Exclusive Guide to Organic Patchouli Essential Oil
Pogostemon Cablin
Origin: India
Distilled part: Leaves
Extraction method: Steam distillation
Cultivation: Certified Organic farming
Botanically and Biochemically Defined Essential Oil (HEBBD), chemotyped (HECT)
Color: Dark yellow
Scent: Earthy, sweet, spicy and woody aroma.
Note: Base note
Plant Family: Lamiaceae
SUPER POWERS
Antidepressant
- lifts the symptoms of depression such as low moods and sadness
Antifungal
- kills bacterial growth or prevents bacteria from growing
Anti-infectious
- prevents or treats an infection
Anti-inflammatory
- reduces inflammation and swelling
Antimicrobial
- antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. An antimicrobial kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth
Antiseptic
- prevents or combats bacterial infection
Astringent
- tightens the tissues, reduces fluid loss
Calmative
- sedative calming effect
Cicatrizing
- heals a wound by the formation of scar tissue
Cytophylactic
- a cell regenerator and a protector of the cells of an organism.
Nervine
- strengthens and tones the nerves and the nervous system
USAGE TIPS
Acne
Mix 4 drops of patchouli oil with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of jojoba oil, and massage into the face and neck. Repeat daily.
Athlete's Foot
Because of its fungicidal properties, patchouli oil is effective at clearing up and preventing fungal infections. Mix 4 drops with carrier oil, and massage the affected area. Pay extra attention to in between the toes. Repeat daily.
Cracked skin
Patchouli oil stimulates the regeneration of skin cells. Mix 4 drops with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of coconut oil, and rub in the area of cracked skin. Repeat twice daily.
Dandruff
Add 5 drops of patchouli to your organic shampoo. This will reduce flakiness and soothe the scalp. As well as create shiny, lustrous hair.
Depression
Add 6 drops of patchouli to 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of carrier oil and add to a warm bath. Swish the blend around in the water. You can also use Solubul instead of carrier oil.
Immune system
Mix 4 drops of patchouli with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil and massage onto the soles of the feet.
Insect bites
Mix 3 drops of the oil with 1/2 teaspoon (2,5ml) coconut oil, and massage onto the affected area. This will reduce any stinging and inflammation caused by insect bites.
Insect repellent
Diffuse 4-10 drops of the oil, and sit near the diffuser.
Mature skin
Mix 5 drops with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, and massage on the face and neck. This helps combat signs of aging by regenerating new skin cells. Reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Anti-inflammatory
Mix 4 drops of patchouli oil with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of sweet almond oil and massage onto areas of inflammation. This can help soothe skin irritations, swelling, or redness. Repeat twice daily for optimal relief.
Weight loss
Mix 4 drops of patchouli with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil, and massage on the feet. It is said that patchouli induces loss of appetite, and will help with loss of weight over time.
Cuts & Wounds
Mix 3 drops of patchouli with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil and apply to minor cuts or wounds. Its antiseptic properties help prevent infection and promote healing.
Astringent - Skincare
To tighten and tone the skin, add 2 drops of patchouli to your toner or mix with aloe vera gel. This helps reduce the appearance of large pores and firm sagging skin.
Insomnia or Stress-relief
For insomnia or stress relief, diffuse 4 drops of patchouli essential oil before bedtime or add 6 drops to a warm bath with a tablespoon of Epsom salts. This can help induce calm and restful sleep.
Deodorant
Patchouli’s earthy, musky scent acts as a natural deodorant. Mix 5 drops with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of coconut oil and apply under the arms or on the feet to prevent body odor.
Diuretic
Mix 4 drops of patchouli oil with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of jojoba oil and massage into the lower abdomen. This can help reduce water retention and promote detoxification through increased urination.
Anti-inflammatory for Muscles
Mix 5 drops of patchouli oil with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of carrier oil, such as sweet almond or jojoba, and massage into sore or tense muscles. Patchouli’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce muscle discomfort and tension.
Scars & Stretch Marks
Mix 4 drops of patchouli with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of rosehip seed oil or another regenerative carrier oil. Apply to scars or stretch marks to support skin healing and reduce their appearance. Use twice daily.
Minor Infections
Mix 4 drops of patchouli with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of tea tree oil and apply to minor skin infections, such as cuts or scrapes, to cleanse and speed up healing. Repeat twice daily.
