CaFleureBon Vetiver in Perfumery:The Oil of Tranquility + Grass Roots (12) Prizes Draw

 

Painting: Annette Cooper

In its natural habitat of moist riverbanks the long, deep roots of vetiver grass reach into the soil gathering earthy green scents that are also woody, smoky, or even floral.  In spite of its earthy association, vetiver essential oil derived from these roots has hints of balsamic sweetness and sunshine and is associated with cleanliness and tranquility. Vetiver essential oil is an important component of many perfumes, both as a fixative but also to provide a unique note.  It is penetrating with an odor of precious woods, grasses, balsam, and green earth. Some describe it as having a violet-like scent; others detect hints of grapefruit or rhubarb. Vetiver is used across all fragrance families as a fixative but also for its unusual effect.

 

Painting: Gustav Klimt

Vetiver grass is related to sugarcane but also other aromatic grasses such as citronella, palmarosa and lemongrass.  These other grasses contain their fragrant materials in the tall blades of grass rather than roots like vetiver. There are two kinds of vetiver, the wild type that is native to north India and grows in the river valleys where the soil is deep and rich. This type, called khus locally, is a colonizer; it will propagate by seed and spread.   The name in Tamil means “root dug up.”  Wild or Indian vetiver provides us with ruh khus (also khus khus), an essential oil with a green and natural note.  The essential oil is widely used in India to fragrance soap and for perfumes; little is actually exported making it hard to find outside of India. It was used historically to scent water for ritual washing at the entrance to holy buildings and Hindu temples today generally have a vetiver plant or two. Vetiver can also repel insects and prevent fungal infestations. In the hot tropical summer, window blinds made from vetiver roots are sprinkled with water to provide a cooling effect to homes.  In addition to the sweet smell, the anti-fungal properties make the blinds last and help cleanse the air moving through the house.

A domesticated variety of vetiver is grown worldwide and is the most familiar one for production of vetiver essential oil. French traders introduced vetiver (vetivert or vetyver) to the Bourbon Islands during the time of the Moguls and later, French settlers brought the grass to Louisiana where it has been an ingredient in perfumes since 1843. Vetiver in perfumed sachets can be placed with clothing that is stored to prevent mildew, moths and pests from destroying the cloth as well as leaving a lovely scent, giving rise to the phrase “Mousseline des Indes” referring to vetiver-scented muslin. In fact, an old document from Louisiana says “It is as necessary to have vetivert as it is to have salt in your food.” The domesticated type grows throughout the world in tropical and semi-tropical areas and has been cultivated for centuries, often planted alongside sugarcane by transplanted workers from India, in tea gardens, or alongside other tropical crops.  It does not spread since the roots are not the spreading type but grow deep and long.  The roots may grow as much as 8 feet down while the grassy stems grow nearly as tall.  The light-colored roots are fleshy and full of scented oils of complex composition.

 

Vetiver woven vetiver with cotton from Yeleen Design

 

The primary producers of vetiver essential oil outside of India are Haiti, Reunion, Indonesia and Java.  These same deep roots may conserve and purify water in many tropical and subtropical countries, act to save coral reefs from siltation, and preserve small farms from destructive erosion. Planted in thin belts along hillsides or next to waterways, vetiver grass is an important conservation tool. In India such hedges have been known to last for over 200 years and serve as permanent boundary markers. It is used for scenting clothes, cooling air, repelling moths, and the roots may be used to make shades or fans. Leaves may be woven into other handicrafts.

As the roots of vetiver grass merge with various soils they gather trace elements to be stored in the form of precious oils and they bring the richness of soil with them.  Vetiver roots for steam distillation are generally gathered, cleaned, chopped, and dried for transport and are then soaked in water again just before distillation.  As steam passes over the roots, tiny droplets of oil are released and concentrated into a thick, golden essential oil.  There may be over 150 aromatic components found in vetiver essential oil with other trace elements yet to be identified. The thick golden oil has a very low volatility and may last more than 24 hours on a scent strip. Fragrance chemists find vetiver one of the most difficult fragrance compounds to duplicate and have not yet successfully done so. In general, the components are similar across a variety of geographical areas and yet each essential oil is characteristic of its origin and local distillation traditions. Rarely, the roots may also be distilled when fresh giving a different odor profile. For the final product, the experience and techniques of the distillers may vary, producing essential oils of different quality and scent profile.  Improperly aged or distilled vetiver oil may have a pronounced green note of asparagus or green peas and can be used to reinforce the flavor of asparagus in food preparations.

 

Painting: The Bathing Place by Paul Ranson

Bathing in vetiver to attract love and/or sex is also common in some cultures.  There is folklore and tales that adding vetiver oil to a bath and then air drying will make you more attractive to the opposite sex. There is also a legendary hoodoo “Virgin’s Ritual” that includes vetiver and is said to ensure a positive first sexual experience for a woman.

 The King of Thailand has recognized vetiver as the "miracle grass" and sponsors the "King of Thailand Vetiver Awards" for outstanding works on vetiver. Vetiver is thought to attract money and repel thieves so some merchants keep a bit in their cash register. It can also be called the herb that never dies and was sometimes placed on funeral pyres in India Vetiver essential oil is also called the “Oil of Tranquility” and it is accepting and cleansing.  In Ayurvedic medicine, it is used to cool both the overheated body and emotions; it grounds and balances all chakras. In perfumes, different varieties can add depth and smokiness, a green earthy effect, subtle and golden tones, and even a touch of precious woods and sweet balsam.

