HERB: Patchouli (REMEDIES, OILS, CRAFTS, BATH)

[Guest guest]

Herb & Essential Oil of the Month - Patchouli

Pogostemon cablin

Family: Lamiaceae

 

This musky herb called Patchouli has been used in aromatherapy for

centuries in many cultures. It was introduced in the early 1800's to

the British Culture. It was used for its antiviral properties in

medicinal cleansing and to stop the spread of disease. Here Patchouli

became widespread in the 1960's. Its earthy aroma masked scents and

lingered in the air for days. The emotional benefits are pleasant as it

relieves stress, awakens tranquility and is a natural aphrodisiac.

Patchouli is very recognizable and you either love the scent or hate it.

 

This erect annual herb grows to a height of 2 or 3 ft. It has purplish

colored stems that is covered with minute hairs. It produces white

flowers on spikes. The parts used are the leaves and the roots. It

takes about 6 months to reach maturity and it can be harvested every 3

or 4 months. Preferably during the drier months when the oil content is

at its highest.

 

Patchouli is native in tropical Asia but is cultivated heavily in the

East and West Indies and in Paraguay. It is mainly harvested for its

oil. Fresh leaves yield the highest amount of oil and should be grown

close to a distillery. You can use the fragrant leaves dried. They are

a great insect repellent. Place them between blankets and in closets.

Grow this plant as a helper for other plants. It is great for keeping

the insect population down. Also fresh bruised leaves are good to apply

for burns to aid in healing. A poultice of leaves can be applied for a

headache or an infusion of leaves is good added to the bath water when

suffering from a cold without fever, vomiting or nausea.

 

The orangish-amber oil has high quality anti-viral properties and is a

fixative. So while the scent gets better with age it also helps keep the

scent of what ever its blended with. For this reason, Patchouli is very

popular in the perfuming industry but it is often adulterated by exporters.

 

Today in aromatherapy, Patchouli is used for its medical and emotional

attributes. It is both anti-viral and anti-fungal. You can use it on an

effected area or to stop the spread of bacteria and viruses. It is

anti-inflammatory and it encourages cell regeneration. Great to use on

the skin to heal eczema, dermatitis, chapped skin and other skin

complaints. Use it also for wrinkles, cellulite, and sunburn. It speeds

up the healing of wounds and sores, helps to fade scars. tightens and

tones the skin.

 

The emotional benefits make Patchouli relaxing and great to use in

stressful situations. It improves concentration and lets you keep

control of your emotions and is useful in controlling depression and

anxiety. It has been used in many spiritual rituals to ward off

negativity and evil and burned as incense to aid divination and

clairvoyance.

 

Patchouli's Medicinal Properties include: aphrodisiac, astringent,

anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antitoxic,

carminative, deodorant, decongestant, digestive, diuretic, fungicidial,

insecticide, antidepressant, sedative, stimulant (nervous), stomachic, tonic.

 

It blends well with: Lavender, Jasmine, Eucalyptus, Basil, Rosemary,

Frankincense, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang and is often used with Peppermint.

Pure Essential Oil Usage

Inhalation - Fatigue, frigidity, stress, depression.

Skin Care - Acne, athlete's foot, dermatitis, eczema, chapped skin,

mature skin and oily skin.

Personal care - Dandruff, cellulite, varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

Bath - Acne, eczema, cellulite, varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

Tea -Stimulates the production of gastric juices to aid digestion and an

appetite-suppressant. Use only the dried leaves.

Massage -Rehydration and rejuvenation of dry or mature skin, athlete's

foot, good addition to any blend for aching and tired muscles.

 

WARNING : Not to be used by pregnant women

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Recipes

Sensual Bedroom Spray

10 drops Jasmine

5 drops Patchouli

5 drops Sandalwood

5 drops Ylang Ylang

Add to 16 oz. distilled water in spritzer bottle. Shake well before each use.

 

Dry Skin Relief

Lavender 4 drops

Patchouli 2 drops

Sandalwood 4 drops

Mix with 1/2 oz of carrier oil and massage into skin.

 

Earthy Rose

3 drops Rose Absolute

6 drops Bergamot

6 drops Lavender

5 drops Patchouli

1/2 ounce Jojoba oil or your favorite carrier oil.

Mix essential oils and carrier oil together in a glass bottle. Shake

well. Nice all natural perfume.

