Patchouli Essential Oil – Uses and Benefits

The name of the plant from whose leafs the patchouli essential oil is produced is Pogostemon Cablin, and it can be found exclusively in Southeast Asia and Sumatra. The plant is part of the same family as mint, sage or lavender. The process of producing this essential oil is long and presumes a steam distillation process. One of the benefits of this essential oil is that unlike others, it gets better in time. As it ages, it shifts its color from light golden to dark amber. Also, it contains a great number of ingredients such as α-bulnesene, patchoulol and α-guaiene, which are extremely beneficial to one’s health.

Here is how this natural wonder can be used:

• Antiseptic – fights and prevents infections in wounds. Also, it can prove to be of great help in fighting free radicals that damage the skin and cause wrinkles. Apply it directly on the skin in combination with a few drops of almond or jojoba oil. Perform some previous tests, to avoid any allergies.
• Antibacterial – It can be used to defeat bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, E-coli or Pseudomonas. It works very well in case of acne, if it is applied directly onto the skin.
• Antifungal – Patchouli oil can be used to cure the fungus that causes the athlete’s foot. All you need to do is mix 2-3 drops of oil with another high-quality carrier oil and apply it on the affected area.
• For the hair – Pour a few drops of oil into your shampoo or conditioner and you will get rid of dandruff or oily scalp. Patchouli oil has served this purpose for centuries in China and Japan and is considered to be a basic element in the cosmetic industry.
• Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect – Pain and inflammation are tightly connected to one another and the active ingredients will have a relaxing effect on the affected area. Mix a few drops of patchouli essential oil with another carrier oil and apply where necessary. Any muscular pain can be removed by pouring a few drops of oil in your bath tub or by massaging the area.
• Anticancer effect – The ingredient called Patchouli Alcohol participates in the process of apoptosis, which promotes the death of the cells as a natural event in the life cycle. In cancer, harmful cells do not die, but patchouli essential oil can stimulate this process.
• Antiviral effect – The ingredients present in this composition have the power of preventing any viruses that may cause a flu. You can add a few drops of oil to your bath or pour a bit of oil into your aromatherapy burner.
• Antidepressant – With all the stress surrounding us, there is no surprise that more and more people are becoming depressed. To relax, pour a few drops of essential oil into your bath or into the diffuser and get relief from any kind of stress.
• Insecticide – Great for ants or dust mites, it can be used by mixing ½ teaspoon of natural soap with 12 drops of essential oil and 8 oz of water. Spray the composition on the edges of the room and shake it every time you are using it.

Patchouli essential oil is that type of natural remedy everyone should keep around the house. With so many external uses, it is almost impossible to imagine what it would be like without having such an elixir.