Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is a perennial grass of the Poaceae family, native to India. It is mainly cultivated for the fragrant essential oil distilled from its roots. Worldwide production is estimated at about 250 tons per annum (Lavania). Due to its excellent fixative properties, vetiver is used widely in high end perfumes. It is contained in 90% of all western perfumes (Lavania). Haiti is one of the leading producers of vetiver in the world, along with Java, China, India, Brazil, and Japan. The United States, Europe, India, and Japan are the main consumers (India and Japan also produce it).Vetiver has been used in traditional medicine in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and West Africa. The root and its essential oil are used to alleviate thirst, heatstroke, fevers and headache. The essential oil is applied as part of a liniment to relive inflammatory disorders of the joints and skin, and may be used for rheumatoid arthritis and eczema.Always test a small amount of essential oil first for sensitivity or allergic reaction, dilute properly. If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult a physician.