Patchouli Essential Oil      

Botanical Name: Pogostemon cablin
Common Method Of Extraction: Steam distilled
Parts Used: Dried and cured leaves
Note Classification: Base
Aroma: Earthy, smoky, spicy, and musky
Largest Producing Countries: Indonesia, India, China, and Malaysia

Traditional Use: Extensively used in cosmetic preparations, and as a fixative in soaps and perfumes.

Properties: Antibiotic, antidepressant, anti-emetic, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antitoxic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, calmative, carminative, cicatrisant, cytophylactic, decongestant, deodorant, digestive, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicidal, nervine, prophylactic, sedative, stomachic, and tonic.

Benefits: Acne, anxiety, athlete’s foot, bacterial infections, constipation, cracked and chapped skin, dandruff, depression, dermatitis, dry skin, eczema (weeping), edema, frigidity, fungal infections, helps eliminate toxins, impetigo, insect repellant and bites, nervous exhaustion and stress related conditions, obesity, oily hair and skin, open pores, parasites, ringworm, sagging skin, stress-related emotional disorders, substance addictions, uterine tonic, wrinkles, and wounds.

Blends Well With: Bergamot, black pepper, cassia, cedarwood, chamomile german, cinnamon, clary sage, clove, coriander, frankincense, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, jasmine, labdanum, lavender, lemongrass, litsea cubeba, mandarin, myrrh, neroli, oakmoss, opopanax, orange, rose, sandalwood, and vetiver, and yuzu.

Of Interest: It is one of the few essential oils with the distinction of improving with age.  Possibly originated in Malaysia although the word apparently comes from the south Indian Tamil language, patch, meaning “green,” and ilai meaning “leaf.”  As well as for perfume and medicine, patchouli is used for scenting carpets, shawls and woven materials, and for perfuming ink.

Safety Data: Non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing.