Vetiver oil has a distinctive sharp and earthy scent you may recognize from men’s cologne. It’s used as an alternative remedy for calm and relaxation, but there’s limited research on its health benefits.
Vetiver essential oil, also called khus oil, is extracted from the vetiver plant (Vetiveria zizanioides). It is distilled 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.
Vetiver essential oil is frequently used in holistic practice for its soothing, grounding capabilities. There’s some research on its use for alertness, ADHD, and mental fatigue, but they haven’t yet proven that it works.
Keep reading to find out what we know about using vetiver oil for health benefits.
Vetiver oil has properties that make it a promising ingredient for aromatherapy. However, many existing studies are small or done on animals, so the benefits haven’t been definitively proven.
Vetiver oil for alertness
In an older 2016 animal study,
While this effect hasn’t been studied in humans, there are few risks with inhaling vetiver essential oil.
Vetiver oil for anxiety
A 2015 animal study observed rats that were exposed to vetiver oil through inhaling its scent. The subjects of the study had decreased anxiety in a behavior test involving a maze. However, human trials are needed to understand the mechanism vetiver oil uses to influence anxiety.
Additionally, the benefits may be due to aromatherapy itself. Research has shown that aromatherapy with various essential oils is linked to lower levels of anxiety.
Vetiver essential oil for ADHD
Vetiver oil aromatherapy has been marketed as a treatment for ADHD. However, there’s no published scientific research on this.
More conclusive research is needed to suggest definitively that vetiver essential oil would work for the purpose of treating ADHD. It’s important to never replace your medication or prescribed treatment with an alternative remedy before speaking with your doctor.
Vetiver oil is often used in aromatherapy. That means it’s safe to inhale when it’s been distilled and released as a vapor. Using an aromatherapy diffuser to inhale the scent of pure vetiver oil is one way to use it for health benefits.
Vetiver oil can also be used topically. It should always be diluted using a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil or coconut oil. Mix 1 to 2 drops of vetiver oil in every 10 drops of your carrier oil to start using it on your skin. If you’d like, you can gradually increase the amount of vetiver oil in your mixture.
It’s important to note that you should never ingest essential oils.
Learn more about how to use essential oils.
Vetiver is safe in most applications as long as it’s used in moderation. Speak with doctor if you are pregnant or nursing and considering using vetiver essential oil.
As long as you don’t have an allergy to the vetiver plant, it should be safe to apply topically to your skin. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil and do a patch test on a small section of your skin before applying it all over your body.
Inhaling vetiver oil through an aromatherapy diffuser should also be safe for most people. However, always proceed with caution when using aromatherapy, especially if using it on your child.
Aromatherapy affects pets, too. You might want to remove them from the house when you use a diffuser.
Vetiver oil is a lesser-known essential oil, but it may have some health benefits. However, there’s still limited research on how vetiver essential oil affects your brain and the rest of your body.
Many people enjoy using vetiver oil in aromatherapy for calmness and relaxation. If you choose to use it on your skin, be sure to dilute it in a carrier oil first.