Patchouli Oil – 15ml

What is Patchouli Oil?

Pogostemon cablin, more commonly known as patchouli, is a bushy herb in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It has pale pink flowers and grows throughout Asia in tropical regions. It blooms in late fall and has very fragrant blossoms. Its name comes from the Tamil (a language spoken in India, Singapore, and Sri Lanka) words “patchai” (green) and “ellai” (leaf).

Patchouli’s strong scent has made it a popular choice for incense and perfumes throughout history. This scent is strongly associated with the hippie movement of the 1960s and 1970s within the United States, when it was often used as incense. However, its origins go back much further. One early example of its importance is from Ancient Egypt, where the Pharaoh Tutankhamun (“King Tut”) had 10 gallons of patchouli oil placed in his tomb. European traders brought patchouli out of Asia via the Silk Road and the herb quickly became associated with the exoticism of the “Far East.” Throughout the 1800s, Indian fabrics would be scented with patchouli to repel moths and other insects, so true “Oriental” fabrics were expected to have this aroma.

In order to extract our patchouli essential oil, we use steam distillation. This involves placing dried Pogostemon cablin leaves in a vat and injecting the mixture with steam. This vaporizes the scent compounds in the plant, which we then collect, condense, and purify.

Complementary Scents

Patchouli blends well with floral scents like lavender, rose, or ylang ylang. It also complements the floral undertones of bergamot essential oil. The sweetness of these aromas helps to balance the muskiness of patchouli. You can also try patchouli oil with frankincense for a more woody, spicy blend.

Primary Benefits

Diffusing patchouli oil is a great way to enjoy its scent without the smoke that comes with burning incense. It has spiritual associations with purification and grounding. Many people also find it very relaxing. This makes it a great choice to diffuse while meditating, whether by itself or with other oils you enjoy.

Patchouli essential oil is also a great addition to your skin care routine. It can help smooth the appearance of wrinkles and brighten your complexion. You can take advantage of these properties by adding one or two drops of patchouli oil to your moisturizer. If you prefer, you can dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil such as coconut, olive, or jojoba oil.

How to Use Patchouli Essential Oil

To diffuse patchouli oil, add a few drops to your diffuser, following the instructions for your particular model. Patchouli often has a stronger scent than other essential oils, so you may wish to start with a smaller amount at first. Adding too much can result in an overpowering aroma or could damage your diffuser. You should also limit the amount of time that you run the diffuser to a few hours.

To use patchouli oil topically, you must dilute it with a carrier oil first. This prevents damage to your skin. We recommend three drops of essential oil in one teaspoon of a carrier oil for massage oil or three drops in four teaspoons of carrier oil for any facial application. Always test on a small patch of skin first and inform your doctor if you have any adverse reaction.