 

Peace and Love Massage Oil

3 drops Patchouli

3 drops Sandalwood

1 oz. Grapeseed Oil or your favorite carrier oil.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Ease The Stress

Aromatherapy for Stress Relief at Work

 

Most people work a 40 hour week so we can estimate that we typically

spend about 2,000 hours at work each year. And many people work even

more than this. Yet we often don't take the time to ensure that our job

setting is a pleasant place to be. Our jobs are often very stressful

and stress is a known trigger for many common ailments and diseases.

Many studies have been done on the relationship between job stress and a

variety of ailments. Mood and sleep disturbances, upset stomach,

headaches and disturbed relationships with family and friends are

examples of stress related problems that are quick to develop.

 

Before you think about stress reduction, start by identifying the

particular stresses in your work and the effect they have on you. What,

specifically, is it about your work situation that makes you feel

anxious, angry, frustrated, burned out, depressed, etc? Do you have a

difficult boss or co-worker? Do you have too much work and not enough

time to do it? When you come up with your list of stressors, address

them one at a time.

 

Managing stress is a slow and measured process that should take place

over time and not all at once. Take stock of the situation and make a

note of the things that are causing you the most concern. Look at

things that you can do, or ask for support that will ease the situation,

no matter how small. Set some achievable goals towards removing the

problem. Think back to some similar situations you have overcome and

apply these lessons.

 

A common reaction to a stressful situation is to try to escape, at least

temporarily, by taking a coffee break or a quick smoke. But this only

adds to the toxins in your body and does not attempt to deal with the

underlying causes. A more effective response is to confront the tasks

that cause you stress. Develop healthy habits one day at a time. Take

a short walk in the morning, eat regularly, take time over your meals,

and keep in touch with your mind and body.

 

It can be very beneficial to change your own outlook and actions rather

than trying to change others who you believe are the cause of your

stress. No matter what the causes of your tension and stress are, there

are many strategies you can use to help protect you against the ill

effects of stress. We elaborate on a different strategy to relieve

stress each month in this newsletter.

 

Implementing aromatherapy into your life can go a long way in easing

your stress as well as the stress levels of others around you. One of

the main attributes of pure essential oils is their ability to relieve

stress with immediate positive benefits. Because of the emotional

elements which are at play in stress-related conditions, the choice of

essential oils depends largely on the causes of the problem and the

temperment of each individual and how they respond under pressure. Only

use oils that appeal to you. If you do not like the scent, it will not

have the desired effect.

 

There are many ways to bring aromatherapy into the workplace. Diffusers

heat essential oils and allows their molecules to be released into the

atmosphere. Inhaling different essential oils can alter your mood,

stimulate creativity, help concentration and rid an area of airborne

viruses and bacteria. Scenting your office with Lavender essential oil

is said to reduce computer errors at least 25%. If you have to work in

an air conditioned or stuffy building, using essential oils in a

diffuser or spritzing a spritzer can really clear the air. Geranium,

Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint and Rosemary are all excellent for a quick

pick me up. Try Chamomile, Lavender, Orange or Sandalwood oil. All are

thought to help combat stress and tension. Here are a few more ideas to

get you started.

 

If you can't use a diffuser at work, simply put a drop of essential oil

on a tissue and keep with you to sniff whenever you need to.

 

Put a few drops of your favorite essential oil on the cardboard tube

inside a roll of toilet paper to fragrance the bathroom at work.

 

Let scent be your calling card. Simply add your favorite essential oils

to cotton balls and place your business cards and the cotton balls in a

box with a lid. Keep tightly closed for at least 1 week.

 

Mix 5 drops of Lavender essential oil (or your favorite oil) into about

a teaspoon of Jojoba or Almond oil. Dab on a cloth and wipe the surfaces

of your desk and top of the computer. When the heat of the computer

warms the oil there is a pleasant fresh fragrance wafting through the air.

 

There is help for your stress! Aromatherapy has been proven to be

excellent for stress relief as well as increasing productivity and

efficiency levels. The possibilities are only limited to your

imagination. For more ideas and information, check out our website that

is over 100 pages large and growing.

 

***

It's My Nature's Aromatherapy & Herbal Comforts

Newsletter - August, 2002 Issue

http://itsmynature.net

[Guest guest]

thanks for the excellent tips...