 Elise Pearlstine, Contributor

For our Draw: I asked some of our favorite perfumers and Perfumeries for a wide range of vetiver fragrances- from smoky, spicy to citrus and floral.

 Courtesy of our friend Fabrice Penot of Le Labo Vetiver 46 50ml by Mark Buxton (Haitian Vetiver)

 

Many thanks to L'Artisan Parfumeur for  100 ml Coeur de Vétiver Sacré  composed by Ka rin Vichon  Spehner

Thanks once again to our friends at Robert Piguet 100 ml of Futur created by Aurelien Guichard

Merci to multi award winning 40notes Perfumes and Miriam Vareldzis   Spring Vetiver MC's personal favorite (for those who don't do green and smoky)

 Our gratitude to FiFi award winning Six Scents and Joseph Quartana:  series 2  Ende/Anfang by Damir Dama and realized by perfumer Yann Vasnier

Thank you to Jeroen Oude Sogtoen/Mona di Orio Parfums for three 7 ml of Les Nombres D'Or Vetyver (available at Luckyscent.com)

Catch a Shooting Vetiver Star courtesy of Xerjoff USA…15ml of Modoc (bottle not as pictured)

 

Sincere gratitude to Elise Pearlstine, our author and perfumer for Belly Flowers for 15 ml of 100% natural of Alison with Haitian vetiver

 

Perfumer Christi Meshell is a great supporter and is offering  vetiver based 10ml of Alpha a 100% natural fragrance

Thank you (again) to JoAnne Bassett for  100% natural imited edition  Enchant Parfum 6 sampler pack

Welcome to Katlyne Breene of Mermade Arts who is offering 3.5 ml of  100 % All Natural Pantheon perfume  with  rhu khus vetiver

Thank you to Susan Larsen of Naked Leaf perfumes for 5 ml of 100% natural LoveBird perfume extrait

-Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief and Art Director

There are twelve vetiver fragrances for draw which will be random. To be eligible please leave a comment about what fascinating facts you learned about vetiver in perfumery AND TWO FRAGRANCES YOU WOULD HOPE TO WIN- ONE MUST BE 100% NATURAL. Draw end  August 13, 2012

 

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

 

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116 comments

  • Vetiver is related to sugarcane o.O that trips me out because they don’t seem alike at all.

    I would love to win: Allison or Spring Vetiver.

    I hadn’t ever seen light vetiver scents before ^^ that makes me happy. All the vetiver I have smelled before is so dark and manly, so would love to try a light spin on it.

  • Janet in California says:

    FI just realised that I knew nothing about vetiver! It is an antifungal? fascinating article. Thanks!

    I would like to try Alison and Spring Vetiver.

  • I fount it to be a very useful fact that vetiver sachets can be used prevent mildew, moths and pests. I’d like to try Le Labo or Spring Vetiver

  • found it interesting that vetiver has been grown for quite some time in Louisiana for perfumery.

    I would love to try the Les Nombres D’Or Vetyver or the Allison. Thanks.

  • I didn’t know that vetiver oil can be used to reinforce the flavor of… asparagus! Weird!
    I’d like to win Cœur de Vétiver Sacré and the Enchant Parfum 6 sampler pack.

  • There may be over 150 aromatic components found in vetiver essential oil..very interesting to me! I loooooove vetiver!:D.

    As I like tea..I would pick the L’artisan. As for the natural, I would pick Alpha.

    Thank you.

  • The fact it is used in love spells doesn’t surprise me! The odour is enchanting! I would pick Le Labo Vetiver 46 and Christi Meshell’s Alpha.

  • What a fascinating article! I didn’t know that vetiver was so complex that chemists have difficulty analyzing it. Or that it was related to sugarcane! I love vetiver, and would particularly like to try the 40Notes Spring Vetiver or the Six Scents Ende/Anfang. Thanks for the draw!

  • I knew nothing about vetiver so this article was very interesting, esp learning that vetiver grows in Louisiana (makes sense, with the sugarcane connection) and that it grows 8 ft deep! I can see how it would be useful for repelling insects.

    I would choose Coeur de Vétiver Sacré or Alpha. Thanks!

  • There are so many fascinating facts here
    It’s interesting how in some cultures Vetiver is the oil of tranquility and in hoodoo rituals it’s used to ease a virgin into her first sexual experience
    Also I didn’t know that the roots of Vetiver help protect the environment from erosion
    My choice would be spring Vetiver by 40notes and
    Lovebird by naked leaf
    Cool article !

  • Farawayspices says:

    Interesting article! Enjoyed reading that vetiver is related to sugarcane, and that it is used in a “Virgin Ritual”, as well as to attract money and repel theives!
    My favorite vetiver eo did have a violet note, it was exquisite!
    I would love to enter to win, my picks would be Bellyflowers Allison and L’Artisan Coeur de Vetiver Sacre

  • I was amazed to learn how deep the roots go. I would be happy with any prize but if I must name two then how about: rhu kus, and Le labo.

  • very fascinating and love the prints.
    “Mousseline des Indes” in intriguing to me.
    I’d love to sample any of these beautiful fragrances and choosing is tough…
    Mona di Orio and 40 notes if I must.
    thank you Cafleurebon

  • Very cool article! So many new, fun facts to learn about vetiver … can be used to cool both an overheated body and emotion AND used for window blinds to keep homes cool. Love it!

