Patchouli Essential Oil Benefits, Uses, and Recipes

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 fragrance. But, in this blog, let’s stroll past its hippie reputation and discover the magic it brings to skincare, aromatherapy, and wellness! 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 via steam distillation from the leaves of patchouli, a bushy, tropical herb from the Lamiaceae family native to Asia, 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 Patchouli charm your olfactory senses, but it also boasts many 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 also acts as a dynamic deodorizer. And, if we’re talking about benefits, let’s not forget its excellent 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. According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy², it is traditionally used to help rid skin of toxins by interacting with the skin glands.

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 a great 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 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 walking through the woods on an autumnal day. A study⁵ demonstrated that it has sedative properties that help promote rest.

Uplifts

Patchouli Essential Oil uplifts the spirit and promotes a positive outlook, supporting feelings of joy and contentment. Its rich, earthy aroma can dispel negative emotions and ease feelings of stress, creating a serene and balanced mental state.

Uses and Recipes of Patchouli Essential Oil

Personal Care Recipes

If you fancy whipping up an aromatic concoction for some personal TLC, Patchouli Essential Oil deserves to be at the top of your shelf. 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)!

Hair Care Recipes

Patchouli Essential Oil is also a fabulous addition to your hair care arsenal. Its incredible properties make it essential for whipping up some groovy hair care recipes.

Diffuser Blend Recipes

Patchouli Essential Oil is not just limited to being a stand-alone aromatic experience; it can 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.

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 you covered. Try incorporating Patchouli into a roll-on application or other passive diffusers to create a 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 game changer that rescues you from those oh-so-dreadful body odor blues. This witty yet friendly blend harnesses the power of Patchouli. It not only masks odors but eliminates them completely, leaving you smelling fresh and confident.

Also Available: B.O. Be Gone Essential Oil Roll-on

Bug Fighter Blend

Aroma: Fresh

Bug Fighter Essential Oil Blend is the perfect concoction to protect you and your loved ones from unwanted outdoor annoyances. Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and perilous bug sprays and hello to a safe and enjoyable environment.

Also Available: Bug Fighter Essential Oil Roll-on

Timber Blend

Aroma: Woody with Notes of Vanilla

Simply Earth’s 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 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 beautiful fusion of Patchouli Essential Oil and other soothing oils. It’s designed to help you unwind and achieve the ultimate peace of mind.

Also Available: Tranquility Essential Oil Roll-On

History of Patchouli Essential Oil

Patchouli (Dark) comes from the word Pacholi, which means “to scent.” This essential oil has a fascinating and rich history, particularly throughout the British Empire. Merchants would pack luxurious fabrics with patchouli leaves to protect the elegant silks and cashmere during their long journey from India. The distinct fragrance of patchouli was not just for aesthetic pleasure; it played a crucial role in repelling insects and safeguarding these valuable textiles. This practice helped solidify patchouli’s reputation as a prized and functional oil, intertwining its aromatic allure with practical application.

What’s the Science Behind This Oil?

Patchouli alcohol

Patchouli alcohol or Patchoulol is responsible for the typical patchouli scent, an essential 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 a flavor and fragrance agent.

What Earthies Are Saying About It

Simply Earth & Pak Sugeng

If you’ve enjoyed using Simply Earth’s Patchouli Essential Oil, 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. Still, 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.

When using essential oils around pregnant women, caution should be taken. Consult your doctor.

When using essential oils around children, caution should be taken.

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.

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