Vetiver or khus is a perennial grass. The health benefits of vetiver essential oil could be attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, cicatrisant, nervine, sedative, tonic and vulnerary properties. Vetiver essential oil is also used in aromatherapy and has several medicinal properties. This essential oil has a soothing and cooling effect and thus relieves all sorts of inflammations. The oil is completely safe to be applied externally on wounds and protect them from septic.1 Cicatrisant refers to a property by means of which a substance can hasten the eradication or disappearance of scars and other marks from the skin. Vetiver is one such herb. It promotes the growth of new tissues in the affected areas, replacing the dead and discoloured tissues, thus assisting in achieving a uniform look. The herb can be used for post-delivery stretch marks, fat cracks, after spots of pox, burns etc. The herb is also beneficial for dry skin conditions.1 Vetiver preparations can be used topically to relieve pains in skin burns. Vetiver oil has a balancing/regulatory activity on skin.2The beneficial effects of vetiver oil on skin, particularly for sensitive and older skin, could be attributed to its antiseptic, tonic and detoxifying properties. This oil can balance sebaceous gland activity, help normalize oily skin and clear acne. It promotes skin rejuvenation and strengthens the connective tissue, thereby having a role in wound healing of mature, irritated and inflamed skins. Vetiver oil replenished moisture in dehydrated and dry skin and prevents stretch marks. This non toxic and non-irritant oil has deodorizing properties.2Besides replenishing moisture in dry skin, vetiver oil also has a rejuvenating effect on mature skin, as well as cuts, wounds, irritated and inflamed skin.3Vetiver or khus grass is therefore a promising agent for conditions of dry, dehydrated skin on account of its rejuvenating, soothing, and anti-inflammatory as well as antiseptic properties.

References

1. Balasankar D, Vanilarasu K, Preetha PS, et al. Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Vetiver. Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies 2013;1(3):191-200.
2. Burger P, Landreau A, Watson M, et al. Vetiver Essential Oil in Cosmetics: What Is New? Medicines (Basel). 2017 Jun; 4(2): 41.
3. Lavania UC. Other Uses, and Utilization of Vetiver: Vetiver Oil. Available from: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/637f/0ddf893db61040ebbf2a670055f7203893e4.pdf.