Meditation
Diffuse 4-6 drops of patchouli essential oil in your space during meditation or yoga. Its grounding, earthy scent promotes a calm and centered state, helping with mindfulness and deep relaxation.
Oily Hair and Scalp Balance
For balancing excess oil production in the scalp, mix 5 drops of patchouli oil with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of witch hazel and massage into the scalp before shampooing. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse and wash as usual. Patchouli helps regulate sebum production, reducing greasy hair over time while promoting a healthy scalp.
The Benefits of using Patchouli in Skincare
1. Skin Regeneration & Healing
Patchoulol, the primary component, stimulates the regeneration of skin cells, making Patchouli effective in promoting the healing of wounds, scars, and stretch marks. This helps improve the skin's texture and promotes a more youthful appearance.
2. Anti-aging
Patchouli’s regenerative properties also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by encouraging new cell growth. Additionally, its antioxidant properties combat free radicals, slowing down the aging process and keeping the skin looking firm and smooth.
3. Moisturizing & Soothing Dry Skin
Patchouli oil helps to lock in moisture, making it excellent for dry and cracked skin. Its hydrating and soothing properties make it particularly useful for addressing conditions like eczema, dermatitis, or rough patches of skin.
4. Anti-inflammatory
Its anti-inflammatory properties can calm irritated or inflamed skin, which makes Patchouli ideal for treating conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It soothes redness, swelling, and discomfort while promoting faster healing.
5. Acne Treatment
Patchouli’s antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties make it effective for acne-prone skin. It helps to clear up breakouts by killing acne-causing bacteria, reducing inflammation, and controlling excess oil production without being overly drying.
6. Antifungal
Patchouli is a natural antifungal agent, which can help treat and prevent fungal infections on the skin, such as athlete's foot or fungal rashes.
7. Balancing Oily Skin
Despite being deeply moisturizing, Patchouli helps balance oil production, making it beneficial for both dry and oily skin types. It helps regulate the skin’s natural sebum production, reducing excess oil without stripping the skin.
8. Scar and Stretch Mark Reduction
Patchouli oil promotes skin healing and cell renewal, which can help fade scars and stretch marks over time. When used regularly, it improves the skin’s elasticity and smoothness, making scars and marks less visible.
9. Astringent
Patchouli tightens and tones the skin, improving firmness and reducing the appearance of large pores. Its astringent properties help in refining the skin’s texture, making it appear smoother and more youthful.
10. Soothing for Sensitive Skin
Patchouli is gentle enough for sensitive skin and can soothe irritations and itching caused by allergic reactions, eczema, or dermatitis. It’s a good choice for calming sensitive or reactive skin.
Incorporating Patchouli essential oil into your skincare routine can address a wide range of concerns, from anti-aging and dryness to acne and scarring, making it a versatile ingredient for overall skin health.
Method of use & Amount to use
Aroma diffusers
Use 5-15 drops in your diffuser or the amount suggested with your diffuser.
Baths, Hot tubs, Jacuzzis
Bath: Diluted 3-8 drops
Start by running your bath as you normally would and keep the bathroom door closed to retain the aroma. Essential oils can be applied directly in their concentrated form or diluted.
For dilution, use a carrier oil, milk, milk powder, vegetable glycerin, seaweed powder, herbal powder, baking soda, salt, or Epsom salts to prevent skin sensitivity.
Add the essential oil to the bathwater, either neat or diluted, then stir the water with your hand to disperse the oil evenly before entering the tub. This method helps distribute the essential oil throughout the bath for a more enjoyable experience.
Hot tubs & Jacuzzis: up to 8 drops
Mix the essential oil into the water thoroughly using your hand. Since essential oils do not dissolve in water, they may leave residues in or around your pipes.
Compresses
3-10 drops in 120 ml of water
Learn more
Face masks, oils, and tonic
Face masks: 1 or 2 drops per 2 tbs. (15ml) of natural facemask.
Face oils: 12 drops in 30ml of carrier oil. For elderly and children use 6 drops per 30ml of carrier oil.
Use a dark-colored glass bottle, which helps protect your oils from light degradation. First, pour in the carrier oil. If you’re using a single essential oil or a premixed blend, add it directly to the carrier oil. If you’re crafting your own unique blend, mix your essential oils together first, then integrate the desired number of drops into the carrier oil. Remember, a little goes a long way, so only use a small amount for each application. Click here to read more about which carrier oil to choose.
