Patchouli Essential Oil

Patchouli oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves of the aromatic patchouli plant. The Patchouli plant grows as a bushy herb, with erect stems reaching around 2 foot in height and bearing small, pale pink-white flowers, thrives in hot, humid temperatures and is native to tropical regions such as Brazil, and Asian regions.  As long as the Patchouli plant receives high levels of sunlight and adequate water, it can grow on most well drained land types rich in nutrients and organic matters, the leaves grow thick and small but contain a high concentration of essential oils. Less exposure to sunlight results in leaves that are bigger but that yield a lower volume of essential oils. The leaves and stems of the Patchouli Cablin species plant go through a distillation process to extract the Patchouli essential oil which has a warm, spicy, musky, sweet fragrance and sensuous scent comparable to wet soil.  Patchouli Essential Oil is usually thick and ranges in color from light yellow to a deep amber or brown.

The Patchouli plant belongs to a family of other well-known aromatic plants, including Lavender, and Sage. Patchouli Oil is believed to have received its name from the Hindi word “pacholi,” meaning “to scent” and the scent of Patchouli Oil was used in the 19^th century to protect fabrics from insects and moths.

Used as a massage oil after dilution in a carrier oil, Patchouli Essential Oil can deodorize body odours, soothe inflammation, fight water retention, break up cellulite, fight infections that contribute to fevers, relieve constipation, promote weight loss, facilitate the faster healing of wounds by stimulating the growth of new skin, moisturize rough and chapped skin, and reduce the appearance of blemishes, cuts, bruises and scars. When diluted and applied topically to the hands, neck, stomach, or temples, Patchouli Essential Oil can offer a cooling sensation that can reduce feverish body temperatures. By boosting circulation and thus increasing oxygen to the organs and cells, it helps the body retain a healthy-looking, youthful appearance and its properties help prevent the early onset of sagging skin and hair loss.

Used as massage oil, 1-2 drops of Patchouli Essential Oil can be diluted with carrier oil before being applied to the body. As mentioned it is beneficial for all skin types and can also be massaged into the face to relieve dryness or to balance oily and make skin looks vibrant and feel healthy and smooth. It is used to slow the look of aging by tightening and toning the skin, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes. This oil is also known to strengthen hair and it can also be applied to the scalp by diluting 5 drops in a hair conditioner. Patchouli Oil was traditionally used in Asian folk medicine to treat hair problems like dandruff and oily scalp, as well as for the faster healing of wounds, or skin irritations like dryness, acne, and eczema.

Used in aromatherapy, it is also known to eliminate unpleasant odors in the environment and the sedative scent stimulates the release of pleasure hormones, namely serotonin, and dopamine, thereby improving negative moods and enhancing the feeling of relaxation. It is believed to work as an aphrodisiac by stimulating sensual energy and boosting the libido.

Similarly, used in aromatherapy 1-2 drops smoothed onto a pillow may reduce insomnia and promote the faster onset of deeper sleep by reducing anxiety and improving the quality of sleep. Diffusing 3-4 drops of this anti-inflammatory oil can also reduce fevers and colds by eliminating infectious bacteria, thus reducing body temperature and the pain commonly associated with illness.

Patchouli essential Oil is used in the Blood Circulation, Insomnia & Stress, Hair Growth, Athlete’s Foot, Stretch Marks & Cellulite, and Skin Complexion massage oil blend treatment at Oriental Massage Galway (OMG).