Day 14: Vetiver
Boy, have I neglected my 31 days of essential oil blog! Please forgive me?! In all honesty, when I went to start this one back in May, I found myself stumped … ‘what could I say here that would be different than the video?’
Well, for starters, vetiver has proven to have strong sedative qualities .. stronger than lavender. At the same time, I feel hesitation in saying this because of the plant matter that was tested. What do I mean?
The chemical makeup of plants varies even if it’s the very same strain of plant; in this case, vetiver. I say this because the differences are due to soil, air, water and light quality as well as location. You see, we can harvest and process a plant that grew along the coast and do the same for the identical strain grown inland, and there will be variances in the constituents. All of this has to do with the amount of protection a plant may need from the different insects as well as attracting those that will help pollinate them. Not to mention, the amount of stress one plant goes through compared to another. Again, all of this is based on the plant’s experience in that particular environment. This is why I find it difficult and at the same time, we have to start somewhere.
The cocktail of constituents that scientists have identified as the most influential on the effects of vetiver are:
khusimol(12.7%)
longipinene (4.2 %)
valerenol (3.9 %)
epizizanal (3.3 %)
avetivone (2.0 %)
b-vetivone (1.62 %)
What’s more, studies on khusimol alone have revealed that it inhibits the binding of vasopressin; the antidiuretic hormone. This is significant for several reasons:
this fact alone indicates vetiver’s influence on the pituitary gland !!!!
although, scientists are attempting to understand the different effects of the various constituents, it’s impossible to determine the synergistic effects on any one individual. That said, because khusimol inhibits the binding of vasopressin
it is contraindicated when taking vasopressin as a medication for such conditions as diabetes insipidus, enuresis, polyuria, certain cardiovascular issues as well as GI bleeding and esophageal varices
Who would have suspected vetiver of being anything but gentle?
I often recommend or use it with children and adults that struggle with mental clarity. For one, it is grounding and at the same time, helps with regulating the hormonal system. However, now that I think about it, I never knew a person taking vasopressin to need vetiver. There health issues clearly steered me in a different direction.
On the other hand, I have suggested and used it with chronic circulatory issues as the combination of constituents supports the hormonal system … Wait a minute, I just said that! And it’s true because hormones are responsible for every function in the body and when circulation is compromised, vetiver is an exceptional choice .. barring certain medications as noted.
Another fine use for vetiver is for sleep. Children respond very nicely to the oil; especially when blended with other oils for the full synergistic effect. That said, I do not suggest vetiver for anyone prone to bedwetting (enuresis).
I promise to continue and keep up with these posts. My plan is to offer a blending series on my Ko-fi page as well as do another round of a month of essential oils. I’m also writing for All in the Pantheon and hope to get my first submission to Natural News later this month. Needless to say there is a lot of content coming out and I sincerely hope you are enjoying it. Please know donations are always appreciated as this is my life’s work!
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