The Power of Patchouli Essential Oil

The scent of the essential oil of patchouli conjures up images of exotic locations, hippie travellers and flower children and many love its earthy, musky, sweet aroma. However, others find the scent overwhelming and associate it with cheap perfumes from the 1960s. Personally I love patchouli. It has always been one of my favorite oils and as well as a magnificent aroma, it has many health benefits.

Essential oil of patchouli comes from a large green evergreen perennial. Originally from Southeast Asia, it is now cultivated in tropical regions around the world. The oil is extracted from the leaves and white, violet-marked flowers of the plant by steam distillation. It is a thick, light yellow or brown liquid that improves with age, becoming deep amber with a smoother, richer scent over time. Patchouli has been used through the ages in Asian medicine to treat skin and hair problems, to heal wounds and reduce scarring. Pharoah Tutankhamun of Egypt had patchouli buried in his tomb with him. In India, it was used in tantric sexual practices. It was also in India that it was first used as a fabric fragrance. Manufacturers used it to repel moths before exporting fabrics to other countries, which led to its scent becoming an indicator of authentic oriental fabric.Today patchouli continues to be used in many perfumes and skin care products as well as in laundry detergents.It is a good stress reliever, inducing a state of calm and tranquility. This makes it pleasant to use while meditating or practicing yoga. It has also proven to have several other health benefits.

The Benefits of Essential Oil of Patchouli

Essential oil of patchouli is often used in aromatherapy to uplift mood and alleviate depression and sadness as well as feelings of loss. Inhaling patchouli has a relaxing effect and stimulates the release of pleasure hormones such as serotonin and dopamine.

Patchouli can give relief from inflammation and irritation including conditions like arthritis and gout.

It is well-known for its treatment of various skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and sores. It helps protect wounds and ulcers from becoming infected. It reduces the appearance of scars and marks caused by boils, acne and measles. 

Patchouli is known for its ability to help in the regeneration of new skin cells which gives the skin a healthy, youthful appearance.

It has long been used as an insect repellent and can also protect clothes and fabrics from insects. It is often used in sprays, body lotions, vaporizers and incense sticks to keep insects away and is an anti-dote against insect bites.

The astringent properties of patchouli help to stop sagging skin, hairloss and loosening of the muscle tissue, therefore it is popular as an anti-ageing remedy.It stimulates contractions in the muscles, nerves and skin and strengthens the hold of gums on the teeth.

Patchouli increases the frequency and quantitiy of urination which lowers blood pressure, releases toxins from the body and encourages weight loss.

It boosts metaboilism and stimulates cell production and helps in red blood cell production, which leads to an increase in energy.

Patchouli acts as a sedative and can help in cases of insomnia as it relaxes the body. This sedating effect also helps to stop allergic reactions by reducing the hypersensitivity of the body towards certain elements.

It works as a general tonic and tones all the systems in the body and can relieve constipation and nausea.

Patchouli has been used to treat sexual problems and the loss of libido in both men and women.

It is a good fungicide and provides protection from athletes' foot and other fungal growth.

Patchouli can reduce body temperature in cases of fever and helps fight the infection.

It boosts the immune system and helps to prevent colds and influenza.

How to Use Essential Oil of Patchouli

Essential oil of patchouli can be diffused and inhaled or applied topically to enjoy the benefits it provides.

Patchouli can be blended with a carrier oil and other essential oils and used to give a relaxing body massage. It blends well with bergamot, clary sage, geranium, lavender, frankincense, cedar, ylang ylang and myrrh. 

Apply a small amount of patchouli to the skin in dabs to soothe cuts, scrapes, sores and insect bites.

It can be diffused in a vaporizer and inhaled during meditiation or to help bring on a state of relaxation

Put a couple of drops on the wrists or onto the sheets to keep bedbugs away.

Put a few drops into the water when washing clothes or bed linen to keep insects away.

Put two or three drops onto a cotton bud and dab it under the arms to use as a deodrant.

Mix a couple of drops into face cream and body lotions to benefit the skin. It can also be added to bath water.

Mix a couple of drops into shampoo or conditioner to treat dandruff and oily hair. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing.

Risks of Essential Oil of Patchouli

Patchouli should be used in moderation as it has a strong, overwhelming scent if overused. Beware of smelling too strongly of it when applying it as a deodrant. 

Care should be taken when burning it indoors as the scent can seep into fabrics and furniture.

As with all essential oils, a patch test should be done on the skin before use to check for allergic reaction.

Patchouli is considered safe for use during the second and third trimester of pregnancy but unsafe during the first. However, a pregnant woman should always consult with a health practitioner before using it at any stage of the pregnancy. 

Patchouli can cause appetite loss if used in large quantities and should not be used in cases of eating disorders or when recovering from an illness.

How to Store Essential Oil of Patchouli

As with all essential oils, essential oil of patchouli should be stored in a cool, dark place in dark-colored glass bottles. It should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from extreme and frequent changes of temperature. It should also be stored out of reach of children. Because it is flammable, it should be kept away from stoves, candles and any other kinds of heat of flame.