 

>>> wildmouse 2002-11-23 08:04 >>>

Herb & Essential Oil of the Month - Patchouli

Pogostemon cablin

Family: Lamiaceae

 

This musky herb called Patchouli has been used in aromatherapy for

centuries in many cultures. It was introduced in the early 1800's to

the British Culture. It was used for its antiviral properties in

medicinal cleansing and to stop the spread of disease. Here Patchouli

became widespread in the 1960's. Its earthy aroma masked scents and

lingered in the air for days. The emotional benefits are pleasant as

it

relieves stress, awakens tranquility and is a natural aphrodisiac.

Patchouli is very recognizable and you either love the scent or hate

it.

 

This erect annual herb grows to a height of 2 or 3 ft. It has purplish

colored stems that is covered with minute hairs. It produces white

flowers on spikes. The parts used are the leaves and the roots. It

takes about 6 months to reach maturity and it can be harvested every 3

or 4 months. Preferably during the drier months when the oil content

is

at its highest.

 

Patchouli is native in tropical Asia but is cultivated heavily in the

East and West Indies and in Paraguay. It is mainly harvested for its

oil. Fresh leaves yield the highest amount of oil and should be grown

close to a distillery. You can use the fragrant leaves dried. They

are

a great insect repellent. Place them between blankets and in closets.

Grow this plant as a helper for other plants. It is great for keeping

the insect population down. Also fresh bruised leaves are good to

apply

for burns to aid in healing. A poultice of leaves can be applied for

a

headache or an infusion of leaves is good added to the bath water when

suffering from a cold without fever, vomiting or nausea.

 

The orangish-amber oil has high quality anti-viral properties and is a

fixative. So while the scent gets better with age it also helps keep

the

scent of what ever its blended with. For this reason, Patchouli is

very

popular in the perfuming industry but it is often adulterated by

exporters.

 

Today in aromatherapy, Patchouli is used for its medical and emotional

attributes. It is both anti-viral and anti-fungal. You can use it on

an

effected area or to stop the spread of bacteria and viruses. It is

anti-inflammatory and it encourages cell regeneration. Great to use

on

the skin to heal eczema, dermatitis, chapped skin and other skin

complaints. Use it also for wrinkles, cellulite, and sunburn. It

speeds

up the healing of wounds and sores, helps to fade scars. tightens and

tones the skin.

 

The emotional benefits make Patchouli relaxing and great to use in

stressful situations. It improves concentration and lets you keep

control of your emotions and is useful in controlling depression and

anxiety. It has been used in many spiritual rituals to ward off

negativity and evil and burned as incense to aid divination and

clairvoyance.

 

Patchouli's Medicinal Properties include: aphrodisiac, astringent,

anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antitoxic,

carminative, deodorant, decongestant, digestive, diuretic,

fungicidial,

insecticide, antidepressant, sedative, stimulant (nervous), stomachic,

tonic.

 

It blends well with: Lavender, Jasmine, Eucalyptus, Basil, Rosemary,

Frankincense, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang and is often used with

Peppermint.

Pure Essential Oil Usage

Inhalation - Fatigue, frigidity, stress, depression.

Skin Care - Acne, athlete's foot, dermatitis, eczema, chapped skin,

mature skin and oily skin.

Personal care - Dandruff, cellulite, varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

Bath - Acne, eczema, cellulite, varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

Tea -Stimulates the production of gastric juices to aid digestion and

an

appetite-suppressant. Use only the dried leaves.

Massage -Rehydration and rejuvenation of dry or mature skin, athlete's

foot, good addition to any blend for aching and tired muscles.

 

WARNING : Not to be used by pregnant women

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Recipes

Sensual Bedroom Spray

10 drops Jasmine

5 drops Patchouli

5 drops Sandalwood

5 drops Ylang Ylang

Add to 16 oz. distilled water in spritzer bottle. Shake well before

each use.

 

Dry Skin Relief

Lavender 4 drops

Patchouli 2 drops

Sandalwood 4 drops

Mix with 1/2 oz of carrier oil and massage into skin.

 

Earthy Rose

3 drops Rose Absolute

6 drops Bergamot

6 drops Lavender

5 drops Patchouli

1/2 ounce Jojoba oil or your favorite carrier oil.

Mix essential oils and carrier oil together in a glass bottle. Shake

well. Nice all natural perfume.