    Hard choices to narrow down to two, but I would pick Coeur de Vetiver Sacre or Pantheon Perfume. Thank you for the draw.

  • Linnea Wiedeman says:

    i didn’t know vetiver contained it’s fragrant materials in it’s roots and that it’s scent can last up to 24 hours.
    I think love bird sounds wonderful with the orange blossom and mexican key lime notes.
    I also love the sound of Coeur de Vétiver Sacré with the Iris and violet leaves.

  • There’s much I learned from the article about vetiver, one of the scents I’m very attracted to…I think the loveliest image was of the shades that were made and sprinkled with water to provide cooling, fragrant air. It sounds very inviting.

    Let’s see, I’d be happy with any samples, but since I must state two: Les Nombres D’Or Vetyver and the Enchant Parfum 6 sample pack…

    Merci.

  • I found it interesting that its used in some cultures to attract sex or in rituals wrt sex.

    Also “King of Thailand Vetiver Awards” sounds pretty awesome.

    I have a thing for Haitian vetiver, so would love to smell:
    Le Labo Vetiver 46 with all its sexy manliness (and since its a spray I can easily ninja squirt the boyfriend if it makes my loins quiver with its manliness)

    Or Spring Vetiver, with it’s flowers, because I deserve to smell lovely too 😉

    In so far as trying a natural, Alison sounds lovely and fresh.

  • I’ve actually never heard of vetiver before, so I learned a lot! The fact that it’s such a complex that chemists can’t duplicate it is cool, and that it can repel fungus and bug infestations is awesome.

    So hard to choose from all these amazing perfumes, but I guess I’d have to go with Lovebird and Spring Vetiver.

  • The entire article was interesting ..Vetiver used as purification for water and that Vetiver in Louisiana was essential as salt
    I didn’t realize that modern chemists cannot replicate it using synthetic
    All the perfume sound lovely but my choices would be six scents 2 ende/a fang because I really admire Yann Vasnier and belly flowers Alison

  • ..Vetiver used for perfume oil, funeral pyres, grounding your base chakra and in keeping away thieves…this is one multi tasking plant

    I didn’t know the use in hoodoo rituals or that perfumers cannot recreate the scent of essential oil through chemistry
    My picks would be Modoc by xerjoff and house of matriarch alpha
    Thanks for the article and the chance to win

  • I’m learning to enjoy vetiver as a note in fragrances the older I become. A few years ago, my first encounter with the scent of vetiver wasn’t a particularly favourable one, but I have since grown accustomed to it, and would describe it as having a salty, dry and woody texture and smell.
    Most interesting to read was its use in some cultures to allure the opposite sex. Vetiver comes with a rather masculine and earthy vibe. I highly doubt that young women of today would warm to the suggestion of wearing vetiver as a means of attracting the men like bees to honey. Men are supposedly turned on by the scent of vanilla. Perhaps I should give Vetiver a try.

    With that being said, I have tried and adore Le Labo’s Vetiver 46, so I would love to win that, along with the sampler pack by JoAnne Bassett.

    Many thanks for the draw!

  • Vetiver is one of my favorite notes and I know some facts bit also learned some new like that is used to attract love and or sex, also the virgins ritual (!) also it is used for scenting clothes, cooling air, repelling moths, and the roots may be used to make shades or fans Wow! That’s why vetiver is so good, lots of favorites including sel de vetiver and vetiver extraordinaire…
    My picks if I win are: L’Artisan Coeur de Vetiver Sacre and Allison with Vetiver from Belly Flowers.

  • The very first perfume swap I went to had a small amount of Le Labo Vet. I would love to win it, or the Love Bird extract.
    2 facts – 8 foot roots are tremendous, no wonder they make a long last ing fence. The anti fungal properties seems to kill a bit of the romance of perfume, but I am sure is handy.

  • What a fantastic read. I have become a fan of the note over the last year but knew very little about it. I am fascinated how some cultures bathe with vetiver oil. Also, that it is used to cool both the overheated body and emotions in Ayurvedic medicine.
    Thanks for the draw. If I won, I would love Le Labo Vetiver 46 and/or Bellyflowers.

  • Your note of the month articles are always a fantasic read each month. They give me many ideas of things to try in my house or kitchen, such as storing clothing and linens wth vetiver root to keep them fresh and bug free.

    My picks are Le Labo, and 40 Notes.

  • Vetiver is one of those notes that get me going and I really enjoyed learning about the 2 different varieties more closely. I would love to win the MC Spring Vetiver or Alison from Belly Flowers =)

  • ” There may be over 150 aromatic components found in vetiver essential oil with other trace elements yet to be identified. ”
    I would choose Mona di Orio´s scent and Alison´s Haitian Vetiver, thx

  • Vetiver is one of my favorite scents, thanks for such a detailed article. I learned so much about vetiver, such as that it contains over 150 aromatic components In it’s essential oil and that it will last 24 hrs or more due to it’s low volatility. I also found it interesting that fragrance chemist find vetiver one of the most difficult natural fragrance to recreate and it has not been done successfully yet.
    I had heard before that vetiver repels insects, but I did not know it had folk use as a love attractant. Hugs not bugs, I guess.
    If I won, I would choose L’Artisan Parfumeur Coeur de Vétiver Sacré and JoAnne Bassett for 100% natural imited edition Enchant Parfum 6 sampler pack.

  • What a great article, Thank you! I have always resonated with Vetiver, after smelling Guerlain’s Vetiver on my first boyfriend’s father, I was hooked. Vetiver is so grounding, It seems perfectly logical that the plant is used as a permanent boundary marker, because of its known fixative properties. I also really love the fact that it conserves and preserves water, and prevents erosion! The fact that it has proven itself to be too complex to be chemically reproduced makes me love it even more.

    If I were to win, I would love to try Elsie’s Alison and MC’s favorite, Spring Vetiver. Thanks again for another fascinating article and great draw.

  • A very good article, very helpful! I did not know that vetiver was used historically to scent water for ritual washing at the entrance to holy buildings. Really interesting.

    I would like to win Futur and Enchant Parfum 6 sampler

  • mariotgomez says:

    I learned a lot about vetiver today. I enjoyed how it is associated with cleanliness and tranquility or to bath in vetiver to attract those for love or sex.

    What generous perfumers with their gifts, If I had to choose two they would be:
    Le Labo Vetiver or Les Nombres D’Or Vetyver

    for the 100% naturals:
    Christi Meshell’s – Alpha or Katlyne Breene of Mermade Arts – Pantheon

    M

  • I loved reading the article with a lot of fascinating facts in it. The ones that I found most fascinating are: it’s relation to sugarcane, the insect repellent and preventing fungal infestations qualities, the roots hat can even grow up to 8 feet down and that distilled vetiver can be used to reinforce the flavor of asparagus.

    I would love to win the Alpha and Enchant Parfum 6 sampler pack.

  • Really interesting to read about vetiver and its’ qualities. I had no idea until now that vetiver, by bathing in it, can be used to attract love and that it can make you more attractive to the opposite sex. Everyday you learn something new I guess!

    I would like to win Ende/Anfang and Alpha.

    Thanks!

  • marcopietro says:

    I am surprised to know that is possible to foud over 150 aromatic components in vetiver essential oil with other trace elements yet to be identified.
    I’d like to win Cœur de Vétiver Sacré and LoveBird.
    Many thanks for the draw!

  • I do like the raunchyness of vetiver!
    “Bathing in vetiver to attract love and/or sex is also common in some cultures. There is folklore and tales that adding vetiver oil to a bath and then air drying will make you more attractive to the opposite sex. There is also a legendary hoodoo “Virgin’s Ritual” that includes vetiver and is said to ensure a positive first sexual experience for a woman.”
    That’s hot stuff and I don’t need convincing however!
    I’d love Pantheon perfume with rhu khus vetiver, I adore the magic of Katlyne’s work and L’Artisan Parfumeur’s Coeur de Vétiver Sacré .

  • I found it interesting that the roots gather other elements along the way, and thus the oil you extract from it is different and the fact that it can last up to 24 hours on a scent strip.

    I would like to win L’Artisan Parfumeur Coeur de Vétiver Sacré and the Enchant Parfum 6 sampler pack.

  • OOOOoooo! VETIVER! My favorite! I’ve heard that vetiver is used in Hoodoo, but I never knew how or what for till now. I also didn’t know about the king of Thailand’s Vetiver awards. I have yet to find those blinds made of vetiver roots!
    If picked I’d like Christi Medshell’s Alpha or Joanne Basset’s Enchant.
    Thanks for the article Elise!

  • I didn’t know Vetiver could repel insects and prevent fungal infestations.
    My picks if I win are Le Labo Vetiver 46 and Enchant Parfum § sampler pack. Thanks!

  • I found it interesting that Vetiver can repel insects and prevent fungal infestations.
    I would like to win Le Labo Vetiver 46 and the Enchant Parfum 6 sampler pack.

  • The use of vetiver for window-blinds and floorwash in India is fascinating, and I´m also surprised I´d never heard of its culinary use. Thank you so much for this drawing – I´d choose the beautiful late Mona DiOrio´s Vetyver scent, or the 100% natural Pantheon from Mermade Arts (I remember Mermade when they started in the 80s with magical incense, how cool to see her here!)

  • I never knew all these things about vetiver. Such a helpful plant!It helps keeping homes cool, and clean and pest free, has culinary uses like enhancing the flavour of asparagus, can even increse you sex appeal! Great!Thank you very much for this draw and I would love to win Le Labo Vetiver 46 and /or Allison.

  • In fact, almost everything was new to me in this article, I did know very little about vetiver. I enjoyed the whole article, it was fun learning about the versatility of vetyver, awsome!
    My choice would be Les Nombres D’Or Vetyver or Lovebird.

  • Thank you Elise for another wonderful article.

    I’d love to experience the cooling effect of dampened vetiver window blinds and am fascinated to learn that improperly aged or distilled vetiver oil can smell of asparagus or green peas and is even used in food products to enhance the asparagus taste. But the best news for “scent-eating skin” is that vetiver oil has a very low volatility and can last up to 24 hours on a scent strip. Seems pretty versatile too — a little in the bath to attract love or in the cash register to attract money.

    I’d be happy to win any of these, but am especially interested in Robert Piguet Futur and Elise’s Alison.

  • I never thought vetiver could have so many uses. It’s odd that its use in perfumery is the main reason why we know it even though that is a fairly recent discovery.

    My choices would be Ende/Anfang or Alpha.

    Thanks for the draw!

  • I knew many things about Vetiver but not that can be place with clothing for its effect. Like it! 🙂
    Thanks for the draw. I would love to win: Spring Vetiver or Enchant.
    Many thanks.

