Patchouli Pure Essential Oil (10ml)

Name: Patchouli (Patchouly), pogostemon cablin/patchouly 

Manufacturer: Natural by Nature

Size: 10 ml

Concentration: 100% concentrated and pure

Mysterious, exotic and oriental. Regenerative, earthy, grounding and balancing - evocative of freedom and non-conformity 

About Patchouli Essential Oil: Patchouli is clarifying and grounding - helpful if you are feeling anxious and need to see things more clearly. A wonderful skin rejuvenation and renewal treatment, this oil may ease a headache, lower a fever, fight a virus - and it is considered sensually arousing.

Description of Aroma: Strong, earthy, smoky and woody. This sweetly musty, spicy and rather heavy scent is very distinctive, and somewhat persistent. 

Ruling Planet: Saturn or Sun

Properties Beneficial To The Mind, Emotions And Spirit: Patchouli's aromatic influences are particular to physical energy and money. Having a powerful effect on the psychological centres, on a metaphysical level, this oil possesses an earthy aura which has a grounding and balancing effect, sharpening the wits, clarifying problems and helping you to see and deal with things more objectively. Its aphrodisiac qualities may increase libido - but only if both partners find the aroma pleasing.

Patchouli is recommended for people with psychic abilities to help maintain vitality, and it helps bring the astral body under control of the vital centres. Patchouli can also calm anxiety, and its antidepressant properties may help if you are suffering from depression. The stimulating effect this oil has on the nervous system might combat lethargy, however in high doses it is a sedative.

Of Interest: Native to Malaysia and the Philippines, patchouli has long been extensively used in Asian medicine, appearing in the Indian, Chinese and Arabian traditions. The name patchouli comes form the Hindustan, although it is known as 'Pucha-put' in its native habitats. Even today it is still part of the Materia Medica in Malaysia, Japan, India and China, listed for a number of ailments. 

Often it is a surprise to discover that patchouli belongs to the same family as many other popular oil-producing plants, such as lavender, rosemary, oregano, basil, thyme and clary sage. However, it is unlike any of these in appearance and medicinal properties. The scent develops after the leaves are harvested, dried and aged. Even after being distilled, the translucent clear yellow oil must further mature - rather like a good wine - to a syrupy brown, before it develops its distinctively rich aroma. Interestingly the oil contains patchoulene, a chemical component similar to the azulene found in chamomile oil. Both have the same anti-inflammatory properties.

Widely used as a perfume, it is employed in Asian herbal medicine as an antiseptic, antidepressant and aphrodisiac. Tantric alchemists anoint their cheeks and breasts with this oil, and it is patchouli and camphor which give Indian ink its characteristic smell. 

A renowned antidote against snake and insect bites, the Indians also use patchouli to perfume their fabrics, where it serves the dual purpose of repelling moths and other insects. This made the famous Indian cashmere shawls especially fashionable in England in the 19th century, when the scent first became known in Britain. During Victorian times, the dried patchouli leaves were placed between the folds of the shawls. In fact the designs of these shawls were so popular that they were copied by the Paisley weavers - who were unable to sell them unless they were perfumed with patchouli! 

In the 1860's, patchouli scent enjoyed the same popularity as during the 'Swinging 60's', when it complimented the style of clothes, and it has since become synonymous with this era. Nowadays, patchouli-scented pot-pourri sachets are a pleasant and effective way to perfume and protect linen - and keep bed bugs under control. One of the best natural fixatives, patchouli is particularly popular in oriental type perfumes, as well as being used in dermatology, aesthetics and skin-care.

Properties Beneficial To The Physical Body: Patchouli is a good general tonic and stimulant, and is helpful to the digestive system. Also useful with headaches and fevers, it has anti-inflammatory and decongestive properties, prevents viral and yeast infections and heals wounds. It has a useful deodorant effect if you are feeling hot and bothered, and its diuretic qualities aid water retention and cellulite. It also relieves insect and snake bites. 

Particularly useful in skin-care due to its regenerative effects, patchouli helps many skin complaints including oiliness, acne, eczema, wrinkles, aging and cracked skin, dandruff, impetigo, herpes and fungal infections. 

Patchouli Blending Suggestions: Don't overuse patchouli as it has a tendency to overpower. However, it does add a rather exotic note to your blends and mixes well with a number of oils, including bergamot, black pepper, clary sage, elemi, frankincense, galbanum, geranium, rose, ginger, orange, lavender, lemongrass, myrrh, neroli, pine, sandalwood and rosewood. 

Alternative Suggestions For Use: Patchouli adds a mysterious allure to bath oils and body lotions. It is also a renowned insect repellent against gnats, snails and weevils. 

Note: Undiluted, patchouli may possibly clog your diffuser. Mixing it with orange should prevent this. 

Essential Safety Precautions: This oil can be stupefying in very large doses. It may cause loss of appetite, although there is no real proof of this, and it might just be with people who don't enjoy the scent. 

Do not use essential oils undiluted or take internally without the guidance of a qualified practitioner. The information contained here is for general interest and is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment

More About Natural by Nature
Natural by Nature Oils was established in 1974 and were one of the first companies to promote aromatherapy in the UK. Since then their reputation and expertise in producing high quality essential oils has grown and they are now recognised as one of the leading authorities in this field. Founder, Franzesca Watson is also an author and broadcaster and founded the International School of Aromatherapy in 1991.

They are against animal testing of any kind on all cosmetic products and their ingredients. They have never tested their products on animals, and do not use any animal derivatives or by-products. All their packaging is 100% recyclable or biodegradable where possible.