 

Peace and Love Massage Oil

3 drops Patchouli

3 drops Sandalwood

1 oz. Grapeseed Oil or your favorite carrier oil.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Ease The Stress

Aromatherapy for Stress Relief at Work

 

Most people work a 40 hour week so we can estimate that we typically

spend about 2,000 hours at work each year. And many people work even

more than this. Yet we often don't take the time to ensure that our

job

setting is a pleasant place to be. Our jobs are often very stressful

and stress is a known trigger for many common ailments and diseases.

Many studies have been done on the relationship between job stress and

a

variety of ailments. Mood and sleep disturbances, upset stomach,

headaches and disturbed relationships with family and friends are

examples of stress related problems that are quick to develop.

 

Before you think about stress reduction, start by identifying the

particular stresses in your work and the effect they have on you.

What,

specifically, is it about your work situation that makes you feel

anxious, angry, frustrated, burned out, depressed, etc? Do you have

a

difficult boss or co-worker? Do you have too much work and not enough

time to do it? When you come up with your list of stressors, address

them one at a time.

 

Managing stress is a slow and measured process that should take place

over time and not all at once. Take stock of the situation and make a

note of the things that are causing you the most concern. Look at

things that you can do, or ask for support that will ease the

situation,

no matter how small. Set some achievable goals towards removing the

problem. Think back to some similar situations you have overcome and

apply these lessons.

 

A common reaction to a stressful situation is to try to escape, at

least

temporarily, by taking a coffee break or a quick smoke. But this only

adds to the toxins in your body and does not attempt to deal with the

underlying causes. A more effective response is to confront the tasks

that cause you stress. Develop healthy habits one day at a time.

Take

a short walk in the morning, eat regularly, take time over your meals,

and keep in touch with your mind and body.

 

It can be very beneficial to change your own outlook and actions

rather

than trying to change others who you believe are the cause of your

stress. No matter what the causes of your tension and stress are,

there

are many strategies you can use to help protect you against the ill

effects of stress. We elaborate on a different strategy to relieve

stress each month in this newsletter.

 

Implementing aromatherapy into your life can go a long way in easing

your stress as well as the stress levels of others around you. One of

the main attributes of pure essential oils is their ability to relieve

stress with immediate positive benefits. Because of the emotional

elements which are at play in stress-related conditions, the choice of

essential oils depends largely on the causes of the problem and the

temperment of each individual and how they respond under pressure.

Only

use oils that appeal to you. If you do not like the scent, it will

not

have the desired effect.

 

There are many ways to bring aromatherapy into the workplace.

Diffusers

heat essential oils and allows their molecules to be released into the

atmosphere. Inhaling different essential oils can alter your mood,

stimulate creativity, help concentration and rid an area of airborne

viruses and bacteria. Scenting your office with Lavender essential oil

is said to reduce computer errors at least 25%. If you have to work

in

an air conditioned or stuffy building, using essential oils in a

diffuser or spritzing a spritzer can really clear the air. Geranium,

Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint and Rosemary are all excellent for a quick

pick me up. Try Chamomile, Lavender, Orange or Sandalwood oil. All are

thought to help combat stress and tension. Here are a few more ideas

to

get you started.

 

If you can't use a diffuser at work, simply put a drop of essential

oil

on a tissue and keep with you to sniff whenever you need to.

 

Put a few drops of your favorite essential oil on the cardboard tube

inside a roll of toilet paper to fragrance the bathroom at work.

 

Let scent be your calling card. Simply add your favorite essential

oils

to cotton balls and place your business cards and the cotton balls in

a

box with a lid. Keep tightly closed for at least 1 week.

 

Mix 5 drops of Lavender essential oil (or your favorite oil) into

about

a teaspoon of Jojoba or Almond oil. Dab on a cloth and wipe the

surfaces

of your desk and top of the computer. When the heat of the computer

warms the oil there is a pleasant fresh fragrance wafting through the

air.

 

There is help for your stress! Aromatherapy has been proven to be

excellent for stress relief as well as increasing productivity and

efficiency levels. The possibilities are only limited to your

imagination. For more ideas and information, check out our website

that

is over 100 pages large and growing.

 

***

It's My Nature's Aromatherapy & Herbal Comforts

Newsletter - August, 2002 Issue

http://itsmynature.net