Information on Patchouli essential oil
Patchouli Essential Oil is extracted from Pogostemon cablin (also known as Pogostemon patchouli) of the Labiatae family and is also known as patchouly and puchaput.
Although Patchouli Essential Oil may remind people of the hippie era, its value in skincare is incalculable.
It is great for fighting depression and anxiety.
It has wonderful diuretic properties and also helps break down cellulite, while stimulating the regeneration of skin cells, speeding up healing and preventing ugly scars forming when wounds heal.
Oil Properties
Patchouli Essential Oil has a rich musky-sweet, strong spicy and herbaceous smell. It is light yellow to dark brown in color and is a relatively thick oil.
Origin
It is a perennial, bushy plant that grows up to 1meter (3 feet) high, with a sturdy, hairy stem and large, fragrant, furry leaves, about four inches long and five inches across.
It has whitish flowers tinged with purple.
The plant is native to Malaysia and India, where it is known as ‘puchaput’. The word is derived from Hindustan word ‘patch’ meaning ‘green’ and ‘ilai’ meaning ‘leaf.’
It was placed between Indian cashmere shawls en route to Victorian England, to protect the merchandise from moths, and without this signature smell of dried patchouli leaves the shawls could not be sold in England.
In the East, it is used in potpourris and sachets and is placed between linen, to keep bedbugs away.
It is the smell of patchouli oil, mixed with that of camphor, that gives Indian ink its characteristic odour.
Extraction
Patchouli Essential Oil is extracted from the young leaves which are dried and fermented prior to steam distillation and yields 2 – 3 %.
This oil improves with age to have a fuller, more well rounded odor.
Chemical composition
some of the main chemical components of Patchouli Essential Oil are Patchouli alcohol, α-Bulnesene, α-Guaiene, Seychellene, γ-Patchoulene, α-Patchoulene, β-Caryophellene
Precautions
Patchouli essential oil may affect blood clotting, so care should be taken when using this oil together with anti-coagulant medication. The smell of patchouli oil may be a little persistent for some people and large doses may cause loss of appetite in certain individuals. Patchouli oil is regarded to be relatively safe when used in Aromatherapy.
As with most essential oils, this essential oil should be kept in a dark and cool place and should be stored in an airtight glass bottle (Preferably in the fridge at a temperature of around 4° Celsius / 39° Fahrenheit).
Please read our page with heading: Safety with Essential Oils before using this oil.
We recommend the following book as an excellent resource regarding safety:
Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals by Robert Tisserand & Rodney Young (#ad).
Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of patchouli oil are antidepressant, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, cicatrisant, cytophylactic, deodorant, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicide, insecticide, sedative and tonic.
For our glossary and explanation of these therapeutic terms, please click here
Uses
Patchouli Essential Oil has a grounding and balancing effect on the emotions and banishes lethargy, while sharpening the wits, fighting depression and anxiety.
It is also said to create an amorous atmosphere.
It is effective for fungal and bacterial infection and is of great help for insect bites. It could be used as an insect repellent and is also used as a support for dealing with any substance addiction.
With its excellent diuretic properties, it is effective in fighting water retention and to break up cellulite, easing constipation and helping to reduce weight.
Furthermore, it has a great deodorizing action, and helps when feeling hot and bothered, while cooling down inflammations and assisting with wound healing.
On the skin, this oil is one of the most active and is a superb tissue regenerator, which helps to stimulate the growth of new skin cells.
In wound healing, it not only promotes faster healing, but also helps to prevent ugly scarring when the wound heals.
Patchouli oil is very effective in sorting out rough, cracked and overly dehydrated skin and is used to treat acne, eczema, sores, ulcers, any fungal infections, as well as scalp disorders.
Burners and vaporizers
In vapor therapy, patchouli oil can be used to fight anxiety and depression, while at the same time creating an amorous atmosphere and acting as an insect repellent.
Blended Massage Oil or in the Bath
As a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, patchouli oil can help to fight depression, skin and scalp complaints, fungal infections, fluid retention, help to break down cellulite and also assists with constipation, overweight and dermatitis.
Blended in a Cream
In a lotion or cream, patchouli oil can be used for general skin care, as it has superb tissue regenerating properties, to help rejuvenate the skin and stimulate the formation of new skin cells, while fighting infections. It also speeds up healing, while preventing ugly scars from forming and is effective for acne, eczema, weeping sores, ulcers, slow healing wounds, scalp disorders, as well as other fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot.
Patchouli Essential Oil can be applied neat with a cotton bud on insect bites.
Suggested Dilution Rates
On the skin
Adult:
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 3%
Bath: 0.5% to 4%
3 to 24 months:
Face: 0.25% to 0.5%
Body: 0.25% to 0.5%
Bath: Maximum of 0.5%
2 to 6 years:
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 2%
Bath: 0.5% to 2 %
6 to 15 years
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 3%
Bath: 0.5% to 3%
Pregnancy
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 2%
Bath: 0.5% to 2%
- When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional before use.
- Most professionals and/or Aromatherapists will always err on the side of safety when giving advice regarding the use of essential oils and oleo resins during pregnancy.
- Quite a number of Aromatherapists advise that you should avoid all essential oils completely while pregnant, specifically during the first trimester. This is a very safe approach but may not be necessary at all.
Diffusers and Vaporisers
4 to 8 drops
General:
- When using for the first time – Always use the lowest dilution rate and build up slowly to the maximum. Stop using all essential oils on the skin if irritation or allergy occurs.
- Any advice or instruction received from a medical professional ALWAYS supersedes recommendations or advice found on this website. When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional.
Summary
Patchouli Essential Oil has a beneficial effect on the skin, helps for infections and insect bites, water retention and can help with stress related problems and addictions.
Blends
Although essential oils blend well with one another, Patchouli Essential Oil blends particularly well with Bergamot, Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender and Myrrh.
