Patchouli essential oil, Pogostemon cablin, is steam distilled from the large, aromatic velvety leaves of a bushy herb. A member of the mint family, patchouli grows wild in India. Its exotic, woodsy, musky, earthy scent became the characteristic scent of the cultural revolution that will take the children of the 1960s and 70s on a trip down memory lane.
Patchouli has long been considered a symbol of luxury. Apparently cashmere shawls shipped from India were packed with the pungent leaves in order to deter fabric-eating moths. These shawls, were worn by ladies of a the higher economic class, thus the scent became associated the with wealth. It is believed that Queen Victoria scented her bed linens with patchouli.
We have discovered that if you love the scent of patchouli, you love absolutely love it. But some seem to absolutely hate it.
Patchouli oil seems to calm everything down, including the skin. It is a very skin-nourishing oil with anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, making it a good choice to help ease acne, dermatitis, and eczema.
As it boosts circulation it increases oxygen to the cells to help retain a healthy-looking, youthful appearance. Don’t let its powerful scent fool you, it is a very gentle oil that calms, tones, and tightens the skin, is used in many anti-wrinkle products, and may be helpful with mature skin.
In hair care, patchouli balances oil production making it a great treatment for oily scalp and dandruff as well as for dry hair and scalp.
Aromatherapy Properties: The woody, sweet, spicy, musky, and sensuous aroma is the scent of love and is believed to be a very effective aphrodisiac. The warmth and depth of its aroma open the heart, heighten the senses, and make this relaxing and peace-inducing oil a favorite for meditation.
The soothing, mood-enhancing fragrance is grounding and emotionally balancing, improves mood and cognitive function, and allows the mind, body, and spirit to relax as it calms emotions. By reducing anxiety it helps reduce insomnia and promotes the faster onset of restful sleep.
Pregnancy and Children: We do not provide information on the safety of essential oils during Pregnancy or for use in Children because the available information is very ambiguous and often contradictory. If you’re interested in using essential oils during pregnancy or with young children please do your own research and consult your doctor, midwife, or health care professional before use.
Precautions: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, have a medical condition, or have any medical concerns regarding yourself or your family consult a qualified, licensed health professional prior to use. For external use only. Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes. Keep out of reach of children.
