Vibey Vetiver
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Written by Hilel Grynglas
Edited and additional information by Maryka Malano for Malano
Reading time: approximately 2-3 minutes
Vetiver, Khus, Vetiveria Zizanioides
Botanical name: Chrysopogon zizanioides
A perennial bunchgrass originally found in India, and now found in, China, Brazil, Guatemala, Madagascar, Haiti, Indonesia, and Réunion. Vetiver belongs to the Poaceae family, which includes: Sorghum, Sugarcane, and Lemongrass. Vetiver, derived from the Tamil word, Vettiveru: “to dig up”. Zizanioides, (by the riverside), was the name given by Swedish Taxonomist Carolus Linnaeus in 1771, as it is typically found along waterways.
The plant itself reaches up to four metres above the soil, and down to seven metres below the soil. The plant’s roots are distilled, then aged, and soaked in water afterwards. The concentrated oil that is released through the process is skimmed off the top of the water. The colour, viscosity, and aromatic elements, depend on the cultivation and extraction processes. Traditionally, the extraction of the oil is done by distillation. Distillation requires lengthy times (12-96 hours). There are non-conventional ways to extract the oil, which can be attractive since less time is required, and higher yield is achieved.
There are twelve known species of Vetiver grass, but there are three mainly used in perfumery. The different species of Vetiver all boast their own qualities. The Indian Vetiver has a superior aroma, and more depth compared to Haitian Vetiver. Since the twelfth century, Vetiver has been used for scents and soothing effects, as it is still today. Historically, it has also been used to make fragrant mats and curtains that are cooling and pest resistant.
Vetiver is dubbed, “the miracle grass,” helping with soil erosion and purifying water. In the world of aroma, scents, and the delicacy of the olfactory, Vetiver oil is loved for its earthy, leathery, smoky undertone. Vetiver oil is used in aromatherapy. The oil is a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It helps with nerve and circulation problems, stomach pain, stings, burns, joint and muscle pain.
We use Vetiver Zizanioides in quite a lot of our products because of it’s versatile compounds, including, but not limited to:
- Deodorants – Desert Storm, Forest Fresh & Oceania. We use this to assist with circulation to boost the flow of lymphatic fluid avoiding clogging. It’s antiseptic properties assist with the prevention of microbe over-growth, which leads to body odor if not controlled. The smoky undertone gives the deodorant a pleasant long-lasting scent that lingers without being too intrusive. It is also anti-inflammatory and works well with sensitive skin.
- Perfume with Purpose – Blessed, Grounded, Secure & Wisdom. We use vetiver because in perfume it adds a warm feeling of being grounded, earthy and adds longevity, because it is a very effective fixative. We also use it in many of our parfums and eau de parfums, because it does add a depth to scent that is unique.
- Skincare – Men’s Triumph Cleanser, Men’s Triumph Hand Cream, Sleek & Slick Shave Gel.
- Candles, Aroma Oils & Oil Reed Diffusers – There are quite a few of our oils and candles with vetiver, including: Jasmine, Patchouli & Vetiver.
Vetiver contains well over 150 sesquiterpene constituents, with 3 being the “fingerprint” of the oil, they are: α-vetivone, β-vetivone and khusimol. Vetiver has a vast latticework of roots, which helps cleanse the environment and prevent erosion as mentioned above, which is why it is called a ‘healer of the earth.’ It has an appetite for agricultural toxins and pesticides, making it a global essential for Phyto-remediation purposes.
So, as you can see, we love vetiver, and it is true that it is a ‘miracle grass’ and now you know why we love it so much. If you don’t have vetiver in your basic kit, now is a great time to start learning about it and why it is such a superior ingredient.
Why use synthetic products, when you can use natural Vetiver with all its advantages!
Until next time,
Many Blessings
The Malano Family xx