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
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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.
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