  • I knew that vetiver was called khus in India and was made into blinds, but I had no idea that there were two kinds, or that the roots of the domesticated variety could grow so deep (8 ft!) that they help conserve land by preventing erosion.

    I also didn’t know that it came to America via “French traders” who ” introduced vetiver (vetivert or vetyver) to the Bourbon Islands during the time of the Moguls and later, French settlers brought the grass to Louisiana where it has been an ingredient in perfumes since 1843.”

    Thanks for the article and the draw!

    My top natural pick is Alpha.
    My top other pick is Ende/Anfang…

    but of course I would be happy to try any of these! Mona di Orio’s interpretation sounds incredibly well-rounded and the l’artisan looks lovely and pantheon sounds deep and kinda sexy and alison and lovebird both sound fresh and spring-y….sigh…. I want to go smell some vetiver now.

  • vetiver, thanks a lot ofr this one, I love vetiver i use it a lot in My perfumes i seem to find it blend very well with patchouli that I have used in 2 of my fine fragrances. I was surprised to learn that it is related to sugar cane but then it grows in these tropical countries i am not surprised. Me being from mauritius a neighbour of the bourbons I once ask a friend of mine going on holiday to mauritius to procure some vetiver for me from there. It must have been bourbon because it was exquisite and untill today im am using the remains of the 3 bottles he brought for me. I have been working on a vetiver perfume may be call it bourbon. If i was chosen I would like Lovebird as a 100% natural and le labo 46. Thanks
    Jamal

  • yourfoxiness says:

    I absolutely adore vetiver in fragrance. it has a grounding effect that is very personal to me. I would be interested in le labo or Mona d orio or futur, and any of the all naturals, I adore natural parfumery. particularly the alpha/Joanne Bassett. thanks for the great article and opportunity to smell New variations of the beloved vetiver!

  • I just adore these articles as I get to learn the symbolism of plants and flowers in different cultures.. That Vetiver is used to attract the opposite sex in one and used as an insect repellent in another culture while being used as a soul cleanser in yet another is just superb..
    I would love to win Mermade Arts Pantheon perfume or Bellyflowers’ Alison..
    thanks so much for the draw

  • This article is so interesting! I learned so much from it.
    My picks would be Mona di Orio Vetyver and Lovebird
    for the draw.

  • Wow, the King of Thailand has recognized vetiver as the “miracle grass”? That’s interesting, to say the least.
    😀
    My picks would be Cœur de Vétiver Sacré and the Enchant Parfum 6 sampler pack.

  • I was fascinated to learn of the magical and emotional uses of vetiver.
    I love the essential oil and bought some recently in Bali…but it was so funny, the sales girl wrinklied up her nose when she took off the lid!
    I would love to win the Mona di Orio Vetyver,
    And for the natural, JoAnne Bassett Enchant

  • I did not know vetiver was related to sugarcane! I would love to win this drawing!!! So many lovely scents! I would like to win the L’artisan and the Belly Flowers. Thank you!

  • Great article! I love vetiver and have started growing it in our yard. It actually loves our sandy dunes and the little 6″ guys that arrived from Puerto Rico 6 months ago are now 6 feet tall!! It’s a wonderful windbreak, anchors fragile soils in high wind areas, and both the grass and roots can be harvested and used so many ways. Love it!

  • I didn’t know the sexual part of vetiver, the “Virgin’s ritual” etc, the fact of use vetiver in perfumery takes a very interesting way for me now!

    I would like to win L’Artisan’s Coeur de Vériver Sacré and Pantheon perfume by Mermade Arts, thank you!

  • Very very interesting read. I had no idea there is a domesticated vetiver and wild vetiver. I always thought the extracts are coming from the wild one. Also the roots and the plant can be so long/ tall. Now I am researching for some vetiver woven.

    I would love to win any of the offerings. L’artisan Coeur de Vetiver and JoAnne ‘s Enchant Parfum sampler are the top of my list.

    Thank you !

  • Who knew Vetiver was so ubiquitous, not only in the world of perfume, but in day to day living around the world? Not me. Thanks for the great information!

    My choices would be Pantheon for the natural selection and Ende/Afang by Damir Dama.

    Thank you so much for such a generous draw!

  • Borko Boris says:

    I had no idea that vetiver was used historically to scent water for ritual washing at the entrance to holy buildings. I also find interesting the window blinds which are made from vetiver roots that gives the home a cooling effect.

    I would like to win Ende/Anfang and LoveBird. Thanks!

  • Canan Pamuk says:

    From friends I got a souvenir: dining mats from India, which are woven from vetiverových roots. Not only that beautifully complement the flavor and smell of food, but disinfect the air in the room. Beautiful and useful!

    I would like Ende/Anfang and JoAnne Basset.

  • It’s very interesting that bathing in vetiver to attract love or sex is common in some cultures
    I’d like to try Le Labo Vetiver and Susan Larsen’s Love Bird
    Thank you for the draw!

  • I learned that vetiver is related to sugarcane and that it was used to fragrance water used for ritualistic cleansing prior to entering holy structures.
    I would love to win theL’ Artisan Couer de Vetiver Sacre (it would be my first full bottle of L’Artisan Parfumeur) and Larsen”s Love Bird (adore the name and the fact that it is all natural!).

  • Amazing post. I love Vetiver so much, and to find out that it does functional double duty makes me love it even more. Window blinds made of Vetiver roots, for cooling effect, wow. I would love Mona di Orio, Vetyver and Belly Flowers, Alison.

