Haiti is an extremely poor country not oft visited. Travel is limited and usually the foreigners here are aid workers. What looks to be a boost to the economy, however, is the involvement of some aromatherapy companies  (e.g. dõTerra) utlizing Haiti’s natural environment to provide a quality supply of vetiver. Hopefully this will have a positive trickle down effect on Haiti’s economy. This Wellness Wednesday post profiles vetiver essential oil.

Vetiver essential oil is derived from the steam distillation of the roots of this wild grass. It is often associated with India and also cultivated in Java and Haiti. Vetiver has been used in perfumery, aromatherapy and house construction. This heady oil is used in soaps and as a fixative for perfumes, the root has been woven into awnings and mats and thatched into roofs. The essential oil, itself, has various aromatherapeutic applications.

Botanical name
Vetiveria Zizanoides  or Andropogon Muricatus

Healing properties
aphrodisiac, nervine, sedative, tonic, immune stimulant, antiseptic

Uses
Vetiver is said to have a calming effect on the mind and a healing effect on acne. It has been used for mental exhaustion, skin care and a tonic to the immune system. Vetiver is also useful for skin parasites, wounds and as an insect repellent.

Travel
Imagine you are stressed because your plane is delayed and you are worried that you will miss your connecting flight. It all works out, though, and you arrive in your tropical destination feeling a little under the weather. You push yourself to keep going all day and by night you collapse into your bed, hoping the creepy crawlies don’t join you. Vetiver can assist on all counts. Use in a hand lotion or body spray and apply topically.

Link
Health Benefits of Vetiver Essential Oil