Patchouli

Pogostemon cablin/Pogostemon patchouli

Woody

Patchouli has a long history of use. The essential oil was first discovered in the west in the 1800’s when Indian hand-embroidered shawls were imported into England. The shawls and other linens were impregnated with Patchouli oil as a moth deterent. The oil is very pervasive and odiferous and clings to fabric for ages, despite repeated washings! The hippies adopted it during the1960’s and it continues to be used to this day, both as a personal perfume and in aromatherapy.

Patchouli is invaluable in the treatment of cracked and sore skin, weeping excema and over-greasy skin and hair. Aromatherapists refer to Patchouli as a “grounding” oil, it restores emotional balance and restores reality to those who tend to be unrealistic or to

Be too dreamlike for everyday life. It is one of the few oils of which the scent improves with the age of the oil-Vetiver is another of which that can be said.

Patchouli has anti-biotic and anti-fungal properties and is a good treatment for athletes foot and impetigo. Aphrodisiac powers are attributed to it’s earthy, musky, sensual aroma; if the scent is liked, it can be very helpful in cases of stress induced fridgidity.

Patchouli can safely be applied neat to the skin-whiteheads and absesses can benefit from this application-but do a 24 hour patch test beforehand to check for sensitisation.

Blends well with Cedarwood, Vetiver, Clary Sage, Sandalwood and Rose Otto-but Patchouli is a heady, strongly scented oil that can overwhelm other oils in a blend, so use in moderation if mixing with others.