Patchouli Essential Oil: Uses, Benefits, and Precautions

What Is Patchouli Oil?

Patchouli oil is derived from a large evergreen perennial that is a member of the Labiatae family, and a close relative of mint, lavender, and sage. The name “patchouli” (Pogostemon cablin or Pogostemon patchouli) is said to be derived from the ancient Tamil words “patchai” and “ellai,” meaning “green leaf.” Others say it comes from the Hindustan word “patchoi,” meaning “to scent,” referring to its use as a fragrance.

Patchouli originates from Southeast Asia. Today, it’s cultivated in China, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines, but also grows in South America and other tropical regions like Hawaii.

Patchouli oil is extracted from the lightly fragrant leaves and the white, violet-marked flowers of the plant. It’s a thick, light yellow or brown liquid, with a strong, musky-earthy and slightly sweet aroma, reminiscent of wet soil.5 For some, the potent fragrance of this oil is an acquired taste.

What sets patchouli oil apart from other herbal oils is that it gets better with age. Its light yellow color turns into a deep amber, and the scent becomes smoother and richer.

Uses of Patchouli Oil

Patchouli has been used for thousands of years. It was very valuable – early European traders actually exchanged one pound of patchouli for a pound of gold. Romans used it as an appetite stimulant, while in Egypt, it was said that Pharaoh Tutankhamun – also known as King Tut – arranged to have 10 gallons of patchouli oil buried with him in his tomb.

Patchouli oil has long been used in traditional Asian medicine, especially in Malaysia, China, and Japan. It is used to treat skin and hair problems, such as dermatitis, eczema, acne, dry chapped skin, dandruff, and oily scalp. It also has wound healing and scar reducing properties, as well as aphrodisiac effects. The link to sexual desire likely originated from India, where it is used in Tantric sexual practices.

Patchouli oil is also popularly used as a fabric fragrance, a practice that dates back to 19th-century India. Manufacturers used it as a moth repellent for fabrics that are exported to other countries. The scent was so widely used that it became an indicator of authentic Oriental fabric. English and French garment makers even became obliged to add patchouli oil to their imitation products to make them acceptable in the market.

Today, patchouli oil is used as a fragrance in skin and personal care products, air fresheners, laundry detergents, and paper towels. It’s also used as incense and as a base note for perfumes.

In aromatherapy, patchouli oil is said to help relieve anxiety, stress, and depression. Its calming effect is very effective for relaxation and meditation. Simply add a few drops in a diffuser or vaporizer. You can also mix it into your face cream, lotion, or shampoo, or even add it to your bathwater.

Here are other ways to use patchouli oil:

Massage it on your skin to help prevent wrinkles and cellulites. Simply dilute it in a light carrier oil.
Dab a small amount on your skin to soothe cuts, scrapes, burns, and sores, as well as insect bites.
Apply a few drops on your wrists or add it to your sheets to keep ants, bedbugs, and other pests away.
Put two to three drops on a cotton ball and dab it on your underarms to prevent body odor.
Mix a couple of drops into your shampoo or conditioner to treat dandruff and oily hair. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing.

Primary Benefits

Grounding, balancing effect on emotions
Promotes a smooth, glowing complexion
Reduces the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks

Emotional Benefits

Emotionally, patchouli essential oil is also said to connect one to their own body, helping a person release patterns of shame or "not enough-ness", and feel more self-love and acceptance towards their physical self. It does this by acting as a grounding support, helping you to reconnect with and settle into your body. In this way it compliments exercises that encourage body mindfulness, such as tai chi or yoga asanas. It can also help to relieve anxiety or stress, the things we often feel when we begin to disassociate and feel ungrounded or unbalanced.

Complimentary Oils

Patchouli essential oil blends well with Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Lavender, Lemongrass, Myrrh, and Sandalwood. In addition to Patchouli essential oil, also consider trying Frankincense, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Wild Orange, and Lavender.

Composition of Patchouli Oil

The beneficial properties of patchouli oil come from its many constituents, such as alpha patchoulene, beta patchoulene, alpha bulnesene, alpha guaiene, caryophyllene, norpatchoulenol, patchouli alcohol, seychellene and pogostol. It also contains patchouli alcohol (PA), an important compound that has neuroprotective, anti-influenza, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Benefits of Patchouli Oil

Patchouli oil’s health benefits are attributed to its antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, and cytophylactic properties. It also works as a deodorant, diuretic, insecticide, and sedative. Patchouli oil can help address health conditions such as:

Inflammation – Patchouli oil can help soothe inflammation and/or irritation. It also works for inflammation-related conditions, like gout and arthritis.
Fungal infection – It inhibits fungal growth and gives you protection against notorious infections, such as athlete’s foot.
Colds and flu – Patchouli oil can bolster your immune system to help you avoid colds, influenza, and tonsillitis.
Fever – It helps fight infections that cause fever and reduces your body temperature.
Sexual problems (men and women) – It stimulates the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone, and helps boost your sex drive. It is useful for impotence, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, and sexual anxiety.

Sources: Mercola.com

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