by Bethanny Gonzalez, Certified Aromatherapist

 

Patchouli (Pogostemom Cablin) is an herb, a mint actually. Native to Asia, Patchouli is an aromatic, perennial shrub with large green leaves and light pink flowers. The essential oil is steam-distilled from the dried, fermented leaves. It cultivated in China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Patchouli oil has long been used in traditional Asian medicine for the treatment of skin and hair problems. Patchouli has been well known for its insect repellant properties. It also has wound healing and scar reducing properties, as well as aphrodisiac effects. 

AROMA: warm, rich, sweet, spicy, woody with earthy, musky undertones.

PROPERTIES: Antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, tonic, deodorant, fungicide, insecticide, and sedative

ELEMENT: Earth

PLANET: Saturn

ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Scorpio

CHAKRA: Root and Sacral Chakra

GENDER: Feminine with masculine characters

SPIRITUAL ASPECTS: Wisdom, Stimulation, Liberation, Protection

 

BENEFITS FOR MASSAGE & SKINCARE

  • Suited for both mature and oily skin
  • Reduces visibility of scar tissue
  • Soothes inflammation, dermatitis, sores, eczema and other skin conditions
  • Helps treat acne, dry chapped skin, dandruff, and oily scalp
  • Prevents sagging skin, hair loss, and loosening of muscle tissue
  • Inhibits fungal growths and infections, like Athlete’s Foot.

 

HEALTH BENEFITS

  • Protects wounds and ulcers from developing infections and becoming septic
  • Provides relief from fever and reduces inflammations
  • Speeds up the healing process of cuts and wounds
  • Stimulates the regeneration of healthy new cells
  • May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol
  • Helps increase appetite and remove of toxins from the body
  • Beneficial for arthritis and gout

 

EMOTIONAL USES

  • Helps sooth and stabilize the emotions
  • Excellent for reducing stress and alleviating anxiety and depression
  • Provides gounding for those lost in daydreams
  • Uplifts mood, drives away disappointment, and relaxes tension

 

SPIRITUAL USES

  • Assists in our connection with the planet
  • Brings a sense of sacredness of life
  • Helps us to break free of self-inflicted boundaries and overcome inner fears
  • Brings forth a sense of purpose, astuteness, and sensibility

 

TIPS:

Powerful aphrodisiac and adds a sensuous, erotic note to mood perfumes. Add a few drops to a bath, massage oil, or love sachet to attract love and promote lust. Sprinkled upon money, purses, and wallets Patchouli is believed to attract prosperity.

 

Did you know?
Patchouli has been referred to as the “hippy” essential oil – being much used in the 1960’s and early 1970’s as a perfume to mask the smell of marijuana.

 

RECIPE  Massage Blend for Romance

4 oz. Jojoba Oil
7 drops Lavender Essential Oil
3 drops Patchouli Essential Oil
3 drops Sweet Orange Essential Oil
1 drop Rose Essential Oil

Blend oils together. Massage into skin.

 

ESSENTIAL OIL OF THE MONTH: PATCHOULI