Vetiver Essential Oil
Latin name Vetiveria zizanoides - Family Poaceae / Gramineae (Graminaceae)
Vetiver is otherwise known as Chrysopogon zizanioides, Vetivert, and Khus Khus grass. In Indonesia it is known as akar wangi. Bourbon Vetiver, from Réunion, is considered the best in quality. Vetiver is often used as a fixative in high end perfumes.
Oil Selection Guide
Color - Amber to olive
Viscosity - Viscous
Scent - Musty, rich, heavy, woody, smoky, earthy, sweet undertone
Perfume Aroma - Base / middle note
Oil Source Information
Plant Type - Grass
Parts Used - Roots, Rootlets
Countries of Origin - Indonesia (Java), Haiti, Réunion (Bourbon), Angola, India, Zaire, New Guinea, Brazil, Phillipines, Comoro Islands, Sri Lanka, Japan
Extraction Method - Steam distillation
Known Chemical Constituents
Benzoic acid, furfural, vetiverol, vetivenol, vetiveron, sesquiterpene
Uses of Vetiver
Vetiver is used some in aromatherapy. Vetiver can also be found in soaps, cosmetics, aftershaves, and oriental perfumes. Also used commercially as a food preservative and as a dessert flavoring in some parts of the world.
Vetiver blends well with
Special Precautions*
* See Safety and Usage.