Face tonic: 8-15 drops in 100ml of spring or distilled water or hydrosol.
Combine the oil and water before filtering through an unbleached paper coffee filter.
Our 100% organic and natural hydrosols can be used directly as a tonic. Shut your eyes and spray your face. Or spray a cotton pad and wipe your face with it.
Inhalation from bowl
3-5 drops per bowl of steaming hot water.
To use essential oils in steam inhalation, start by bringing a pot of water to a boil and then removing it from the heat. Add a few drops (typically 3-5 drops) of your chosen essential oil to the hot water.
Carefully lean over the pot, drape a towel over your head and the pot to trap the steam, and breathe deeply for several minutes to inhale the aromatic vapors, which can help relieve nasal congestion and other respiratory issues.
Lotions & Creams
12 drops to each 30 ml of natural, unfragranced lotion or cream.
You can make your own face cream with our neutral face cream as a base. For a 2% (adults) dilution use 40 drops in this 100 ml cream base.
For elderly and children use 20 drops (1%) in 100ml of cream.
Massage oil (for body)
12 drops to each 30 ml of carrier oil.
For elderly and children use 6 drops per 30ml of carrier oil.
Pillows
Place 1-3 drops of essential oil on the corner or underside of a pillow away from the eyes.
Room sprays
As room purifier: 10-20 drops per 475 ml of water.
As a general fragrance: 8-10 drops per 475 ml of water.
Scalp treatments
Add 6 drops in 15 ml of Jojoba oil or aloe vera gel. Shake well. Use 2-3 drops of your prepared blend for each application. Massage into your scalp. Alternatively, simply add the essential oil to a bottle of final rinse water after washing the hair.
Shampoos
5-10 drops in 100ml.
Essential oils can be added to any unscented shampoo that is composed of organic natural ingredients.
Showers
1-5 drops.
First, complete your usual washing routine. After that, apply a few drops of essential oil onto a washcloth or sponge and briskly rub it over your body while standing under the shower's running water. Inhale deeply through your nose to enjoy the aromatic steam, being careful to avoid applying the oil on your face and sensitive areas.
Sprays & Mists for Face and Body
For body: 10-20 drops to each 475 ml of water or hydrosol.
For face: 2-5 drops to each 240 ml of water or hydrosol.
Add the essential oil to warm water or hydrosol. Shake thoroughly, pour through an unbleached paper coffee filter, and place in a spray bottle. Cool before using.
Shake before each use.
Keep eyes closed when spraying the face.
Washes
15-32 drops in 240 ml of warm water.
A wash is a prepared mixture for washing infected areas such as cuts, grazes, and wounds.
Mix the essential oils and water together in a bottle and shake well. Keep it stored in the fridge for no longer than 14 days. Shake before each use.
Aromatherapy's base notes:
Aromas categorized as base notes are usually heavy and soothing. They evaporate slowly, and their scent can last for up to a week. They have a very powerful impact on the mind and emotions, making them ideal when mental and emotional calm is needed. Base notes can heal the body from the inside out and treat a wide range of ailments, from dry skin to circulatory or digestive issues. They can also strengthen a weak immune system and have a sexually stimulating effect.
Typical Base Notes:
Woody oils:
Cedarwood (Atlas or Himalayan): Dry, woody, and slightly sweet, often used in grounding and calming blends.
Sandalwood: Creamy, soft, and sweet, a luxurious and long-lasting base for many types of blends.
Oakmoss: Earthy and slightly mossy, adds depth and richness, often used in masculine or forest-like blends.
Floral oils:
Ylang Ylang (though it's often a middle-to-base note): Rich, sweet, and exotic, often used to anchor floral blends.
Rose Absolute: Deep, rich, and sweet, offering a luxurious foundation to floral perfumes.
Resin oils:
Frankincense: Warm, balsamic, and slightly spicy, perfect for grounding spiritual or meditative blends.
Myrrh: Earthy and smoky, with a warm and resinous aroma that adds depth to both woody and sweet blends.
Benzoin: Vanilla-like, sweet, and warm, often used in comforting, relaxing blends.
Spicy oils:
Clove: Warm and spicy, with a rich depth that adds heat to spicy and warming blends.
Cinnamon Bark: Sweet, spicy, and woody, with a long-lasting, warming effect.
Herbal oils:
Patchouli: Earthy, musky, and slightly sweet, commonly used in both herbal and exotic blends.
