Vetiver organic(Vetiveria zizaniodes)-Indonesia

Vetiver Images-1

Vetiver Images 2

Olfactory Properties of Vetiveria zizanoides/Vetiver organic-Indonesia

Each vetiver oil is distinctly unique depending on the country of origin, the way it is distilled, the length of distillation, the type of materials the distilling vessels are made of(copper, iron, stainless steel) the type of soil it is grown in, etc.
It is important to envision that there are hundreds of fine vetiver rootlets in contact with the soil and that these rootlets absorb the qualities of the soil that it is grown in. Each type of soil is unique and hence the aromatic qualities of the oil distilled from the rootlets will have its own special qualities.
Vetiver oil from Indonesia that is distilled in stainless steel vessels is the most heavy, intense, somewhat pungent, earthy, rooty, odour of all the vetiver oils I have encountered. Within a few seconds of being placed on the aroma stone this distinct note begins to spread in the room and within 2 minutes the atmosphere is totally saturated with it. For the first 30 minutes or so when becomes increasingly enveloped in the power of its odor-but gradually as the odor matures, one is able to appreciate the fine wet-earthy, rooty odor that the oil captures. Well into the dry-out(well beyond 1 hour) the oil displays a delicate sweet ambery/spicy note that interplays well with the earthy/rooty/mossy bouquet which becomes quieter and more subtle.

Blends well with agarwood eo and co2; agalia odorata abs; allspice eo, co2 and abs; angelica root eo, co2 and abs; benzoin abs; bergamot eo; bois de rose(rosewood) eo; broom/genet abs; cananga eo; carnation abs; cassia bark eo and co2; cassie abs; cedarwood oils; choya nakh; choya loban; choya ral; cinnamon bark eo and co2; cistus eo and abs; clary sage eo and abs; coriander eo and co2; clove bud eo, co2 and abs; costus eo and co2; fir balsam abs; frankincense eo, co and abs; ginger root eo, co2 and abs; guaicwood eo; gurjun balsam eo; hay abs; juniper berry eo, co2; labdanum eo and abs; lavender eo, co2 and abs; mimosa abs; myrrh eo, co2 and abs; musk, black attar; oakmoss abs; opoponax eo and abs; orange flower abs; patchouli eo, co2 and abs; pepper eo, co2 and abs; rosa damascena abs; rose de mai absolute; rosa bourbonia abs; sandalwood eo, co2 and abs; tonka bean abs; vanilla abs; violet leaf abs

In perfumery it is an excellent addition to chypre, fougere, incense compositions, historical bouquets, culinary perfumes, oriental bases, precious woods notes, amber creations etc


Interesting facts about Vetiver, Vetiveria ziazaniodes

1. Mats made by weaving Vetiver roots and binding them with ropes/cords are used in India to cool rooms in a house during summer. The mats are typically hung in the doorway and kept moist by spraying with water periodically. It acts like an air-cooler when wind from a fan or outside hits it. It also adds a pleasant aroma in the house which is commonly described as "cool" and "refreshing".
2. In the hot summer months in India, sometimes a muslin sachet of Vetiver roots is tossed into the earthen pot that keeps the household's drinking water cool. Like a bouquet garni, the bundle lends its distinctive flavor and aroma to the water.
3. The plant has deep-rooted and far-ranging roots that make it a valuable plant for controlling soil erosion in cultivated fields. It is often planted along the contour lines for this purpose.
4. In Vedic times the ancient Hindus were instructed to build their houses in a place where the Virana and Kusa(Vetiveria ziazaniodes) were abundant, and on some copper-plate inscriptions discovered near Etawah, dated A.D. 1103 and 1174, this plant is mentioned as one of the articles upon which the kings of Kanauj levied imports
5. Externally it is used in a variety of ways: a paste of the root is rubbed on the skin to relieve oppressive heat or burning of the body; an aromatic cooling bath is prepared by adding to a tub of water the root in fine powder, together with the root of Pavonia odorata, red sandalwood and the wood of Prunus puddum. The same ingredients are applied in the form of a thin paste to the skin. (Chakradatta.)
6. In Kerala, the roots are woven along with bamboo splits and madeinto flat mattresses for use as under-beds to give a cooling effect.
7. India is inhabited by a wide variety of tribal populations who dwell in forested areas and depend onsurrounding resources for their livelihood. Among the several hundreds of plants which are gathered bytribal populations, Khas grass, particularly in North Indian plains, takes a leading role. Various tribes usethe different parts of the grass for many of their ailments such as mouth ulcer, fever, boil, epilepsy, burn,snakebite, scorpion sting, rheumatism, fever, headache, etc.
8. Apart from the medicinal uses, the culms along with the panicles form a good broom for sweeping. Theculms and leaves are also extensively used by the tribes and villagers for thatching their huts, mud walls,etc.

Vetiver in Literature

Vetiver blinds, that lend
To burning summer noons
The scented chill
Of winter nights.
Bihari(1595-1664)

Later in the afternoon a young woman comes from the town.
She is foreign to these parts and her sad face
is drawn and pale from the heat.
In a low voice she teaches the poetry of a foreign poet.
In a room where a tattered blue screen obscures the light
and the damp odour of vetiver fills the air,
enters the pain of a human heart from beyond the seas.
Tagore, Rabindranath, 1861-1941

The rich, mysterious vetiver fragrance, known as the "aroma of tranquility" in the East is a wonderful gift to mankind from the botanical kingdom. Its aesthetic and therapeutic value has been appreciated for thousands of years and hopefully will continue to provide enjoyment and healing virtues for future generations. Its story is intimately interwoven with the lives of many people; collectors, distillers, and users. When we contemplate the exquisite beauty of any such oil, we can greatly deepen our level of appreciation if we endeavor to connect ourselves with all the hard work that went into producing each precious drop. When our thoughts dwell on how the plant has been brought into being by a long evolutionary process in
nature's alchemical laboratory, we can further refine our awareness of the oils unique qualities. When such sensitive thoughts appear in our heart and mind we will undoubtedly contact those wonderful feelings of joy, and purity which the world of fragrance produces in the heart and mind.
http://members.aol.com/parijata/vetiver.html

Here we slept in peace until eleven o'clock, and awoke from dreams of Cashmere to the unpleasant realities of a violent dust-storm. The usual "Khus-khus tatties," or screens of fragrant grass, which are kept in a continual state of moisture at door and window, and convert the dust-charged scorching blast into a comparative coolness, were not forthcoming, and our halt was not a pleasant one by any means: still our faces were towards the mountains, and the pleasures of hope enabled us to take our misfortunes with entire philosophy.
Diary of a Pedestrian in Cashmere and Thibet
by William Henry Knight

But we digress. There is more to life with tall, cool, sweet summer drinks than fizzy foreign or local colas. No, we are not talking about tetra-pack bricks brimming over with fruit drinks and sugar-laced juices. The realm of Indian sherbets is a many-splendoured universe. Just look at the vibgyorous array: rose red gulab, emerald green khus, yellow bel, violet phalsa and white thandai.

These rehydrants were made with hundred per cent natural ingredients and one could guzzle gallons without worrying ourselves sick about carcinogenic synhetic colours and added artificial flavours. Then there are aam ka paana, saunf ka sherbet prepared to celebrate Ganga Dussehra.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060611/spectrum/food.htm

Links for Vetiver

1. VETIVERIA ZIZANIOIDES (LINN.) NASHA MULTIPURPOSE ECO-FRIENDLY GRASS OF INDIA
2. Vetiver a historical perspective
3. Uses of vetiver
4. Vetiver as a Medicinal Plant