Patchouli Oil

Description

Patchouli Oil is a type of essential oil commonly used in aromatherapy. Sourced from the leaves of the Pogostemon Cablin plant (a perennial herb native to tropical regions of Asia), Patchouli Essential Oil is said to offer a variety of health benefits. Patchouli essential oil is also sometimes used as an ingredient in incense and perfume, as well as in skin-care products.

ORIGIN OF PATCHOULI OIL

It is a perennial, bushy plant that grows up to 1meter (3 feet) high, with a sturdy, hairy stem and large, fragrant, furry leaves, about four inches long and five inches across. It has whitish flowers tinged with purple.

The plant is native to Malaysia and India, where it is known as ‘puchaput’. The word is derived from Hindustan word ‘patch’ meaning ‘green’ and ‘ilai’ meaning ‘leaf.’

It was placed between Indian cashmere shawls en route to Victorian England, to protect the merchandise from moths, and without this signature smell of dried patchouli leaves the shawls could not be sold in England.

In the East, it is used in potpourris and sachets and place between linen, to keep bedbugs away, and it is the smell of patchouli oil, mixed with that of camphor, that gives Indian ink its characteristic smell.

EXTRACTION OF PATCHOULI OIL

Patchouli oil is extracted from the young leaves which are dried and fermented prior to steam distillation and yields 2 – 3 %. This oil improves with age to have a fuller, more well rounded odor.

Therapeutic Properties:

•  Antidepressant
•  Antiphlogistic
•  Antiseptic
•  Aphrodisiac
•  Astringent
•  Cicatrisant
•  Cytophylactic
•  Deodorant
•  Diuretic
•  Febrifuge
•  Fungicide
•  Insecticide
•  Sedative

Uses:
Patchouli oil has a grounding and balancing effect on the emotions and banishes lethargy, while sharpening the wits, fighting depression and anxiety. It is also said to create an amorous atmosphere.

It is effective for fungal and bacterial infection and is of great help for insect bites. It could also be used as an insect repellent and is also used as a support for dealing with any substance addiction.

On the skin, this oil is one of the most active and is a superb tissue re-generator, which helps to stimulate the growth of new skin cells. In wound healing, it not only promotes faster healing, but also helps to prevent ugly scarring.