By Alison Angold | Qualified Aromatherapist | CIDESCO ITEC
‘What does patchouli essential oil smell like?’ is a question that I often get asked, when creating blends for clients. I find that it is an aroma that people either love or hate!
Patchouli essential oil has a very unique aroma.
It has a herby aroma, with a medicinal note and – at least I can smell – chocolate undertones! It has an earthy tone, and it is quite a sensual, sultry aroma.
It is a pleasant smell, but patchouli essential oil should be used in smaller amounts as if over-used, can be overpowering to any other scents used.
Patchouli is a herb native to the tropical south and South East Asia, namely southern India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It is the leaves and dried grass of the plant that is used to make Patchouli essential oil.
Patchouli essential oil can be used in various recipes and you can also create wonderful aromas with PATCHOULI DIFFUSER BLENDS.
(This article contains affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases)
Therapeutic actions of patchouli essential oil
Like all essential oils, patchouli has its own set of therapeutic properties, which can be benefitted from using in patchouli essential oil recipes.
- Antidepressant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Cytophylactic
- Diuretic
- Fungicidal
- Sedative
- Stimulant
- Tonic
- Uplifting
What are the benefits of Patchouli Essential Oil?
Patchouli has many different benefits and can be blended into wonderful and simple PATCHOULI ESSENTIAL OIL RECIPES.
Patchouli for the skin
A great addition to an anti-aging cream or facial oil as patchouli is cytophylactic which means it encourages cell renewal in the lower layers of the skin. This also makes it ideal for use in healing scars and other dry or chapped conditions. Studies have also shown that it is useful to treat fungal infections of the skin, such as athletes’ foot.
Patchouli for the nervous system
Patchouli relieves stress-related conditions and helps to calm and soothe the nervous system to relieve these symptoms. It is a good oil to calm anxiety and is useful for lethargy and exhaustion. It is an oil that is good for easing many mental-emotional conditions, so calms and grounds a person as well as clearing the mind and uplifting the emotions. Patchouli is warming, grounding, and uplifting,
Patchouli for the digestive system
This oil is a stimulant for the digestive system – it helps peristalsis which means it encourages food through the digestive system so helps prevent bloating and constipation. It can calm and soothe nervous digestion and relieve feelings of nausea and symptoms of flatulence.
Patchouli for the circulatory system
It is useful for treating and preventing varicose veins as it has a constricting effect on blood vessels.
Patchouli for fluid retention
Patchouli is a diuretic oil so it is useful for treating the swelling and puffiness of water retention, as well as helping to break up the toxins and fat deposits of cellulite.
Patchouli essential oil blends well with;
- Vetiver
- Sandalwood
- Cedarwood
- Geranium
- Lavender
- Rose
- Neroli
- Bergamot
- Myrrh
- Clary sage
You may also like;
The best Patchouli essential oil products
Blending your own Patchouli oils and products is easy and fun, but there are some brilliant patchouli products available.
E’spa Replenishing Facial Oil is a delicious blend of Patchouli, Neroli & Sandalwood, with Avocado and Evening Primrose oil all to nourish, hydrate and replenish. This super charged oil leaves your skin glowing!
Precautions of Patchouli essential oil
Patchouli is not non-toxic, nonirritating, or non-sensitising so is safe to use for most people.
Due to its slightly heavier aroma, it should be used in moderation so not to over-power additional oils used with it.
| About the Author Alison Angold is a fully qualified (certified) beauty therapist, massage therapist, and aromatherapist from the UK. She has over 25 years of experience in this industry and has worked in a variety of beauty salons, spa’s as well as running her own successful beauty and massage business. Her career has allowed her to treat many, many clients, with skincare concerns, medical conditions, and a whole variety of other ailments and issues, which has enabled her to work closely with essential oils, prescribing specific blends for these clients to help with these conditions. Her qualifications in the use of essential oils and aromatherapy, allow her to share this knowledge with others, in a safe, reliable way. |