  • Many years ago I purchased a vetiver basket that held its scent for years & years, it’s an incredible root.
    I would choose the L’Artisan perfume and the Joanne Bassett sampler. Thank you!

  • I had no idea that Vetiver could protect clothes by preventing mildew, moths and pests! My choice would be 40Notes Spring Vetiver and the Enchant Parfum Sampler. Thanks so much for the draw.

  • I ha dno idea that Vetiver can repel insects and prevent fungal infestations as well as protect the soil from corrosion. Also the window blinds made from vetiver roots that are sprinkled with water to provide a cooling effect to homes must smell lovely apart from the protection they provide. I absolutely adore Vtiver and enjoyed this article very much!! My choice of the above would be Futur & Alison. Thank you!!!

  • I love that even improperly distilled vetiver can have an useful function: reinforcing the flavor of asparagus!

    I adore Vetiver 46 and would be thrilled to win that. Alison also sounds very nice.

  • I didn’t know that some cultures think that vetiver attracts the opposite sex and that it could help women to have a good first sexual experience. Interesting!

    I’d like to win Coeur de Vetiver Sacré by L’Artisan, or Belly Flowers Alison.

    Thanks!

  • I wasn’t aware that it was possible to make fabric from vetiver leaves, but it makes sense. If I were to win, I think I would choose Miriam V’s Spring Vetiver. Of the naturals, I would choose Belly Flowers Alison because I haven’t tried any of Elise Pearlstine’s creations.

  • I had no idea the King of Thailand had such respect for Vetiver! Would love to find a Thai fragrance that incorporates their interpretation of this magical root.

  • Growing far from my birth place Vetiver is used in the regions were is cultivated and origins for so many things that i couldn’t even imagine.I didn’t know that people use it for making their blinds and repelling moths and even for flavouring food.

    I would like to win my favourite Vetiver46 and I would love to try Enchant Parfum 6 sampler pack.

    Thanks for this draw!

  • It’s cool that vetiver is both an insect repellant and an aphrodisiac. Seems oddly contradictory but I guess not.

    40notes Perfumes Spring Vetiver and JoAnne ‘s Enchant Parfum sampler would make me a happy camper. Thanks for the draw!

  • Fascinating facts I learned were that vetiver is thought to attract money and repel thieves, and that some merchants keep some in their cash register.

    The first fragrance I would hope to win is the Xerjoff Modoc but of course the Futur would be right up there too.

    The second fragrance I’d hope to win, the natural one, is the JoAnne Bassett sampler.

  • I learned that vetiver is related to sugarcane, citronella and lemongrass, and that it can be used for many more uses I would have thought.
    I would love to try the L’Artisan perfume and the Joanne Bassett sampler. Thanks.

  • It was interesting to know that there may be over 150 aromatic components found in vetiver essential oil!
    It would be great to own t Robert Piguet Futur or Modoc

  • I had no idea that the vetiver essential oil is actually made from the roots — for some reason I always assumed people used the leaves.

    The two fragrances I’d love to win are Robert Piguet’s futur or JoAnne Bassett’s enchant.

  • vetiver is among my favorite scents — but i did not know that it is related to sugarcane, and i loved the (new to me) fact that there are vetiver hedges that are 200 years old!!

    i would really like to try spring vetiver (michelyn, i love your taste, and if it’s our favorite, i’m quite certain i will like it 🙂 — and for the all natural one: alpha.

  • I found it interesting about the different facets of vetiver and especially the shades made of vetiver.Sounds like a fragrant way to cool off on a hot day! I would love to win Modoc and Alpha.Thanks form the draw!

  • Anna in Edinburgh says:

    I was interested to read that vetiver could be used for weaving too; it is a wholly useful and beneficial plant. Makes me even happier about enjoying its scent!

    Choices, choices … “Alison” by Belly Flowers and “Alpha” by Christi Meshell.

  • Thanks for the lovely article I always learn so much from these, Elise.
    I didn’t know that Vetiver was from the same family as sugar cane, and I loved the idea of the ‘miracle grass of the King of Thailand’.
    I would love to win the Coeur de Vetiver Sacré.
    Thank you so much for this generous draw

  • whats not to love about vetiver. i would love to have window shades made of it, smelling it waft in the breeze. until then, i will just have to wear it.

    i would love to try futur and alpha.
    thanks!

  • Elise’s scent-images of cool, clean vetiver were more than welcome on this muggy day.

    I always find it inspiring to read about natural fragrance sources/plant biology. I love the thought that vetiver’s “essence” is slightly unique to wherever it’s rooted because of the trace elements it gathers in its immediate surroundings.

    I would love to win Ende/Anfang and the Joanne Basset sampler. Thank you!

  • I had no idea that vetiver is related to sugar cane. (-;

    I would like to win Le Labo Vetiver and House of Matriarch Alpha!

    Thank for having this draw!

  • Very interesting article: thank you! I did not know that Vetiver was so highly appreciated in Thailand.

    I would most like to win Le Labo Vetiver 46, my natural choice would be Alpha! Thanks!

  • I did not think at vetiver as being like an aphrodisiac. It certainly smells very good with its’ sweetness, but not in a sexual or romantic way or that it can make you more attractive to the opposite sex. At least to me. But hey! I do not know the Oriental culture so well. Everyday you learn something new!

    Thanks for the wonderful article and draw.

    I would like to win Spring Vetiver and LoveBird.

  • citronella, palmarosa, sugarcane and lemongrass are all related to vetiver and yet it is the only to have fragrant roots? How strange. I like all the scented grasses but vetiver -not surprisingly- is my favorite.

    My choices would be LeLabo Vetiver 46 and House of Matriarch Alpha

  • It’s interesting that it’s related to sugarcane and Lemongrass but I had no ideea that it was used in Ayurvedic medicine. 🙂

    I would like to try Robert Piguet Futur and JoAnne Bassett Enchant Parfum sampler.

    Thank you! 😀

  • Vetiver is one fo my favorites! I love the wonderful fixative power it holds and always come through with its earthy and seductive smoky tones. Thanks for putting this together, very informative article. I think its so intresrting this grass is used to attract money and repel thieves! It truly is the herb that never dies, and never dissapoints. I can never get enough of that that lovely linger it takes so beautifully on my skin.

    It would be so wonderful to add Miriam Vareldzis; Spring Vetiver and Christi Meshell ; Alpha to my collection!
    Thanks so much!
    Violet

  • Fascinating things I learned from the article are that vetiver is related to other aromatic grasses such as lemongrass, citronella, and palmarosa, and even to sugarcane! Also found it amazing that the roots can go down eight feet.

    I would love to win L’Artisan Coeur de Vetiver Sacre and Alison by Bellyflowers. Thanks for the draw!

  • I love Vetiver fragrances and never really thought about the origin
    Since its related to citronella it makes sense that it would repel insects
    The bathing ritual and use on Indian funeral pyres as the herb that never dies was very interesting I would like to win Vetiver 46 and belly flowers Alison
    Great post

  • Great article! I love vetiver, especially in the summer heat. I was interested to learn about the folklore surrounding it’s usage in bathing, to attract love and sex. It’s beautiful that it is used to scent water at entrances to holy buildings, too. I would choose Mona di Orio’s Les Nombres D’Or Vetyver and Belly Flowers 15 ml of 100% natural of Alison with Haitian vetiver. I’d be so pleased to win any of these! Thanks to all for the generous draw.

  • I am surprised to read that Vetiver is associated with cleanliness. For me it has one of those sweaty smells like Oud.

    Le Labo and Lovebird sound terrific but they all do!

  • It’s really interesting that he thick oil has a very low volatility and may last more than 24 hours on a scent strip.
    I hope to win L’Artisan Parfumeur Coeur de Vétiver Sacré and Alison with Haitian vetiver

  • In Thailand Vetiver is mostly known and used for its great erosion control properties, for which the King successfully propagated this type of grass. It forms a deep and thick underground root system that holds the soil in place.

    My choice would be Futur and Pantheon Perfume. Thanks for the draw.

  • I did not know vetiver is so much used and appreciated in Thailand
    very interesting article
    would like to win:
    six scents no.2 Ende/Anfang and the Enchant Parfum 6 sampler pack from JoAnne Bassett
    thanks a lot for the draw

  • Of immediate interest and usefulness for me is the fact that Vetiver is used as a moth repellant – we have an infestation!
    Thank you for a great article and the chance to win – I would choose the Mona di Orio and the JoAnne Bassett.
    Maggie x

  • Christine B. says:

    Mainly I was fascinated to learn how vetiver is used in so many different ways. I like the idea of the window blinds made from the roots and sprinkled with water to create a cooling effect. I was also interested to read of its importance as a conservation tool to prevent soil erosion.

    I would choose to win the Mona di orio Les Nombres d’Or Vetyver and Alison from Belly Flowers

  • Paul Matem. says:

    Vetiver is a note that I appreciate in perfumes. I read a lot of interesting things about it now. Some of them I knew and others totally new like the capacity of vetiver to attract love and make you more attractive for the opposite sex.

    I would like to win Ende/Anfang and Alpha.

    Thank you very much!

  • Although I already knew a lot of things about vetiver, I always find out something new and fascinating. I didn’t know that it was used historically to scent water for ritual washing at the entrance to holy buildings.
    I would like to win Futur and LoveBird.
    Thank you!

  • I’m surprised vetiver is related to citronella. They’re so different, to my nose, anyway. I would love to win Alpha or Naked Leaf Lovebird. Thanks! 🙂

  • I did not know the fact that vetiver has qualities in the sexual field. I am curious if adding vetiver oil to my bath is going to be a succes and I will get attention from the opposite sex or not. Need to try that for sure!

    I would like to win Ende/Anfang and Alpha. Thanks!

  • Thank you so much for having such a scrumptious draw! I am excited about the assortment of the vetivers, as much as I was exited about the information in the article. What did I not know about vetiver… what DID I KNOW???

    I did not know that vetiver grass was related to sugarcane, this tidbit blows my mind! It does make sense that it is related to lemongrass as well, but hindsight is 20/20, I did not know that either.

    My favorite tidbit was about the vetiver as an aid for virgins 🙂 give me some interesting info like that, and I will be intrigued! 🙂

    If I were a lucky winner, I’d love MC’s favorite Spring Vetiver (Vetiver and florals — a match made in heaven!) and all natural Alison from Bellyflowers.

  • Oh vetiver how I do love you so. I’ve had the good fortune of smelling high quality Rhus Khus Attar, there really is nothing else like it.

    The vesatility of this lovely plant cannot be overstated, both in perfumery and otherwise. I love that vetiver is being planted for erosion control where it will quickly cover denuded ground to prevent soil loss, I didn’t know it also helped purify water, that is awesome.

