Herb & Essential Oil of the Month

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Herb & Essential Oil of the Month

Patchouli

Pogostemum cablin

Family: Lamiatae

 

Patchouli is a familiar scent to most people. But whether you love it

or hate it you can not deny its incredible therapeutic values.

 

A member of the mint and basil family, Patchouli is one of the most

popular essential oils in the world. It is grown in the tropical

regions as a small bush that grows to about 3 ft tall. It has

purplish stems and produces white flowers. But it is the leaves and

the roots that are used for essential oil. The plant is a fast

grower and can reach maturity in 6 months. It can be harvested

several times a year. About every 3-4 months.

 

Patchouli has been used as an insect repellent throughout history in

most cultures. The dried leaves have been layered between shawls and

blankets to keep moths away while traveling during trading routes.

It is still used in sachets and incense today for the same reasons.

 

Grow Patchouli in your garden as a helper plant. It is great for

keeping the insect population down. Then add the dried leaves to

sachets when storing your blankets and linen to keep insects and

moths away.

 

Here in the United States, Patchouli reminds people of the 60's. It

was widely used for its aphrodisiac properties and its long lasting

scent was great for masking odors which could last for days. It's

popularity is making a come back, as it is a great oil that is worth

your respect.

 

If you haven't been exposed to Patchouli before, it has an earthy

scent. The oil is a thick brownish color and unlike most oils,

Patchouli improves with age.

 

It is a fixative and is used extensively in the perfume and beverage

industry today. A fixative is blended with other herbs and oils to

intensify their aroma and to make the scent last longer.

 

The price of Patchouli has increased over the last decade. If you

find a good price on Patchouli, it is more than likely has been

diluted or adulterated in some manner. There are other fake

Patchouli plants on the market and they are often added to true

Patchouli to make it go farther, producing more money. Be sure you

know the Latin name of the Patchouli (Pogostemum cablin ) you are

buying to guarantee its effects. The fake Patchouli's do not have

the same therapeutic effects.

 

Patchouli has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties.

Very few oils can tout those claims. So besides warding off viruses

and killing bacteria, it is great for athletes foot, dandruff, even

yeast infections, both in the mouth and vagina.

 

The emotional effects of Patchouli have been its favorite use for

decades. It's a natural anti-depressant and it can level mood

swings, lower anxiety and even create an amorous atmosphere. Great

when used in a diffuser to relieve stress, tension and anger.

 

Patchouli's cell regenerative properties are great for the skin. Use

it for acne, dry or oily skin, eczema, dermatitis, mature skin and

wrinkles, varicose veins, cellulite and to help fade scars. Use as a

facial splash or add to your bath water. It is great for toning the

skin and is exceptionally nice when used in the evening. It is

calming and relaxing without sedating.

 

Patchouli improves concentration and helps you keep control of your

emotions. It is used in many spiritual rituals to ward off

negativity and to aid divination and clairvoyance.

 

Patchouli's Medicinal Properties include: antidepressant,

aphrodisiac, astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, antiseptic,

anti-microbial, anti-toxic, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant,

decongestant, digestive, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicidial,

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

 

It blends well with: Basil, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Clove,

Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Labdanum,

Lemon, Musk, Myrrh, Neroli, Oakmoss, Rosemary, Rose, Sandalwood,

Vetiver, Ylang Ylang, and is often used with Peppermint.

 

Pure Essential Oil Usage

Inhalation - Use for fatigue, frigidity, stress, depression and

insect repellant.

Skin Care - Great for acne, dermatitis, eczema, enlarged pores,

scars, varicose veins and wrinkles.

Hair Care - Use for dandruff.

Tea - The dried leaves stimulate the production of gastric juices to

aid digestion. Can be an appetite suppressant. Do not use Oil

Internally.

Bath - Use for rehydration and to heal skin complaints. Also calms

the body, mind and emotions.

Massage - Rejuvenating to mature skin. Great for the feet and tired

muscles.

 

Cautions: Not to be used by pregnant women. Do not use oil internally.