Traditionally, vetiver has been used as a digestive aid, and to remove anxiety and stress. It has also been used to get rid of intestinal worms and gallbladder problems. Vetiver root in addition to being extremely cooling to the system, by bringing down body heat, is also a natural antioxidant and alkalizer. It reduces inflammation in the body and soothes the body. Vetiver root calms your mind and helps in balancing your emotions.
Also read: 6 amazing health benefits of Vetiver
Vetiver is a one-stop solution for most of your skin problems. It moisturizes and hydrates the skin, and helps restore the natural pH of the skin. It also helps to tighten the skin pores as it is considered a natural astringent. The cooling properties of vetiver help to reduce inflammation and prevent sunburn. Vetiver is very gentle on the skin and is very good for sensitive skin.
Using vetiver oil regularly may make the skin firmer and diminish the signs of aging, providing a glow to the skin.
5 Major Benefits of Vetiver For the Skin
- Vetiver is very nourishing and hydrating to the skin and it also modulates sebum production, balances oil production, and keeps the skin non-greasy.
- Vetiver has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that prevent acne and reduce inflammation on your skin.
- The antioxidants in vetiver slow down the aging process. It can eliminate toxins and free radicals that cause aging, fine lines, and pigmentation of the skin. It also protects your skin from pollution and dust and gives you youthful glowing skin.
- It diminishes scars and gives the skin an even tone.
- Vetiver maintains the pH of the skin and fights bacteria and fungi that infect the skin.
How to use vetiver on your skin
Before you start using vetiver on your skin, you must first wash the vetiver thoroughly before you cut it, as it may contain mud and dust as it is a root. You can also cut the vetiver root into pieces before you wash it. Vetiver can be used on the skin in many ways. You can use it as a toner, a scrub (like a loofah), in face packs, as a facial mist and so much more.
Vetiver Scrub
- Take some vetiver root and wash well to remove dirt and dust. Pour some water into a large bowl and soak the roots in it for 10 minutes. This softens the roots and releases their inherent sweet aromas.
- Gently massage the skin with the roots while bathing. It is an excellent exfoliator to remove any dead skin cells.
- Squeeze the water out of the scrubber after use and hang it to dry in a well-aerated space.
- Before use, soak it in water for a few minutes to make it soft.
Also watch: How to make a DIY bath scrub with vetiver roots
Vetiver Toner
Ingredients
- 10g Vetiver root
- 1 cup water
- 2-3 slices of lemon/lime
Boil a cup of water in a pan. Once it comes to a boil, add the vetiver roots and lemon slices to it. Put off the stove and allow it to cool down. You can also let it steep overnight. Strain the liquid and pour it into a spray bottle. You can spray it directly on your face or use a cotton ball on which the toner has been sprayed to dab your face. You can also use this as a cleanser.
Also watch: How to make a Vitamin C toner
Vetiver Water
You can make floral water or hydrosol from the vetiver roots, by steam distillation. This distilled water or hydrosol has the pure scent of vetiver roots and is very refreshing for the skin. You can use this directly as a facial mist, to hydrate, cool, and rejuvenate the skin.
You can make vetiver water in two ways. One way of making it is by cleaning the roots, chopping it into small pieces, and steeping it in hot water for 2-3 hours. Strain this water and use it. Vetiver water is very beneficial for those dealing with anxiety and stress.
I think the right way to make vetiver water is by steam distillation. For this, soak the vetiver roots overnight. Soaking in an earthen pot makes this even better. The next day, heat this to get the hydrosol by steam distillation method. To know how to make hydrosol at home, watch this video on how to make mint hydrosol. The method is the same. This floral vetiver water tones the skin, moisturizes, heals scars and removes blemishes. You can use this water to make face packs, as a facial mist, and even as a cleanser.
How to make a mint hydrosol at home
Vetiver Face Pack
Ingredients
- 1 tsp of sandalwood powder
- 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder
- Vetiver water as required
Mix the sandalwood powder and turmeric powder together. Add vetiver water to it. Mix well so that it is a smooth paste. Apply this face pack to the face, and keep it for 10 minutes. Wash with lukewarm water and pat dry. You can also add 2 drops of vetiver essential oil to this. This face pack is a very effective treatment for acne.
Vetiver Soap
Ingredients
- 100g melt and pour glycerine or goat milk soap base
- 5g of vetiver powder
- 10g of vetiver water
- 5g glycerine
- Vetiver essential oil (optional)
Chop the melt and pour the soap base into small cubes and melt in a double boiler. Once melted, add the vetiver powder, vetiver powder, and glycerine to it. When it cools down a bit, add the essential oil (if it is vetiver essential oil add about 5 drops). As it already has vetiver water and vetiver powder in it, vetiver oil is optional.
Vetiver Infused Oil
Vetiver-infused oil can be used for soft smooth skin. Infused oils can be used directly on the skin, whereas essential oils should be mixed with carrier oil if you want to apply it on your skin. You can use coconut oil or olive oil for this purpose.
The infused oil is easy to make. Take a handful of clean vetiver root. Chop it into small pieces. Put it in a glass jar and pour the oil of choice into it. The oil should completely cover the root. Cover the jar and keep it in a cupboard for 4-6 weeks. Strain the oil and use it. You can also crush the roots in a carrier oil of your choice and then let it infuse for a month or more. Another way to infuse the oil is by the double boiler method, where you cook the oil with the root for 3-4 hours or more and strain through a cheesecloth.