Patchouli oil

Patchouli is also called the “smell of the sixties” because it has a strong association with the symbolism of the Flower for many people. Hippies (also called “flower children”) embraced the symbolism of flowers by wearing flowers in their hair and brightly colored clothes with embroidered flowers, handing out flowers as a symbol of passive resistance and non-violence. They generously sprayed their clothes with patchouli oil, which they brought back from their travels to India.

The smell of the sixties is musky, earthy, exotic.

Origin and characteristics of Patchouli

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is a perennial herb, an aromatic species of the Lamiaceae family, commonly called the “mint” or “dead nettle” family. The patchouli plant has a strong, hairy stem, aromatic downy leaves and white flowers with a purple haze. It grows in tropical regions of Asia.

For centuries, the aroma of patchouli has been associated with business success, career growth, stability and prosperity. It is said to attract happiness and wealth. Patchouli is the oldest known essential oil, which has an aphrodisiac effect, and is also able to establish hormonal balance and restore the endocrine system.

Patchouli oil is extracted from dried patchouli flowers by steam distillation. Its aroma is absolutely unique and very long-lasting – sensual and deep, with striking spicy and bitter notes. Patchouli has long been known for its balancing effect on emotions and as an excellent mood enhancer.

Traditionally, patchouli has had a beneficial effect on wound healing and tissue repair, and has been used as a treatment for skin inflammation and scars, headaches, colic, muscle spasms, bacterial and viral infections, anxiety and depression. Patchouli has become a popular aromatic ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products, including paper towels, laundry detergents and air fresheners.

Patchouli Oil and Its Benefits

Yellow-brown patchouli oil is slightly viscous, has an intoxicating sweet-spicy oriental aroma. The oil has a long shelf life, and its quality improves over time – 5-year-old oil, for example, is very viscous and has a heavy sweet aroma. Patchouli oil should be used diluted, and even in such a small amount, its intense aroma remains for a long time.

Patchouli oil has a very beneficial effect on the skin and helps to reduce wrinkles or chapping. Patchouli essential oil has decongestant properties, which makes it an effective remedy for heavy legs, varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

The pleasant aroma of patchouli, as well as its stimulating or calming properties, also make it a popular oil in aromatherapy. Interestingly, patchouli oil in small quantities has a stimulating effect on the nervous system, but when used in large quantities, it has the opposite effect – it has a calming effect.

Patchouli Oil for Skin

Patchouli oil cleanses the skin, promotes an even, radiant complexion, and has a beneficial effect on the skin in many ways. In fact, it is one of the best essential oils for treating eczema, dermatitis, and acne. Patchouli oil is often used to combat signs of aging and to prevent wrinkles, age spots, and minor skin imperfections.

Important properties of patchouli oil include antiseptic, astringent (useful for scar tissue and poorly healing wounds), and digestive stimulant effects. In addition, this oil can be used as a diuretic and to reduce fever. Patchouli is suitable for use as a deodorant, to treat dandruff and oily hair, as a natural mosquito repellent and to relieve insect bites.

Patchouli has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it effective against skin fungi. Patchouli oil soothes the skin in case of an itchy rash caused by athlete’s foot. This essential oil promotes cell renewal and wound healing. Patchouli can be used to treat skin conditions such as dermatitis, acne, dry or cracked skin. When inflammation occurs, the body’s natural defense reaction is to swell the affected area. The anti-inflammatory properties of patchouli oil provide decongestant and analgesic effects.

Peach Oil for Pigmentation and Scars

With its ability to regenerate the skin and thus prevent dead cells from being deposited on the skin’s surface, peach oil can help in the healing of scars and skin discoloration, age spots and skin imperfections, helping to tone the skin, resulting in brighter, clearer skin with a healthy glow.

Use: Mix three drops of peach oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil and gently massage into the pigmented or scarred area.

Patchouli Oil as an Insecticide

Patchouli oil can also be used as an insecticide, as found in several studies evaluating its effects on various types of insects. Patchouli oil has been shown to be effective in repelling insects and can be used against moths in wardrobes. It also relieves the pain of insect bites.

Patchouli Oil and Aromatherapy

Inhaling the aroma of patchouli essential oil or absorbing patchouli oil through the skin is said to transmit impulses to the limbic region of the brain. This part of the brain is involved in managing emotions and affects the nervous system. In aromatherapy, essential oils are used because they can affect a number of biological factors, including heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure, respiration, and immune function.

Patchouli in aromatherapy can be a useful remedy for stress, depression, anxiety, and frigidity. This essential oil can help relieve cold and flu symptoms, headaches, or upset stomachs.

Patchouli Oil for the Mind

The rich, musky-sweet aroma of patchouli oil is grounding and emotionally balancing. Depending on the dosage, it can be calming or stimulating. For the dreamer, patchouli has a grounding effect to increase focus and concentration, keeping the mind clear. Patchouli also has a calming effect on exhaustion and other stress-related complaints.

Patchouli Oil for Massage

When diluted with your preferred carrier oil, it improves circulation in the legs. In general, patchouli oil is a great addition to any romantic, stimulating, or relaxing massage. When used as a base oil, almond or jojoba oil mixed with a few drops of sandalwood oil provides a wonderful combination for a warming, romantic massage. The additional aphrodisiac effect of patchouli oil completes the romantic mood.