Vetiver, Madagascar.

Some scents feel like roots going down into cool, dark earth. Vetiver is that feeling distilled, and it is the oil we reach for when the mind feels scattered and wants the ground beneath it again.

This is Vetiveria zizanioides, hydro-distilled from roots grown and produced in Madagascar, and it earned its place in our Special Reserve collection. Because so much of the world's vetiver is adulterated, we had it tested: it is pure, as it should be. Of our three vetivers the Haitian is lightest and sweetest, the Indian deeper and darker, and this one the most complex: deep, dark and honeyed, with mystery at its core. Emotionally it is very grounding and balancing, and a key ingredient in our Reunité blend. We use it daily with Neroli, Petitgrain and a touch of citrus.

Details

• Botanical name: Vetiveria zizanioides
• Origin: Madagascar
• Method: hydro-distillation of the roots
• Shelf life: about 5 to 8 years after opening, possibly much longer
• Blends with jasmine, neroli, orange, patchouli, petitgrain and rose

How to use

Use it as the sweet base note that anchors a blend, diluted in a carrier oil or added by the drop to a diffuser. It is too thick to pass an orifice reducer, so remove the reducer to pipette or pour, then replace it, since it seals the bottle and cap. Never take it internally. Store it in the dark and refrigerated, decanting a half-empty bottle into a smaller one.

Deep roots for the bottom of every blend you love.