Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is a large perennial that is a member of the labiates family, which includes lavender, mint and sage. Its origin is traced to Southeast Asia, and is extensively cultivated in various Indonesian Islands, India, the Philippines, Malaysia, China, and South America. The oil extracted from the leaves of the plant is well-known for its deep, earthy and musky fragrance. While it is used extensively around the world, the aroma of Patchouli is nowadays often associated with the very poor quality or synthetic fragranced used in the 60s. Because of this, some people have strong aversion to it. Regardless of your personal opinion, it is important to remember that there is so much more to this oil than just its scent.
Chances are the word “patchouli” brings to mind hippies, free love, and an era of liberation. However, patchouli was used in the East long before the 1970′s to scent clothes and linen. In the 19th century, the British learned to identify patchouli as it was used to scent imported fabrics from India. It’s an insect repellent, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti fungal. It provides harmony to the body and spirit, and can even fight off body odor by performing as both a deodorant and antiperspirant. It also has the ability to diminish appetite, making it a friend to dieters all over the globe. Patchouli also has the rare distinction of actually improving with age; the older the oil, the fuller the scent.
Patchouli has long been used in skin care for its ability to help alleviate such issues as acne-prone conditions, eczema, inflammation, and cracked, chapped, irritated skin. It is often found in anti-aging skin care for its cell-rejuvenating properties and its ability to lessen the look of scars. Patchouli’s anti-fungal properties make it useful in treating athlete’s foot, and for hair it helps alleviate signs of dandruff and balance oiliness.
The nervous system definitely benefits from the aroma therapeutic scent of Patchouli. It helps reduce tension, insomnia and anxiety, while uplifting the mind. Its deep, rich, intoxicating aroma has also been used as an aphrodisiac. Maybe the “love children” of the 60s were on to something! It is used today to scent textiles, to help repel insects, and is used extensively in the flavoring industry. And although the undiluted aroma of Patchouli is oftentimes unpopular, when it is used in small amounts it adds depth and beauty to almost any blend. As a base note and fixative in natural perfumery, nothing beats Patchouli.
Benefit & Uses:
Patchouli oil contains tonic properties, which reinforce the idea that this type of oil is beneficial to overall body and health condition. This is regulating body's metabolic functions that include decomposition of food and absorption of nutrients throughout the entire body.
Patchouli oil is also known to help cause in losing weight, which is made possible by this particular essential oil property. The diuretic property of patchouli oil will increase the frequency and quantity of urination. Other entailing health benefits of increased urination would be lowering your blood pressure, lowering your cholesterol levels, improving appetite, and elimination of harmful toxins in the body.
It has good oil to use in aromatherapy massage to help the fight against cellulite and wrinkles. Use in a carrier oil for a gentle massage on the face and body to help tone skin.
It is a natural insect repellant; it has been used in India for hundreds of years to protect the fabrics of shawls and blankets and it is good for hair and can be used to treat dandruff. Patchouli is a deodorant so can be used to help with body odors.
Use it in potpourris between sheets to keep bedbugs away, put a few drops in bath; as well as lifting mood it can help with skin and scalp complaints.