Top 9 Ayurvedic Benefits Of Vetiver For Your Skin

Top 9 Ayurvedic Benefits Of Vetiver For Your Skin

Have you walked through countless beauty aisles for a complete skin solution? A pinch of vetiver can rapidly resolve most of your skin worries!

Considered to be one of the best healing herbs for treating various skin conditions, vetiver is a much-valued ingredient added to a wide range of cosmetics.

Its cooling abilities bring instant relief to eczema, acne and allergy-prone skin. Read on to know the various benefits of this ancient herb and how to best use it for your skin.

Our Ayurvedic Doctor Speaks

“Vetiver / Khus is a Kapha and Pitta balancing herb. This makes it ideal for the skin that is sensitive, prone to acne and inflammations. Its cooling property improves the appearance of large pores, tending towards oiliness. It improves skin hydration. Pitta balancing action also corrects complexion, and slows down skin aging.”

Dr. Zeel Gandhi (Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine & Surgery), Chief Ayurvedic Doctor, Vedix

What Is Vetiver?

Vetiver, also known as Usira or Khus, is a perennial, aromatic, tussock grass extensively prized for its therapeutic benefits and fragrant essential oil. The main constituents of this herb are khusimol, vetiverols, isopropenyl and various other flavonoids, phenols and phytochemicals.

These possess powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and skin rejuvenating properties.

Vetiver is an ancient herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine as a purging and healing agent. Apart from topical uses, vetiver is also consumed as a tea for holistic health benefits.

An Ayurvedic View

As per Ayurveda, your body functions are regulated by the Tridoshas (life energies) of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Imbalances in these dosha levels cause maladies in the body. Vetiver is used in Ayurvedic medicine as a Vata-Pitta balancing herb.

Being a coolant, it possesses the ability to treat fever, digestive disorders and skin diseases. It also hydrates the body, cleanses your blood and helps to remove harmful toxins.

As per Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix, “Vetiver, more popularly known as Khus, is a Kapha and Pitta balancing herb. This makes it ideal for the skin that is sensitive, prone to acne and inflammation. Its cooling property improves the appearance of large pores, tending towards oiliness. It improves skin hydration. Pitta balancing action also corrects complexion, and slows down skin aging.”

She further says, “Vetiver essential oil is prized for its benefits and negligible allergen profile in addition to the skin benefits it offers.”

“Vetiver is a traditional summer delight when made into a sherbet. The cooling properties of Vetiver are an instant respite on the Indian subcontinent and provide health benefits inside out,” adds Dr Zeel.

The medical properties of vetiver are as follows:

Rasa (Taste)

Tikta and madhura (bitter and sweet)

Guna (Quality)

Rooksha and laghu (dry and light)

Veerya

Sheeta (cold potency)

Vipaka (post-digestive effect)

Katu (pungent)

9 Benefits Of Vetiver For Your Skin

1. Brightens Skin Tone

Vetiver is classified under ‘varnya’ or skin brightening herbs in the ancient Ayurvedic texts. It contains numerous phytochemicals that exhibit the ability to suppress melanogenesis [1] by decreasing tyrosinase (an enzyme responsible for melanin synthesis) activity.

Thus, including vetiver or its essential oil in your daily skincare routine can fade dark spots, acne marks and tanning and significantly brighten your skin tone.

2. Treats Eczema And Psoriasis

With the ability to balance the Pitta dosha, which is often cited as a cause for inflammatory conditions, vetiver is a good remedy for eczema and psoriasis.

Apart from its anti-inflammatory benefits, vetiver’s cooling nature helps to relieve skin irritations and redness and treat skin burns. Vetiver is also highly recommended for sensitive skin, as it gently nourishes and heals without any adverse effects.

3. Moisturizes Dry Skin

woman happy smile clean skin

With amazing ‘Vata-hara’ properties, vetiver prevents dryness-related skin conditions. It is added to various moisturizers and skin creams for its ability to replenish essential moisture in dehydrated and damaged skin.

