Essential oils such as vetiver are used in aromatherapy for their potential health benefits.
According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), “In the practice of aromatherapy, natural plant extracts, such as essential oils, hydrosols, and carrier oils, heal the body, mind, and spirit in a variety of ways.”
Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways, including using an oil diffuser or applied topically to the skin in combination with a carrier oil.
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Popular essential oils include eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and tea tree.
Experts told Fox News Digital that vetiver is also an essential oil used for its potential health benefits.
When using vetiver or other essential oils, it is important to follow proper safety precautions.
Below are ways to use vetiver oil, potential health benefits associated with its use, and safety tips to keep in mind.
- What is vetiver?
- What are the potential health benefits associated with using vetiver?
- How to practice safety with vetiver
1. What is vetiver?
Vetiver is a plant whose oil can be used for aromatherapy, or essential oil therapy.
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“The root is actually the part that is extracted to make the essential oil,” Jenna Volpe, a Texas-based registered dietitian and herbalist, told FOX News Digital in a phone interview.
“I think it’s a grass similar to lemongrass or citronella,” Volpe added.
Vetiver is usually sold and used as an essential oil.
2. What are the potential health benefits associated with vetiver use?
According to MedicalNewsToday, essential oils have generally been used for their antibacterial, as well as antiviral, nematicidal, antifungal, insecticidal, and antioxidant properties.
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According to Healthline, the use of essential oils in holistic practices works through both the sense of smell and absorption into the skin.
The use of essential oils has long been thought to have a variety of health benefits, including improving sleep and reducing stress and anxiety.
Vetiver’s potential health benefits mirror those that may be associated with other types of aromatic herbs, Volpe told FOX News Digital.
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“It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and potentially antibacterial properties, and is primarily associated with antioxidant properties in aromatherapy,” Volpe said.
3. Safety with vetiver
There are several ways to use vetiver oil.
One way to use vetiver oil is to inhale the scent released into the air with an oil diffuser.
It is also often mixed with other essential oils to create aromatic blends.
However, when using it, always be aware of those around you, especially if there are small children or pets.
“When it comes to pets, there are potential side effects,” Volpe said.
Additionally, Volpe said it’s important to be especially careful when applying vetiver topically. A carrier oil should be combined with vetiver. She recommended not taking it internally.
“They’re definitely the most powerful, so just a drop or two can go a long way.”
“Be careful with the amount you apply topically. This applies to essential oils in general, but never take essential oils internally, as they can cause liver damage,” says Volpe.
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“Essential oils are highly concentrated herbs, and arguably the most powerful, so even just a drop or two can be very effective,” Volpe said.
“I definitely don’t recommend applying it topically without a carrier oil,” Volpe added, noting that jojoba oil and coconut oil are both good carrier oils to use.
When applying vetiver and carrier oils or any new products to your skin, we recommend doing a patch test first to ensure you don’t have a reaction to the product.
Especially with vetiver oil, people with sensitive skin may experience irritation when applied topically.
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“Even if you use a carrier oil, topical application can cause dermatitis in people with sensitive skin,” Volpe says.