Vetiver: a fragrant plant that grows on the banks of rivers.

Vetiver, a scent that has not left us from the Far East to the present day, remains an essential part of our most cherished aromatic memories.

Vetiver -Chrysopogon zizanioides-, is a perennial plant of the grass family native to India. The name vetiver comes from the Tamil language: it means root that was dug up; and the specific name "zizanioides" means "river". It gives an idea of its origin: it grew mainly on the banks of the rivers of India.

Vetiver is cultivated mainly for the extraction of the oil distilled from its roots. World production of this shrub is estimated to be around 250 tons per year. A 36% of Western perfumescontain this essence. The largest producers are: Haiti, Java, China, India and Brazil. And the main consumers: the United States, Europe, India and Japan.

It reaches a height of one and a half meters and its roots can go up to 4 meters deep; this means that it is increasingly used to support and stabilize land at risk of landslides.

In infusion it is attributed a multitude of medicinal properties: against rheumatism, lumbago, headache and as a treatment for fever, inflammation and irritability. In cosmetics it is highly appreciated for the treatment of acne, irritated skin and as a rejuvenator of mature skin. Its essential oil is also attributed medicinal properties; it is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aphrodisiac and a natural tonic.

Its essential oil has a very slow evaporation rate which, together with its pleasant aroma, makes it a perfume in its own right. It has been, since ancient times, a perfume ingredient in the Far East and today remains fundamental in intense, oriental (non-floral) perfumes and, therefore, very popular in men's perfumery.