According to a 2021 study named Overall renewal of skin lipids with Vetiver extract for a complete anti-ageing strategy, extracts of the herb successfully reactivated the production of skin lipids in mature skin, leaving it hydrated, plump and supple.

4. Balances Oil Secretions

Sebum acts as your skin’s natural moisturizer. However, hormonal fluctuations can lead to hyperactivity of sebaceous glands and overproduction of sebum, leaving your skin greasy and prone to acne.

Vetiver is a perfect herbal solution to oily skin problems. Including this astringent herb in your skincare routine can help regulate sebum secretions, tighten large pores and keep acne trouble at bay.

5. Heals Acne

Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition that occurs when excess oil, dead cells and dirt clog your skin pores to form comedones (blackheads and whiteheads).

If bacteria gets trapped in one of these pores, you may end up with an infected, painful, inflamed lesion known as a papule, pustule or nodule.

Vetiver helps treat acne in various ways. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling and its antimicrobial abilities curb bacterial proliferation in the pores.

It also helps to balance sebum secretions [2] on your skin and prevents chances of future acne outbreaks.

6. Detoxifies Skin

As per Ayurvedic belief, improper diet and lifestyle lead to the accumulation of harmful Ama toxins in the body. Its effects are manifested in the form of poor absorption of nutrition, fatigue, depletion of skin health and immune impairment.

Vetiver is credited to be a natural detoxifier. Its ‘Vishahara’ properties cleanse your blood and remove these toxins from the body.

Both consumption and topical application of vetiver root can improve skin quality. In fact, folk medicine practitioners in certain parts of the world administer vetiver for snakebites to relieve poison from the body.

7. Anti-Aging

The epidermal barrier protects your skin from various environmental stressors. However, internal aging and repeated exposure to the sun cause an increase of free radicals in your body.

This leads to inflammation, reduced skin elasticity, barrier damage, decreased wound healing ability and more susceptibility to skin cancers [3].

The presence of potent antioxidant compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins and phenols [4] make vetiver a strong scavenger of free radicals. It helps to reverse skin aging by fighting oxidative damage.

Further, its hydrating properties also help to reconstruct the skin barrier, reduce skin sagging and fine lines and give your skin a wrinkle-free, youthful glow.

8. Wound Healing

One of the qualities that describe vetiver in Ayurvedic texts is ‘Vranahara’, meaning healer of wounds. Apart from being antiseptic, vetiver strengthens connective tissues when applied topically on open wounds. This accelerates the healing process. It is also helpful in the treatment of weeping sores.

9. Treats Skin Infections

Vetiver can be used to treat certain bacterial and fungal infections of the skin. The essential oil of vetiver, extracted from its roots, is known to exhibit powerful antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus bacteria [5] and a few others.

As per a medical article named Antifungal Activity Of Alcoholic And Aqueous Extracts Of Vetiveria Zizanioides, vetiver extracts were highly effective against various strains of fungus especially Asperigulls nigar and Asperigulls clavatus.

The hardy and fragrant roots of vetiver can grow deeper into the ground than most tree roots. Its natural floral-woody scent originates from a complex combination of phytochemicals that still cannot be synthetically produced. This makes it a highly valuable ingredient in the perfume industry.

How To Use Vetiver For Your Skin?

Extracts of vetiver, its essential oil and the herb in powdered form are added to a diverse range of skincare products. Some of the common uses of vetiver for the skin are listed below.

1. Vetiver Water

woman bottle spraying on face

Vetiver water can help balance your skin’s natural pH and is suitable for use on all skin types. Its astringent and nourishing nature keeps your skin hydrated and oil-free all day. You can include vetiver water in your skin routine in the following ways:

A. As A Toner

To make your vetiver toner at home, heat 1 to 2 cups of water. Once the water begins to boil, turn off the flame and add 2 tablespoons of vetiver root powder to it.

Throw in a handful of rose or hibiscus petals and let the ingredients soak overnight. Strain and add it to a pump bottle and use it daily after cleansing your face.

B. As A Face Mist

To prepare your DIY vetiver face mist, soak 2 tablespoons of vetiver root powder in 1-2 cups of hot water for a couple of hours. Strain the water and add 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel to it. Mix well and store it in a spray bottle. Carry it with you and mist your face whenever it feels dry.

