What are the Benefits of Patchouli?
What are the Benefits of Patchouli?
Patchouli – Pogostemon cablin is a large-leaved herb native to tropical Asia. Earthy and woody in its aroma with a ‘cough mixture’ note it is a classic base note in aromatherapy meaning a little will go a long way! The leaves are dried and slightly scalded to aid the release of the aromatic molecules prior to steam distillation. Tisserand’s Patchouli comes from Indonesia. Patchouli’s tenacious, deep aroma is wonderful to use when you need to feel supported and centred! It’s a fantastic essential oil to help you feel grounded when feeling overwhelmed. It is also considered an aphrodisiac, its sensual aroma eliciting harmony and reducing mental chatter, helping you to ‘be in the moment’.
You will find patchouli in our Real Calm and Total De-Stress blends.
· Emotional Tonic
· Skin Tonic
· Digestive Tonic
Very much so, Patchouli’s tenacious aroma is calming and soothing, making it an ideal essential oil to use when you wish to feel grounded and centred. It also has aphrodisiac qualities; it will warm and inspire you as well as encourage you to feel ‘in the moment’.
The best way to use Patchouli for this effect would be to add it to your AromaSpa diffuser. Why not try the following blend?
Emotionally Grounding Diffuser Blend
To your AromaSpa diffuser add the following drops:
3 drops of Patchouli Pogostemon Cablin
2 drops of Vetiver Vetiveria zizanoides
3 drops of Orange Citrus aurantium dulcis
This is a wonderful combination that will make you feel grounded yet gently uplifted. It is best for the evening.
Patchouli is considered a wonderful essential oil for the skin, especially for mature skin or when the skin is dry. Its therapeutic properties are repairing and restorative for the skin. It also has an anti-inflammatory quality, meaning it's soothing for skin that is sore.
We do not advocate the use of any essential oil neat on the skin, so please, as always, dilute it in a blending or vegetable oil before applying it. If you are experiencing new or unexplained skin changes, it is always best to consult your GP.
Luxurious Body Oil (not for the face)
To 20 ml of jojoba blending oil add the following:
2 drops of Patchouli Pogostemon Cablin
4 drops of Bergamot Citrus bergamia
3 drops of Frankincense Boswellia carterii
This is an intense, nourishing body oil, apply after bathing or showering in long slow strokes.
Patchouli has been found to be calming for the digestive system, particularly if related to stress. Stress can have a very detrimental effect on many of our bodily systems, and the digestive system can be easily interrupted by stress. What is important here is to find the root of your stress, but you could use the following massage oil to soothe a ‘stressed tummy’
Calming Digestive Massage blend
To 10 ml of Sweet Almond blending oil add the following:
2 drops of Patchouli Pogostemon Cablin
2 drops of Coriander Seed Coriandrum sativum
1 drop of Petitgrain Citrus aurantium
Massage over your abdomen in a clockwise direction around your naval
Patchouli blends well with floral, citrus, and spice essential oils, making it a very versatile oil and a great base note for blends.
Patchouli has a long traditional use in Middle and Far Eastern cultures and medicine, used in incense, as an insect repellent, in skin care and as a digestive tonic. It is still used in these ways today in modern aromatherapy practice.
It became a very popular aroma during the 19th century in our culture when it was used to scent Indian fabrics, hence its association with the ‘hippy lifestyle’ of the 1960’s and 1970’s. It is still used extensively by many perfume companies across the globe as a base note.We are always interested to hear how you use your essential oils so please leave a comment below and tell us how you are using your Patchouli essential oil.
About Jo Kellett
Our essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as an Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram
Patchouli – Pogostemon cablin is a large-leaved herb native to tropical Asia. Earthy and woody in its aroma with a ‘cough mixture’ note it is a classic base note in aromatherapy meaning a little will go a long way! The leaves are dried and slightly scalded to aid the release of the aromatic molecules prior to steam distillation. Tisserand’s Patchouli comes from Indonesia. Patchouli’s tenacious, deep aroma is wonderful to use when you need to feel supported and centred! It’s a fantastic essential oil to help you feel grounded when feeling overwhelmed. It is also considered an aphrodisiac, its sensual aroma eliciting harmony and reducing mental chatter, helping you to ‘be in the moment’.
You will find patchouli in our Real Calm and Total De-Stress blends.
But what are the benefits of Patchouli?
· Emotional Tonic
· Skin Tonic
· Digestive Tonic
Can I use Patchouli for my emotional wellbeing?
Very much so, Patchouli’s tenacious aroma is calming and soothing, making it an ideal essential oil to use when you wish to feel grounded and centred. It also has aphrodisiac qualities; it will warm and inspire you as well as encourage you to feel ‘in the moment’.
The best way to use Patchouli for this effect would be to add it to your AromaSpa diffuser. Why not try the following blend?
Emotionally Grounding Diffuser Blend
To your AromaSpa diffuser add the following drops:
3 drops of Patchouli Pogostemon Cablin
2 drops of Vetiver Vetiveria zizanoides
3 drops of Orange Citrus aurantium dulcis
This is a wonderful combination that will make you feel grounded yet gently uplifted. It is best for the evening.
Can I use Patchouli for skin care?
Patchouli is considered a wonderful essential oil for the skin, especially for mature skin or when the skin is dry. Its therapeutic properties are repairing and restorative for the skin. It also has an anti-inflammatory quality, meaning it's soothing for skin that is sore.
We do not advocate the use of any essential oil neat on the skin, so please, as always, dilute it in a blending or vegetable oil before applying it. If you are experiencing new or unexplained skin changes, it is always best to consult your GP.
Luxurious Body Oil (not for the face)
To 20 ml of jojoba blending oil add the following:
2 drops of Patchouli Pogostemon Cablin
4 drops of Bergamot Citrus bergamia
3 drops of Frankincense Boswellia carterii
This is an intense, nourishing body oil, apply after bathing or showering in long slow strokes.
Can I use Patchouli as a digestive tonic?
Patchouli has been found to be calming for the digestive system, particularly if related to stress. Stress can have a very detrimental effect on many of our bodily systems, and the digestive system can be easily interrupted by stress. What is important here is to find the root of your stress, but you could use the following massage oil to soothe a ‘stressed tummy’
Calming Digestive Massage blend
To 10 ml of Sweet Almond blending oil add the following:
2 drops of Patchouli Pogostemon Cablin
2 drops of Coriander Seed Coriandrum sativum
1 drop of Petitgrain Citrus aurantium
Massage over your abdomen in a clockwise direction around your naval
What does Patchouli blend well with?
Patchouli blends well with floral, citrus, and spice essential oils, making it a very versatile oil and a great base note for blends.
What is the history of Patchouli?
Patchouli has a long traditional use in Middle and Far Eastern cultures and medicine, used in incense, as an insect repellent, in skin care and as a digestive tonic. It is still used in these ways today in modern aromatherapy practice.
It became a very popular aroma during the 19th century in our culture when it was used to scent Indian fabrics, hence its association with the ‘hippy lifestyle’ of the 1960’s and 1970’s. It is still used extensively by many perfume companies across the globe as a base note.We are always interested to hear how you use your essential oils so please leave a comment below and tell us how you are using your Patchouli essential oil.
About Jo KellettOur essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as an Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram
