A Scent for Grounding Yourself: Vetiver Essential Oil
“As a root oil of the earth, Vetiver connects us to earth’s energies. It is a source of vital energy and regeneration. The earthy fragrance of the oil supports all of those who have lost touch with the earth and their roots. ”
Vetiver Essential Oil
One of my favorite grounding essential oils is distilled from the roots of Vetiver grass.
With a strong, complex, fibrous, and strongly scented root system that grows deep into the ground – deeper than some tree roots – Vetiver has been regarded as a low-cost, simple, and easily applicable multi-purpose soil and water conservation tool for sustainable agriculture.
Vetiver essential oil is an amber to brownish colored viscous liquid, with a deep earthy-rooty and somewhat mossy-green and sweet-wood odor. It is often thought of like a perfume in itself.
Vetiver is known as the oil of tranquility - the essential oil is incredibly beneficial if you are feeling anxious, have racing thoughts, or feel stuck in your head. This root essential oil is inherently nourishing, strengthening, and grounding.
The Scent
Full-bodied, deep, rich and smoky, with a strong wood and root note
Create a Scent Experience
Put a drop of Vetiver on a tissue and inhale the aroma. You may wish to close your eyes while you do this.
Be with the scent.
What do you notice in your body?
Take a break from smelling the aroma and then smell again.
What do you notice in your body? Are there any words, images, or insights that arrive within you?
“Whether mentally exhausted from overwork, or out of touch with our body and its needs, vetiver sedates and yet restores us - centres and reconnects us - closing the gap between spirit and matter.”
Properties of Vetiver Essential Oil
Aromatherapist Peter Holmes (2016) shares that vetiver can help you move from the head into the body and support you in becoming fully present.
Energetically, the scent balances and grounds you. It is particularly useful if you have racing thoughts as the scent is deeply grounding and comforting.
The earthy quality of vetiver encourages rest and restoration in the body and promotes a sense of stillness and quiet.
On a subtle level, Vetiver is helpful to anyone who needs to be brought into close contact with the earth, to ground and center their energies.
Blends well with: Lavender, orange, petitgrain, ylang ylang, patchouli, and many other essential oils
Safety Tips
Non-skin irritant, non-sensitizing if following proper dilutions.
Nourishing Autumn Body Oil
Pamper your body with this nourishing body oil. The scent is incredibly grounding and soothing.
Recipe
30 mL jojoba
4 drops sweet orange
4 drops lavender
4 drops vetiver
Mix all of the ingredients together in a dark glass bottle. Shake well.
Aromatic Ritual
Use this massage oil to create an aromatic ritual to support you in feeling grounded throughout the day.
Put a few drops on the palms of your hands and rub them together. Place the palms of your hands over your nose and mouth. Take a few slow deep breaths - inhaling the aroma. As you exhale, feel yourself grounded to the earth.
References
Battaglia, S. (2021). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Volume III - Psyche & Subtle. Australia: Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd.
Keim, J & Bull, R. (2008). Daily Aromatherapy: Transforming the Seasons of Your Life with Essential Oils. Berkeley: North Atlantic Books.
Holmes, P. (2016). Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. London: Singing Dragon.
Mojay, G. (1996). Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. United Kingdom: Gaia Books Limited.
Tisserand, R & Young, R. (2014) Essential Oil Safety. London: Churchill Livingstone
Do not take essential oils internally and do not apply undiluted on the skin. Always consult a professional aromatherapist if you have medical conditions. Use caution when using essential oils with children.
