturn:
Vetiver is sometimes linked with the planet Saturn, which is associated with discipline, responsibility, and structure. Vetiver’s grounding qualities align with Saturn’s influence on discipline and structure in one’s life.
Root Chakra:
While not a planet, the root chakra (Muladhara) is associated with vetiver due to its connection to basic survival needs, stability, and the physical body. Vetiver is used to balance and align this chakra.