Patchouli Essential Oil

Oil Properties:
Scent: Woody, earthy, smoky, musty-sweet, strong spicy smell
Odor Intensity: Medium
Evaporation Rate: Base Note
Color: reddish-brown

SAFETY: Non-toxic, non-irritant.  Undiluted Patchouli will clog your diffusor, so combine with Orange essential oil to diffuse. 

Uses:

Patchouli has long been a favorite oil. It is a very effective aphrodisiac that promotes increased feelings of desire. When diffused, Patchouli helps create an amorous atmosphere. It helps with the formation of scar tissue and acts to heal skin problems.

Patchouli oil is useful for fungal and bacterial infection; it helps for insect bites and could also be used as an insect repellant.

It has diuretic properties, therefore helpful for water retention, cellulite, constipation and overweight. It has a deodorizing action, and helps when feeling hot and bothered.

Patchouli oil helps to cool down inflammations and assists with wound healing, scars and sores; it gives relief from acne, eczema and scalp disorders.

It is very effective with inflamed or cracked skin due to its regenerative properties. Acne, skin allergies and eczema may also respond well. It is a gentle oil and helpful with mature or aged skin. It aids in the resolution of problems associated with wrinkles and aging.  It can be helpful with the re-growth of skin cells and scar tissue. Patchouli oil can assist with stress related conditions and anxiety; and is also helpful in cases of substance addictions.

Origin of Patchouli oil:

The succulent leaves of this pretty, East Indian bush carry little indication of their potential, because the scent is developed by exposure to air while the leaves are drying and aged.  Even after being distilled, the harsh, translucent yellow oil must age to a syrupy brown before it develops a rich patchouli scent.  Patchouli is a perennial bushy plant that grows up to 1 meter (3 feet) 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.

Patchouli comes from Malaysia and India, where it is known as 'puchaput'. Patchouli comes from the Hindustan word 'patch' meaning 'green' and 'ilai' meaning 'leaf.'  It was brought to Europe around 1820. It was popular in the 1960’s as a scent in the hippie period.

It was placed between Indian cashmere shawls en route to Victorian England to protect the merchandise from moths. Without the smell of Patchouli the shawls could not be sold.

In the East Patchouli is used to place between linen to keep bedbugs away, in sachets and in pot-pourri. It is Patchouli and Camphor that gives Indian ink its characteristic smell.