Patchouli Essential Oil, often associated with the earthy, free-spirited vibes of the ’60s and ’70s, has made a groovy comeback with its plethora of mind-body benefits and versatile uses. This aromatic treasure, derived from the leaves of the tropical plant Pogostemon Cablin, has a distinctive rich, musky-sweet fragrance. But let’s stroll past its hippie reputation and discover the magic it brings to skincare, aromatherapy, and even wellness in this blog! Embrace the wonder of Patchouli Essential Oil and embark on an aromatic journey that transcends the test of time.
What is Patchouli Essential Oil?
Extracted from the patchouli leaves, a bushy, tropical herb from the Lamiaceae family native to Asia, through steam distillation, Patchouli Essential Oil has been cherished since the days of Cleopatra for its smoldering, earthy, and unmistakably enigmatic scent. But wait, there’s more! Not only does it charm your olfactory senses, but it also boasts a multitude of beneficial properties, such as balancing the skin’s oil production and soothing emotional turbulence.
Patchouli Essential Oil Benefits
Deodorizes
Patchouli Essential Oil doesn’t just infuse your home with an earthy aroma; it acts as a dynamic deodorizer too. And if we’re talking about benefits, let’s not forget its amazing antimicrobial activity. Research1 has shown that patchouli fights against pesky microbes and bacteria like a true botanical warrior.
Detoxifies
Patchouli Essential Oil is also known for its detoxifying benefits. It is traditionally used to help rid our skin of toxins by acting on the glands, according to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy2.
Deters Insects
Patchouli Essential Oil also has some pretty practical applications in our modern lives. One of them is its famed insect-fighting abilities. Believe it or not, Patchouli has proven insecticidal and repellent properties according to a scientific study3. In simpler terms, it’s an all-natural way to deter insects!
Promotes Youthful Skin
Who would’ve thought that a little whiff of this plant-derived oil could transport us to the fountain of youth? With its antioxidant activity, as mentioned above, Patchouli works its charm on our skin by gracefully combating those signs of aging. Also, according to a study4, Patchouli Oil showed a significant decrease in wrinkle scores in patients.
Promotes Rest
The sweet and earthy scent of Patchouli Essential Oil is like taking a walk through the woods on an autumnal day. You see, it has sedative properties that help promote rest, as demonstrated in a study5.
Strengthens Hair
Patchouli Essential Oil got some seriously awesome hair-strengthening powers. Yup, you heard it right. This oil is the perfect ally when it comes to tackling those pesky dandruff flakes and getting a handle on that oily hair situation of yours. In fact, there was even a study6 that proved patchouli’s potential as an effective remedy for both issues.
Patchouli Essential Oil Uses + Recipes
Personal Care Recipes
If you’re one of those people who fancy whipping up an aromatic concoction for some personal TLC, then Patchouli Essential Oil deserves to be in your top-shelf collection. Its deodorizing properties are just the tip of the iceberg; patchouli is also your skin’s BFF, and don’t even get us started on its calming properties (hello, relaxation)!
- Earthy Sweet Soothing Soap
- Citrus Woods Exfoliating Soap
- Tension Relief Bath Bomb
- Cold Support Chest Rub
- Morning Glory Body Powder
Hair Care Recipes
Patchouli Essential Oil is also a fabulous addition to your hair care arsenal. It boasts some incredible properties that make it a key ingredient for whipping up some truly groovy hair care recipes.
Diffuser Blend Recipes
Patchouli Essential Oil is not just limited to being a stand-alone aromatic experience; it has the ability to spruce up any diffuser blend recipe with a touch of its unique charm. The versatile patchouli essential oil works harmoniously with other oils to create an environment that is nothing short of mesmerizingly relaxing.
- Earthy Sweet Diffuser Blend
- Trim the Tree Diffuser Blend
- It’s Okay to Grieve Diffuser Blend
- New Year, New Me Diffuser Blend
- Flower Crown Diffuser Blend
Other Aromatherapy Recipes
Whether you’re looking for a calming, fragrant addition to your DIY wellness regimen or simply to make your living room smell like a serene haven, this essential oil has got you covered. Try incorporating patchouli into a roll-on application or other passive diffusers to make your personal Zen ambiance.
Patchouli Essential Oil Blends Well With
The sweet, earthy, and woody aroma of Patchouli Oil blends well with Basil, Bergamot, Cedarwood (Atlas or Himalayan), Clove, Copaiba, Cypress, Geranium, Lavender (40/42 or Bulgarian), Myrrh, Neroli, Sweet Orange, Palmarosa, Sandalwood, and Vetiver Essential Oils.
Simply Earth Blends That Use This Oil
B.O. Be Gone Blend
Aroma: Fresh & Floral
Introducing the B.O. Be Gone Essential Oil Blend – a true game changer that rescues you from those oh-so-dreadful body odor blues. This witty yet friendly blend harnesses the power of Patchouli not only to mask odors but to eliminate them completely, leaving you smelling fresh and feeling confident.