    I have long dreamed of relaxing in a veranda on cool moist vetiver mats, but alas I live too far north to grow it- I’ve tried! Another tidbit that I actually didn’t see mentioned here is something I love in the summer times- vetiver soda. Whenever I find a good Indian grocery I look for vetiver syrup, it’s something like simple syrup infused with vetiver root. I like to mix this fragrant green liquid with some soda over ice and enjoy the cool complexity of this drink when the afternoon sun seems unbearable- foodies and perfumistas alike should try this if they can find it! I’m sure there’s more experimenting to do with food and vetiver…

    Thank you for offering this chance to win a bit of vetiver perfume. It’s very hard to choose but I am drawn most to Katlyns Pantheon (she is truly a master of incense, I’ve been wanting to try her perfumes for a while) and Alpha from Christi Meshell, although I think I’d be delighted to sniff any of these works.

  • I love the idea of vetiver blinds. It is so hot here in Texas. It would be lovely to have a spray bottle to refresh the blinds, and have the cooling scent all through the house.
    I am intrigued by these perfumes, as I think vetiever is one not well respresented in my perfume collection. I would like to try Spring Vetiver and JoAnne Bassett’s Enchant. Although they all sound lovely.

  • Great article..I love Vetiver, and recently purchased a plant that is doing a very good job of adjusting..After reading the article I believe I need to get some more for one area of my yard that is on small slope. I learned that there are over 150 constituents in vetiver and some yet to be identified. Favorite is” Fragrance chemists find vetiver one of the most difficult fragrance compounds to duplicate and have not yet successfully done so. ” Would love the 40 notes spring Vetiver, I am torn between Elise’s Alison and Katlyn’s Pantheon 😉 Alison it is..

  • Thank you for an interesting article. I did not know that vetiver can repel insects. The difference between wild and domesticated vetiver is interesting. In my mind vetiver has always been just green or smokey, interesting to know other aspects can be found in certain perfumes. I would love 40notes Perfumes Spring Vetiver and among the 100 percent natural perfumes JoAnn Bassett Enchant Perfum 6 sampler pack sounds fabulous.

  • I absolutely adore vetiver! I was unaware that bathing in vetiver oil apparently makes you more attractive to the opposite sex – promptly adding that one to my “arsenal.” hahahha 🙂

    I would love to try either L’Artisan Parfumeur offering or Belly Flowers! Thank you so much.

  • This article was really loaded with lots of information. I found it interesting that vetiver window blinds are used in India to scent and cleanse the air that moves through the house. Sounds lovely. I would be happy smelling any of these, but would love to win Les Nombres D’Or Vetyver and JoAnn Bassett Enchant Parfum Sampler Pack.

  • Thank you for this article. I never knew that vetiver was such an important conservation plant and has so many uses from window blinds to moth repellent. I plan to try the oil for relaxation and chakra balancing.
    I’d like to win Coeur de Vetiver Sacre or Lovebird. Thank you!

  • amberosmanthus says:

    I’n not sure if I’m too late, but… I was surprised to learn that vetiver is both related to sugar cane and antifungal. Also, I had wondered where it was grown, but never would have guessed Louisiana. I would choose Les Nombres D’Or Vetyver or Enchant. Ah to try them all!

  • I didn’t know vetyver could be woven into fabric. It looks really cool and lightweight.

    Cœur de Vétiver Sacré or Alpha

  • I’m not very familiar with vetiver, so there was a lot of new and interesting. It’s nice to know that vetiver has such a variance; that it could smell so different!

    I would choose Spring vetiver and Alpha.

  • Vetivera zizanoides in the Poaceae family contains deep base notes of di-ketones that penetrate the atmosphere and linger in the air for days. I love to use this precious scent in my bath with Sandalwood, Rosewood and Marjoram to soothe my muscles and calm my senses. A perfect oil to ground oneself in the arms of Mother Earth and feel connected all the way down to the roots. Let us support the great nation of Haiti after their earthquake by buying their oil to boost their economy and bring stability back to the land and people.

    I would love to try Elise’s Alison with Haitian vetiver and Fabrice Penot of Le Labo Vetiver.

  • Fabulous article Elise, and such fascinating (not known to me) facts on a fave! Who knew there was such a back story?

    For me, the one fact that intrigues (and a little late to take advantage of!) would be the legendary hoodoo “Virgin’s Ritual.” Who would not want to ensure a positive first sexual experience for any women?!?

    1) L’Artisan Parfumeur – Coeur de Vétiver Sacré
    2) JoAnne Bassett – Enchant Parfum 6 sampler pack

  • Being a relative newcomer to the more detailed aspects of the fragrance world, the majority of the article was new knowledge to me. That vetiver is related to sugarcane and lemongrass makes this a note to try, especially with its use as a conservation tool. Seeing as how it’s related to notes I adore and is beneficial to the environment, I can foresee this being a note to enjoy.

    My selections would be Naked Leaf Perfume’s Lovebird (this particular perfume is on my list to try, but my budget does not currently permit it) and Le Labo Vetiver 46.

  • I found it interesting that vetiver can be used to repel insects. My choices would be Le Labo Vetiver 46 and Robert Piguet Futur

  • I had no idea that vetiver was instrumental in combating insects and fungal infections! And that window blinds made from vetiver roots were sprinkled with water to cool off homes.

    Thank you for the draw, I would love to win Christi Meshell’s Alpha and Le Labo Vetiver 46.