Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
Ah, Patchouli - people seem to love it or hate it. This well know essential oil has a somewhat deserved reputation as the scent of the Hippy generation (according to one source, its use began as a mask for the odor of a particularly cherished herb), though its traditional use dates back hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. Despite its checkered past, the oil is considered a very complex and therapeutic
Aromatic, with
Antidepressant, anti-
Stress and uplifting action.
Primarily indicated for
Skin conditions, the oil may be of benefit in cases of
Dermatitis,
Eczema,
Acne,
Dry Skin,and other irritating conditions, along with
Dandruff and oily
Scalp conditions. As a cell
Rejuvenate, it may help in healing
Wounds and reducing the appearance of
Scars. It is considered an excellent remedy for
Insect and snake
Bites, and has been used as a fumigant and rubbing oil to prevent the spread of
Fevers and to strengthen the
Immune system.
Aromatherapy and Perfumery Uses: Patchouli is considered an excellent base note and fixative in perfumery, being a component in many famous perfumes. As a fixative, it slows the evaporation of other, more volatile oils so that their
Aroma may be released over a longer period of time. A little patchouli can be used in natural perfume blends, adding that special deep and earthy
Aroma. It mixes well with many essential oils, with almost all common oils being mentioned across a variety of sources - these include Vetiver, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Myrrh, Jasmine, Rose, Citrus oils,
Clary Sage, Lemongrass, Geranium and Ginger.
In
Aromatherapy, this is considered a great balancer, relaxing yet stimulating, particularly relevant for conditions of weak
Immune system where overwork and
Anxiety have left the individual in a susceptible state. It is said to bring the three principal forces at work within the body - the Creative at the navel, the
Heart center, and transcen
Dental wisdom a the crown - into harmony.
The oil may also relieve the strain of those with excessive mental activity who may feel out of touch with their body and sensuality.It has been considered a relaxing
Aphrodisiac, and can be helpful for those with
Impotence, frigidity, and sexual
Anxiety that are products of mental anguish. Patchouli combines this
Aphrodisiac effect with an
Antidepressant one, uplifting the mind with it's sweet, warm, spicy scent.
In India this essential oil with the lyrical name of patcha pat has long been used to keep moths and other
Insects out of linens and woolen shawls and rugs. It is the characteristic scent found in Indian bedspreads and cottons. Hand-woven silk and wool rugs from Persia, India, and Turkey had dried patchouli leaves laid on them before they were rolled for shipping. Europeans actually refused to buy cheaper local imitation Oriental rugs because they didn't smell authentic.
Therapeutic properties of patchouli:
Antidepressant, anti-matory,
Anti-Septic,
Antiviral, and
Antifungal; reduces
Fluid retention
Uses for patchouli: Cosmetically, the essential oil is a cell
Rejuvenate and anti
Septic that treats a number of
Skin problems, including
Eczema and inflamed, cracked, and
Mature Skin. As an
Antifungal, it counters
Athletes foot. The
Aroma reduces
Appetite and helps to relieve
Headaches, unless the patient doesn't like it! Add 8 drops per ounce to a
Hair Conditioner to help eliminate
Dandruff.