C. As A Body Mist

Vetiver water as a body mist leaves behind a sensational woody-earthy aroma that soothes the body and the mind. You can prepare it in a similar way as the face mist, and spray it when your skin is still damp after a bath.

2. Vetiver Root Scrub

Vetiver’s gentle exfoliative abilities detoxify your skin and simultaneously protect it from various skin infections. It is also recommended for exfoliating sensitive skin. Take 1 ½ tablespoons of coarsely powdered vetiver root and 1 tablespoon of triphala.

Add a small amount of coconut oil or raw honey to it to make a thick paste and gently massage your face using a circular motion. Allow it to stay for a few minutes and wash off.

3. Vetiver Root Powder

woman with facial clay mask on face

Vetiver water can help balance your skin’s natural pH and is suitable for use on all skin types. Its astringent and nourishing nature keeps your skin hydrated and oil-free all day. You can include vetiver water in your skin routine in the following ways:

A. As A Toner

To make your vetiver toner at home, heat 1 to 2 cups of water. Once the water begins to boil, turn off the flame and add 2 tablespoons of vetiver root powder to it.

Throw in a handful of rose or hibiscus petals and let the ingredients soak overnight. Strain and add it to a pump bottle and use it daily after cleansing your face.

B. As A Face Mist

To prepare your DIY vetiver face mist, soak 2 tablespoons of vetiver root powder in 1-2 cups of hot water for a couple of hours. Strain the water and add 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel to it. Mix well and store it in a spray bottle. Carry it with you and mist your face whenever it feels dry.

C. As A Body Mist

Vetiver water as a body mist leaves behind a sensational woody-earthy aroma that soothes the body and the mind. You can prepare it in a similar way as the face mist, and spray it when your skin is still damp after a bath.

4. Vetiver Root Scrub

Vetiver’s gentle exfoliative abilities detoxify your skin and simultaneously protect it from various skin infections. It is also recommended for exfoliating sensitive skin. Take 1 ½ tablespoons of coarsely powdered vetiver root and 1 tablespoon of triphala.

Add a small amount of coconut oil or raw honey to it to make a thick paste and gently massage your face using a circular motion. Allow it to stay for a few minutes and wash off.

5. Vetiver Root Powder

A. For Eczema And Dry Skin

Mix 1 tablespoon each of vetiver and turmeric, ½ tablespoon of ela and ½ tablespoon of triphala together. To this add a sufficient amount of coconut oil/ raw ghee/ avocado oil/ soybean oil.

Mix the ingredients and apply on your dry skin or eczema-affected areas. Leave it on for an hour before washing off.

6. Vetiver Essential Oil

Vetiver essential oil can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions. Simply dilute 3-4 drops of the essential oil with 10 ml of any carrier oil of your choice.

For oily skin, jojoba or safflower are good choices, while dry to normal skin can benefit from almond/ olive/ argan/ pomegranate/ grape seed/ carrot seed oil.

Massage the oil on your skin for 10 to 15 minutes using upward strokes and wash off with lukewarm water. You can even add vetiver essential oil to your moisturizer for added healing and anti-aging benefits.

7. Vetiver Soaps

Vetiver infused soaps are preferred for their appeasing aroma, calming sensation and deep nourishing benefits. Switching your regular soap with one that contains vetiver can soothe inflammatory conditions, prevent infections and delay signs of aging.

Gently apply the soap on damp skin and massage to remove the superficial dirt. Wash off and experience feather-soft skin.

Vedix Tip:

Add a few drops of diluted vetiver essential oil to your bath water for a refreshing, skin-nourishing experience.

The Last Word

Adding vetiver to your skincare routine can rejuvenate, repair and protect your skin from environmental damage. With a fragrance that calms the mind, vetiver-infused products are highly beneficial for damaged and prematurely aged skin. However, it is always advisable to consult your Ayurvedic doctor to understand your skin type and requirement to reap the most out of this therapeutic herb.

Know Your Dosha Now
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