FWD 2 Healthy Ingredients: Vetiver

Vetiver

Vetiveria zizanioides
Family: Poaceae
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Photo © Steven Foster

Introduction

Vetiver is a tall, scented grass that grows to 8 feet and has complex underground white rootlets.1,2  Native to Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and south India, vetiver is also grown in the Comoro Islands, Haiti, Japan, the Philippines, Reunion, South America, and West Africa.1,3  The rootlets and roots are the source of the amber, dark brown, or olive-colored oil that is described as a smoky, earthy, and woody fragrance with a rich undertone of ‘precious wood’.1,3  

History and Cultural Significance

Due to its non-toxic nature, vetiver, ‘the oil of tranquility’, has a variety of uses.1,4  In India the plant is grown on hillsides to prevent soil erosion during the rainy season.1,3  It is used as a fragrance and fixative in cosmetics, perfumes, and soaps.1  In lotions, it is used for soothing various skin conditions. Vetiver is also employed externally for muscle aches and pain, and sprains.1  It is used in aromatherapy to alleviate stress.1  Vetiver is utilized as a food preservative to retain flavor.1  Vetiver oil has been used as a very effective insect/termite repellent,5  and the roots are used in making baskets, bags, curtains, fans and mats.6  

In the 18th century the Fulanis, a nomadic, cattle-herding people of western Africa, burned dry vetiver roots and leaves to expel evil spirits from their settlements.5  They also chewed the root for dental problems. Vetiver was called ‘magic grass’ in Cameroon and ‘miracle grass’ in Thailand due to its many uses which included medicinal remedies, soil conservation, and as an animal feed.5  

Modern Research

No studies are currently available on the external use of vetiver. Research is being conducted on vetiver oil’s potential as an antimicrobial and its antimalarial actions.5,7  The plant is also being tested for its ability to decontaminate by absorbing the metals from the soil in metal-polluted areas, such as chemical plants.8  (Note: The process of extracting the essential oil from vetiver eliminates any danger of heavy metal contamination in vetiver products.)

Future Outlook

Vetiver is a hardy plant that can withstand drought, fire, and grazing, and can be easily maintained with minimal effort.9  Its only drawback is its inability to thrive in cold climates, therefore limiting where it can be grown.10  Initiatives being promoted by proponents of the plant’s many uses include disaster prevention (mudslides, droughts, floods, fires); increased soil production, farmer support (income potential and erosion control), pollution control (underground flows, industrial spills, wastewater, run-off), and water management (watersheds, sediment control, water flow).10  

References

1  Lawless J. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy and Herbalism. Rockport, MA: Element Books, Inc.; 1995.

2  Bertea CM, Camusso W. Anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology. In: Maffei M, ed. Vetiveria: The Genus Vetiveria. New York: Taylor and Francis; 2002.

3  Arctander S. Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin. Carol Stream, IL: Allured Publishing Corp.; 1994.

4  Tisserand R, Balacs J. Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. New York: Churchill Livingstone; 1995.

5  Zhu BC, Henderson G, Chen F, Fei H, Laine RA. Evaluation of vetiver oil and seven insect-active essential oils against the Formosan subterranean termite. J Chem Ecol. August 2001;27(8):1617-1625.

6  Zarotti C. Collection, harvesting, processing, alternative uses and production of essential oil. In: Maffei M, ed. Vetiveria: The Genus Vetiveria. New York: Taylor and Francis; 2002.

7  Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV. Antimicrobial activity of essential oils and other plant extracts. J Appl Microbiol. June 1999;86(6):985-990.

8  Chen HM, Zheng CR, Tu C, Shen ZG. Chemical methods and phytoremediation of soil contaminated with heavy metals. Chemosphere. July 2000;41(1-2):229-234.

9  National Research Council. Vetiver Grass: A Thin Green Line against Erosion. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; January 1993. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309042690/html/ 82.html. Accessed September 30, 2004.

10  Vietmeyer N. Beyond the vetiver hedge: organizing vetiver’s next steps to global acceptance. In: Maffei M, ed. Vetiveria: The Genus Vetiveria. New York: Taylor and Francis; 2002.