vetiver root for scalp

This lesser-known heavy, earthy fragrant essential oil is better known as khus oil or khus-khus. It is extensively used in perfumes, cooling, food, and beverage industries. Vetiver or Khus oil is derived from the roots of Khus grass and is known as the oil of tranquility because of its ability to calm, cool, and soothe the body and mind. Its botanical name is Vetiveria zizanoides or Andropogon muricatus and the dried grass and its roots are often used to thatch the side panels of water-based room and window coolers because it cools and adds fragrance to moist air. Vetiver is extracted through the steam distillation of the plant’s roots. The roots have to be at least 18 months old before they are dug up and cleaned to start the process. After being dried, they are cut up, steam distilled for nearly a day, and what remains is a thick, brown, viscous oil that smells woody, smoky, earthy, and comforting.

Benefits of vetiver root oil

This earthy root oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in calming inflammations particular in the circulatory system. Vetiver root oil also has antiseptic properties that aid in stopping the growth of certain bacteria. The cicatrizing components accelerate the disappearance of scars on the skin, stops skin infections from being septic, and aids in healing those wounds quickly while promoting the growth of new tissue on the affected area. It blends well with clary sage, lavender, rose, sandalwood, and ylang ylang.

Vetiver root oil for scalp and hair

Vetiver oil helps in cell regeneration and it bags this goodness from its cicatrizing properties. Cicatrisants are cell-renewing agents that stimulate collagen formation and it is a major component of our hair. As we age our collagen production slows and the cell structures weaken, causing hair to get lifeless and less elastic.

As we age our collagen production slows and the cell structures weaken, causing hair to get lifeless and less elastic.

Vetiver root oil is a big boost for aging hair to replenish collagen formation and bring hair back to life. Of course, this is a plus for your skin (i.e. scalp”> to stave off wrinkles, age spots, dryness, and dullness. The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties help with scalp inflammation and scalp ailments like eczema, psoriasis, and even dandruff, and its soothing and calming properties it calms irritated and inflamed scalps. 

Here is a scalp massage oil and a hair rinse that will be beneficial for your hair and scalp. If you are not the DIY type, we have a couple of hair products that utilize the amazing properties of vetiver essential oil.

5 oil scalp massage

  • 4 drops vetiver essential oil 
  • 4 drops clary sage essential oil
  • 5 drops of lavender essential oil
  • 4 drops of ylang ylang
  • ½ cup grapeseed oil

Mix all the oils together and use as weekly scalp massage oil and use as a body massage oil. Store in an airtight container.

Vetiver hair rinse

  • Bundle of vetiver root
  • 1 slice of lime
  • Clay pot
  • Water

Place the bunch of vetiver root in the bottom of the clay pot. Pour cooled, boiled water over the top of the root, and cover the pot for at least 2 to 3 hrs. Remove cover, add the lime, and allow it to set for a few minutes. Strain the water and use for a hair rinse.

Products with veviter

Sabrina Perkins

Sabrina, founder of seriouslynatural.org and contributor to several online publications, is a freelance writer who engages her audiences on the relevance of natural hair, beauty, and style.

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