You can also try the prediluted version- B.O. Be Gone Essential Oil Roll-on that you can directly and safely apply on your pits.
Bug Fighter Blend
Aroma: Fresh
Bug Fighter Essential Oil Blend is the perfect concoction designed to protect you and your loved ones from those unwelcomed outdoor annoyances, all while keeping your abode naturally pest-free. Wave goodbye to harsh chemicals and perilous bug sprays, and say hello to a safe and enjoyable environment.
Check out Bug Fighter Essential Oil Roll-on for a handy version of this blend that you can bring with you in your outdoor activities.
Timber Blend
Aroma: Woody with Notes of Vanilla
Simply Earth Timber Essential Oil Blend possesses a distinctly masculine aroma, making it a top choice for spicing up any men’s DIY personal care products. Whether you’re crafting a homemade aftershave or redefining your self-care routine, this blend is your go-to for bringing mother nature to your side.
Tranquility Blend
Aroma: Fresh and Fruity
Tranquility Essential Oil Blend is a fusion of Patchouli Essential Oil and other soothing oils designed to help you unwind and achieve the ultimate peace of mind.
Want to feel at peace anytime, anywhere? Always keep Tranquility Essential Oil Roll-On within your reach.
History of Patchouli Essential Oil
Patchouli (Dark) originates from the word Pacholi, which means “to scent.” Patchouli used to be packed with silks and cashmere from India throughout the British Empire to repel insects and protect the elegant fabrics.
What’s the Science Behind This Oil?
Patchouli alcohol
Patchouli alcohol or Patchoulol is responsible for the typical patchouli scent, an important material in perfumery. Diverse beneficial activities have been reported regarding patchouli alcohol, including anti-influenza virus, anti-depressant, anti-nociceptive, vasorelaxation, lung protection, brain protection, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-colitis, pre-biotic-like, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and protective activities against metabolic diseases.
α-Bulnesene
alpha-Bulnesene serves as a surfactant and an emulsifier in industrial and commercial applications.
α-Guaiene
alpha-Guaiene has a sweet, woody, balsam, peppery aroma. It is used as flavor and fragrance agents
What Earthies Are Saying About It
Simply Earth & Pak Sugeng
If you’ve enjoyed using Simply Earth’s Patchouli Essential il, you can thank Pak Sugeng and his family in Central Java, Indonesia. Not only do they grow the plant with care, but they also take extra steps to ensure a high level of quality throughout the distilling process. Pak Sugeng and his family ensure that each bottle meets their standards, from lot tracking to sending the oil off for external quality checks. It’s easy to forget the makers behind our favorite products, but it’s worth remembering that Simply Earth’s Patchouli Essential Oil comes from a tight-knit family business that takes pride in caring for its home environment.
Things to Remember When Using This Oil
Always dilute an essential oil when using it on the skin. This essential oil is unlikely to cause skin irritation when diluted properly. If the oil has been oxidized (left with the cap off for long periods of time) it is more likely to cause skin irritation. Check out this dilution chart for diluting this essential oil properly.
This oil is generally safe to use if you are pregnant. Consult your doctor prior to use.
This essential oil is safe to use with kids age 2+.
This essential oil is generally safe to diffuse and use topically on cats. For more information on using essential oils with cats, check out this blog post.
This essential oil is generally safe to diffuse and use topically on dogs. For more information on using essential oils with dogs, check out this blog post.
We don’t recommend ingesting essential oils unless under the direction of a doctor certified in aromatherapy. For more information on why we don’t ingest essential oils check out this blog post.
*Please note: This post is a compilation of suggestions made by those that have extensively used essential oils and has not been verified scientifically with clinical tests nor reviewed by medical experts. It is anecdotal information and should be treated as such. For serious medical concerns, please consult your doctor. The statements given in this blog post have not been verified by the FDA
References:
- Orchard A, van Vuuren SF, Viljoen AM, Kamatou G. The in vitro antimicrobial evaluation of commercially essential oils and their combinations against acne. 2018 Mar
- Tracey TieF, National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. Detoxifying with Essential Oils. 2011 Jul
- Albuquerque EL, Lima JK, Souza FH, Silva IM, Santos AA, Araújo AP, Blank AF, Lima RN, Alves PB, Bacci L. Insecticidal and repellence activity of the essential oil of Pogostemon cablin against urban ants species. 2013 Sep
- Dwinna R,Retno Y, et al. Antiaging and Skin Irritation Potential of Four Main Indonesian Essential Oils. 2021
- Ito K, Ito M. Sedative effects of vapor inhalation of the essential oil of Microtoena patchoulii and its related compounds. 2011 Apr
- Indri Badria AdilinaJ. A. L. E. A. dan. (1). Patchouli alcohol enrichment from patchouli oil using molecular distillation unit. 2007