Vetiver or khus, as it’s more commonly known, is an aromatic plant that is immensely beneficial for our health. It belongs to the Poaceae family and is scientifically known as Chrysopogon zizanioides. Vetiver is an integral part of Ayurveda. Its odor is known to rejuvenate the mind and the senses. The benefits of Vetiver for our skin and body are as profound as its benefits for our mind. In this article, we are going to put down a few reasons why Vetiver should be an important part of the day-to-day functioning of your life if it’s not, already.
Benefits Of Vetiver
Here are some of the outstanding benefits of vetiver:
1. Moisturizing Agent
The moisture-retaining properties of Vetiver turn out to be useful for the skin. Applying it to the skin can make it soft and glowy, nourishing it from within. It works for people with both dry and flaky skin and oily, acne-prone skin. It doesn’t make the skin greasy and readily gets absorbed. This very feature makes it the best choice for people with oily skin, who suffer from severe acne and zit issues and are not able to get rid of them.
2. Anti-Aging Properties
Vetiver repairs the skin and makes it healthier. It treats the damages that are caused due to daily exposure to sun, dust, pollution, etc. It reduces wrinkles, fine lines, uneven skin tone, pigmentation, etc. These are the main evils that tend to make the skin look aged. Using Vetiver regularly on the skin can make it look considerably different. It appears to be vibrant and youthful. The presence of antioxidants assure the same.
3. Skin Tightening
Vetiver lessens the gap between the cells of the skin and tightens it. The closer the cells are, the younger the skin looks. It also decreases whiteheads, blackheads and is referred to as a natural astringent.
4. As a Repellent
The uses of Vetiver are not just limited to beauty. It has restorative properties and cures insect bites and burns as well.
5. Antiseptic
Vetiver has been used as an antiseptic since time immemorial. It is used for various ayurvedic medicines that treat wounds. It cures injuries by forming new tissues without any kind of side effects. It curtails the growth of Staphylococcus Aureus, sepsis-causing bacteria.
6. Massage Oil
Vetiver oil is a miraculous oil with numerous uses. When massaged on sore muscles, it reduces the pain and eases the muscles.
7. Strengthens Immunity
Due to the presence of antioxidants, Vetiver improves our immunity by canceling out all the toxins from our body.
8. Treating ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder refers to a chronic disorder that deals with impulsiveness and hyperactivity. People with this disorder find it difficult to pay attention. Some of the benefits of Vetiver are associated with lessening tiredness and improving the ability to stay alert. Aromatherapy using Vetiver oil is a primary treatment for ADHD patients.
9. Relieving Anxiety
It has been found out that Vetiver oil has anti-anxiety properties. Its scent relaxes the mind and helps one to stay calm and focused. The oil extracted from Vetiver is often mixed with other essential oils and massaged on the head and forehead to alleviate inflammation, muscle tension, and anxiety.
advantages of vetiverRecommended Reading: Plant-Based Beauty Products
What is Aromatherapy?
The term Aromatherapy was coined by René-Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist and perfumer. Aromatherapy is a method of treating the body and the mind as well as the spirit with the help of natural products. Essential oils like Vetiver oil and other organic and herbal products are used. The procedure is done using agents like massaging oils, compressors, creams, masks, etc and the principal focus is on the sense of smell.
The nasal senses, in turn, affect all the other senses and the sensory organs are subjected to therapy that is carried out for quite some time to achieve the desired results. Aromatherapy is scientifically proven to help lessen all kinds of inflammation. The holistic approach of aromatherapy, to health and skincare, is what makes it different from conventional beauty treatments.
How to Use Vetiver?
- In perfumes and soaps: It’s no surprise that Vetiver dominates the perfume industry, owing to its miraculous aroma. Vetiver is used with several other oils and herbs to accentuate its odor.
- In serums and toners: When it comes to skin toning, one cannot rule out Vetiver. Toners and serums containing Vetiver are the most effective for our skin. With regular usage, your skin problems are almost going to vanish.
- In sleeping pills and medicines: Vetiver acts as a sedative and is highly recommended for insomniacs. This is because of its soothing property.
- In beverages: One teaspoon or 3-4 drops of Vetiver oil can be added to your cup of tea to make it healthier. If the tea is green tea or other herbal teas it is even better. The best time to consume it is on a chilly, winter morning.
Oils that Blend well with Vetiver
- Lemongrass Essential Oil – Amazing for Aromatherapy, lemongrass oil has a beautiful, fruity smell. It is similar to Vetiver concerning quite a few aspects such as its antiseptic and antifungal characteristics.
- Lavender Essential Oil – Almost similar to Vetiver, lavender oil treats disorders like ADHD and depression. Its scent steadies the mind and the nerves.
- Cedarwood Essential Oil – Having a wide range of advantages for skin, hair, and health, it is yet another oil belonging to the same category. It is antispasmodic.
Given all the uses of Vetiver, it’s quite clear that it is nature’s gift to us. We should treasure it and make the best use of it. The sooner we start using it, the better. Buying such plant-based products from small-scale organic brands is also a way of supporting homegrown products and businesses. You can even grow Vetiver on your own to obtain the purest version. So, are you ready to make a few lifestyle changes? Do it right away!
Also, read: Ayurveda and Hair Care
