many uses magickally like a jack of all trades depending on what its mixed with. protection, manifestation, cleansing, ect. truly multipurpose.

the interesting thing about vetivert is that dried it has a deep earthy smell, when it is burned with other herbs (lavender for example) it's character changes completely.

try it and let us know what you think.

I've found I like the smell of the essential oil for myself. The vetivert used as a men's scent has something male phermone-like added to it that makes it unappealing to my nose - ooops. ;-)

As a basic sent it's warm with a mix of earth and grass to it. Some of the Lush products also incorporate the essential oil in an inoffensive unisex blend.

Haven't found the herb for incense yet. But now I'm curious.

I am a big vetivert fan. First, you have the essential oil which can smell very different depending on its origin. The oils from Haiti and Indonesia can be quite different. Then, I also have a vetivert ruhs ( like an attar) from India that is much more peppery.
But the actual roots...yes, they are the best. The complexity of the odor is amazing, and you get a richer dirt/earth smell. I have found the whole roots to smell better than the powder (though powder is easier to burn).
And then, to add to the confusion, there is a CO2 ( carbon dioxide is used as the solvent, not steam). I think this is the closest to the root.
I cut the whole roots into little pieces to burn in an incense trail. And I will smear some of the CO2 on sandalwood sticks to burn as well.
When you smell the oils, I suggest that you really have to dilute them, because sniffing the concentrated oil from the bottle is overwhelming and unpleasant. Also, the drydown after about an hour is much more marvellous than the initial douse. So be patient.