Vetiver Roots
Vetiver Roots (Vetiveria zizanoides) are aromatic roots from India, widely used in incense, perfumes, fragrant waters, and as a fixative in modern perfumery. Known for their cooling properties, Vetiver roots have a sweet, earthy, and grounding fragrance.
- Family: Poaceae (Gramineae)
- Synonyms: khus, khus khus, vetiveria, vetivert, “Oil of Tranquility”
- Origin: India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Réunion, Haiti
- Parts Used: dried roots
- Aroma: earthy, sweet, heavy, erotic fragrance
Ideal for perfumery, aromatherapy, incense mixtures, and natural wellness applications.
Description
Vetiver Roots (Vetiveria zizanoides) are prized for their aromatic, cooling, and grounding properties. The thin, fragrant roots have been used for hundreds of years to make fans, window and door screens, incense mixtures, and fragrant waters. Vetiver oil is valued as a fixative in modern perfumery and blends well with a wide range of essential oils.
Emotional & Aromatic Attributes
The aroma is earthy, sweet, heavy, and sensuous. It is uplifting, relaxing, and comforting, cooling the body and mind from excessive heat. Vetiver is associated with grounding, love, protection, prosperity, and relaxation.
Cosmetic Uses
Used in perfumery and aromatherapy; treats mature, dry, or irritated skin, acne, and wounds. Strengthens connective tissues. Incorporated in soaps, lotions, creams, and other personal care products.
Culinary Uses
Roots are used to make “khus water” for flavoring candies and fruit drinks in India.
Medicinal & Wellness Attributes
Internally, Vetiver roots are used for nervous and circulatory support. Externally, they are applied as tonic baths, for muscle pain relief, and lice treatment.
Additional Information
- Element Association: Earth
- Magical Associations: protection, luck, prosperity
- Astrological Association: Capricorn
- Planetary Association: Earth
- Season: Autumn, Winter
- Aromatic Note: Base note
- Essential Oil: Yes — steam distilled from dried roots; improves with age; valued for fixative properties
- Mixes Well With: aloeswood, benzoin, cedarwood, lemon balm, musk seeds, nutmeg, patchouli, sandalwood, spikenard, tonka beans, valerian root, vanilla, etc.
