Vetiver 101: A Guide to Vetiver Cologne for Men

Vetiver root has been used for over 1,000 years due to its pleasant, exotic scent and therapeutic properties. In fact, vetiver is considered one of the most complex and beneficial essential oils on earth because it can do so much. Keep reading to learn more about the eclectic and earthy Vetiver Cologne, its many health benefits and why it should have a place in your personal fragrance arsenal.

What Is Vetiver?

Vetiver is a long tropical grass native to parts of Asia that is used to produce vetiver oil. Lesser-known but powerful, vetiver is one of the most complex and enigmatic essential oils on the planet. Due to the pure complexity of the oil, there is no true synthetic substitute on the market. Vetiver was a scent regularly used in ancient times and remains a popular ingredient in many colognes and fragrances to this day. Vetiver oil contains a number of rare and diverse chemical structures, giving it a distinct odor profile.

Where Does Vetiver Come From?

The tropical vetiver plant is a green, clumpy grass native to India. The name "vetiver" is derived from Tamil. But today, nearly 80% of commercially used vetiver oil comes from Haiti. The plant is in the same family as other common grasses used for essential oils, like lemongrass and citronella. Unlike many grasses with root systems that run horizontally, vetiver's root system has branches that run vertically. These thick, stiff roots can grow to be up to 9 to 13 feet long. Vetiver essential oil, also known as khus oil, is distilled from the roots of the vetiver plant. These roots are typically aged before being soaked in water. The highly concentrated oil that is released is then skimmed off the top of the water. This method of steam distillation of the vetiver plant's root gives the oil its distinct woodsy aroma.

What Are the Benefits of Vetiver?

Vetiver fragrances contain quite a few beneficial properties that can help with your overall well-being. The oils derived from the vetiver root have relaxing, sedative and mood-boosting properties that have been found to help relieve tension and stress. The following are just a few of the many benefits of vetiver.

Decreases Mental Fatigue & Increases Alertness

If you feel like you're struggling to stay focused or alert, vetiver cologne might just be what your brain needs. Vetiver has been proven to help the brain feel more awake when you're struggling to focus or stay alert. The complex, earthy-smelling cologne's scent works with every breath you take by increasing the actual quality of each inhale and exhale.

Provides a Sense of Calm

Feeling anxious? The vetiver root is known to help people feel more relaxed. It has a grounding effect on emotions and can calm you down almost instantly. In fact, many brides have used essential oils infused with vetiver to calm them before their wedding day (bonus — not only are vetiver products soothing, they've also been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac).

Improves Breathing Patterns During Sleep

Just like the scent of vetiver can increase the quality of your breath, it can also help to improve overall breathing patterns while you sleep. It's been found that the vetiver scent may actually benefit those who snore heavily. It works by increasing the quality of exhalations and inhalations to better regulate one's breath cycle.

What Does Vetiver Smell Like?

Did you know the highly esteemed vetiver scent is used in nearly a fifth of all male fragrances? The distinctive earthy odor makes it a favorite in modern perfumery. Plus, due to its relative viscosity and low volatility, it's one of the few oils that can actually improve with age.

St Johns vetiver products are the best due to their inherently masculine woodiness and smokiness. In fact, the smoky aroma is often linked to the scent of incense and cigars. Simply put, the vetiver scent description is one of pure sophistication. This earthy-smelling cologne is one of the finest and most popular on the market. And there's no secret why. The dashing and well-bred fragrance masterfully combines a blend of citrus and spicy cardamom, with notes of grass and cypress musk, and subtle undertones of amber, cedar and sandalwood. The end result? A distinguished, bold scent that is bound to become a staple in your personal care routine.

When Should You Use Vetiver Cologne?

The warm and luminous accents of vetiver cologne make it extremely versatile. The depth of the scent is elevated yet not overpowering, fresh but sophisticated. This means that the popular scent can seamlessly transition from a day to night fragrance. You can easily wear vetiver cologne in the office, on a date or for any other occasion, no matter the time of year.