Vetiver is a plant. The root is used to make medicine.
People take vetiver for nerve and circulation problems and for stomach pain. Some women take vetiver to start their periods or to cause an abortion.
Vetiver is sometimes applied directly to the skin for relieving stress, as well as for emotional traumas and shock, lice, and repelling insects. It is also used for arthritis, stings, and burns.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of vetiver for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Vetiver is LIKELY SAFE in food amounts. There isn't enough reliable information to know if vetiver is safe when used in amounts found in medicine or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if vetiver is safe or what the side effects might be.
When inhaled: There isn't enough reliable information to know if vetiver is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Vetiver is LIKELY SAFE in food amounts. There isn't enough reliable information to know if vetiver is safe when used in amounts found in medicine or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if vetiver is safe or what the side effects might be.
When inhaled: There isn't enough reliable information to know if vetiver is safe or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is LIKELY UNSAFE to take vetiver if you are pregnant. It might cause a miscarriage. It's also best to avoid vetiver if you are breast-feeding. The effects on a nursing infant are unknown.
Interactions
We currently have no information for VETIVER overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of vetiver depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for vetiver. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Agri Res Svc: Dr. Duke's phytochemical and ethnobotanical databases. www.ars-grin.gov/duke (Accessed 3 November 1999).
Amarasiri SS, Attanayake AP, Arawwawala LDAM, Jayatilaka KAPW, Mudduwa LKB. Nephroprotective activity of Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash supplement in doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity model of Wistar rats. J Food Biochem 2021;45(9):e13901. View abstract.
Brown D. Encyclopedia of herbs and their uses. New York, NY:Dorland Kindersley Publ., Inc., 1995.
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
Martinez, J., Rosa, P. T., Menut, C., Leydet, A., Brat, P., Pallet, D., and Meireles, M. A. Valorization of Brazilian vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash ex Small) oil. J Agric.Food Chem 10-20-2004;52(21):6578-6584. View abstract.
Shinjyo Y, Midorikawa N, Matsumoto T, et al. Analysis of cell death in Bacillus subtilis caused by sesquiterpenes from Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty. J Gen Appl Microbiol 2022;68(2):62-70. View abstract.
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.