Vetiver oil is native to India. It’s been used in traditional medicine in South Asia and West Africa for centuries. If you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone. Vetiver essential oil isn’t one of the most popular essential oils, but it does have plenty of hidden benefits. It’s known for its powerful antioxidants that help promote glowing skin, stimulate the immune system and provide support to the nervous system. Recent research has also shown that vetiver oil has the ability to treat ADHD symptoms as well as chronic anxiety, thanks to its calming abilities. If you’re in the market for a new essential oil, you might want to move vetiver oil to the top of your list.
Benefits Of Vetiver Oil
1. Heals Scars
Vetiver oil promotes the regeneration of skin and tissue, which helps rejuvenate the skin and remove dark spots, acne and scars. It also has anti-aging properties that work to treat stretch marks and wrinkles. Simply add a few drops of vetiver oil to your face wash, body wash or lotion for an improved complexion.
2. Proven Antioxidant
Researchers at the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Clemson University studied the antioxidant levels of vetiver oil (1). They found that the oil possessed powerful abilities to protect the body against damage cause by free radicals. Benefits of this powerful antioxidant include healthy skin, slower aging, better detox support and reduced cancer risk.
3. Helps Treat ADHD
A 2001 study showed that vetiver oil is effective in treating children who have ADHD. Researchers tested different essential oils in children with ADHD and found that vetiver oil increased performance by 100% in all participants (2). The calming properties of vetiver oil helped lessen ADHD symptoms and increase concentration.
4. Improves Body Function
Research has shown that vetiver essential oil naturally boosts the immune system and the nervous system. It has a protective effect on the body, working to lessen toxicity (3). Thanks to its antioxidant properties, studies have shown that vetiver oil is able to inhibit DNA damage, while stimulating the immune system and providing support to the nervous system.
5. Soothes Anxiety
Vetiver essential oil can be used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Studies have shown the oil can help with anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia and depression. In one study, vetiver oil was found to have the same impact as Diazepam, a calming medication for anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures and other conditions (4).
6. Repels Termites
Researchers at the the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center analyzed eight different essential oils for their ability to repel termites (5). They found that vetiver essential oil proved to be the most effective due to its long-lasting activity. It effectively repelled termites and may also have the ability to repel mosquitoes.