Native to tropical Asia, patchouli is a perennial plant that grows to around three feet in height. Patchouli has a fine hair-like texture on the leaves and the stems. It has been cultivated for centuries for its essential oil benefits. The oil comes from the dried leaves and small off shoots from the patchouli plant, also known as Pogostemon Cablin. This genus is from the Labiatae family, which includes sage, mint, and lavender.
The scent of patchouli is commonly called earthy, musky, and even woodsy, and people either love it, or they hate it. The odor is strong and can penetrate the senses very quickly, and too much can be overwhelming for some people. Like it or not, patchouli is popular, and for centuries has been commonly used in perfumes sold around the world.
As an essential oil, patchouli helps to lift the mood and soothe anxiousness just from the pungent aroma. There was a time when patchouli was used as a body odor deterrent; some used it rather than utilizing proper body hygiene, instead using the strongly scented oil as an “odor cover up.” Unfortunately, in some cases this actually makes fierce body odor worse.
Patchouli essential oil is inhaled for success with headaches, allergy symptoms, nausea, and clogged sinuses. Patchouli is also a go-to for stress, and inhalation has a calming effect on the nerves. It is common to find it used in candles, lip balms, lotions, creams, incense, and analgesic rubs.
There have been writings of patchouli essential oil being used as an antifungal for athletes’ feet, for skin infections, rashes, hives, and blemishes. For topical use, one should start with a small amount or cut it with a carrier oil such as almond, avocado, or coconut, to make it kinder to the skin in case of sensitivities. There are massage therapists and sports medicine physicians who combine patchouli, peppermint, and turmeric oil to use on severely sore or pulled muscles to provide relief, it is usually cut with a carrier oil.
Many people enjoy the benefits of using a few drops of patchouli on their face or added to their face or night creams. For healthy hair and scalp, patchouli is commonly massaged into the scalp and hair, and often used in shampoo and conditioner.
The leaves can be brewed into a tea for stomach upset and digestive issues (following the less-is-more rule to see how the body responds is best). Internally, the oil can be used a few drops in a beverage like water, or tea. It is considered safe, but not recommended internally for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