Vetiver: Deep, smoky, and woody with an earthy quality, ideal for grounding and balancing blends.
Understand the Notes of Scents
In aromatherapy, the scent of an oil is often referred to as a "note." The secret behind a truly great fragrance is finding the perfect balance between the notes. Aromatherapy is about scents, and with practice, you will be able to recognize an oil's fragrance even if you might not know which plant the oil comes from. For example, you will be able to distinguish between citrus and floral scents or woody and minty fragrances. The scent is determined by the chemicals an oil contains. Because oils that smell alike often contain the same chemicals, they typically have similar properties.
Oils are categorized into so-called base, middle, and top notes. Knowing an oil's note is important when blending oils. A good blend—like most perfumes—normally contains a mix of all three notes, where the ratio between them varies depending on what the blend is used for. Additionally, an oil can contain more than one note—for example, ylang-ylang contains traces of all three notes and is often considered the perfect fragrance.
When creating a new fragrance, whether it's for a perfume or an aroma diffuser, you should use between 4-7 oils per blend. First, decide what type of blend you want to create, such as a refreshing one, and then choose notes with these characteristics to make up the main content of the blend. Dissolve the mixture in a carrier oil if you want to use it on the skin (12 drops in 30 ml of carrier oil).
| Blend | Top note | Middle note | Base note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refreshing | 5 drops | 4 drops | 1 drop |
| Relaxing | 1 drop | 6 drops | 3 drops |
| Sensual | 1 drop | 4 drops | 5 drops |
| Balancing | 2 drops | 5 drops | 3 drops |
| Energizing | 8 drops | 1 drop | 1 drop |
LAMIACEAE PLANT FAMILY
Patchouli is part of the Lamiaceae Plant Family
The Lamiaceae family, is a distinguished group in the botanical world, renowned for its aromatic members which are frequently utilized in both culinary and therapeutic contexts. This family includes some of the most beloved herbs and essential oils that are staples in both kitchens and aromatherapy practices.
Habitat and Climate Preferences
Lamiaceae plants are versatile and can be found in a variety of climates, thriving particularly well in temperate regions. They typically prefer sunny locations and well-drained soils. Despite their resilience, these plants flourish in Mediterranean climates where conditions of warm, dry summers and mild winters provide an ideal environment for growth. This adaptability also extends to higher altitudes in the tropics, where several species can often be found.
Regional Adaptations
Globally, members of the Lamiaceae family are widespread. In Europe, herbs like lavender, sage, and thyme are cultivated extensively and have become synonymous with the culinary landscape of the region. North America hosts a variety of native and naturalized species of mint and other Lamiaceae, adapting well to the diverse climates across the continent. Similarly, in Asia, particularly in regions like India, herbs such as basil and patchouli are integral to both the local aromatic profiles and traditional medicine.
Culinary and Aromatic Qualities
The Lamiaceae family's connection to the digestive process is embodied in their common use as culinary herbs. Herbs like basil, oregano, and marjoram are not just flavor enhancers; they also aid in digestion and can alleviate various gastrointestinal discomforts. Their robust, often fiery fragrances stimulate the senses and can reawaken a sense of vitality, making them popular in essential oil form for therapeutic use.
Other Examples of Essential Oils
from the Lamiaceae Plant Family
- Basil and Oregano: Known for their bold, warm flavors in cooking, these oils also offer antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Lavender, Lavandin and Spike Lavender: Used for relaxation and Sleep, skin care, stress and anxiety relief, cleaning products, and pain relief to mention a few.
- Rosemary and Sage: Both are thought to improve memory and cognitive function, in addition to being powerful antioxidants.
- Thyme: Its oil is potent in antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it a strong ally during cold and flu season.
- Melissa (Lemon Balm): Known for its soothing properties, it is used to ease stress and help with sleep.
The Lamiaceae plant family stands out not only for its culinary importance but also for its substantial role in natural health practices. Whether grown in a garden, wild in nature, or distilled into essential oils, these plants continue to impart their invigorating and healing qualities to those who know how to harness their power. The versatility and widespread appeal of the Lamiaceae family make it a foundational element in both traditional and modern herbal practices.
Patchouli Blends Well With These Essential Oils
Lavender: Balances Patchouli’s richness with its light, fresh floral aroma, creating a soothing blend.
Geranium: Adds a sweet, rosy touch to Patchouli’s earthiness, great for balancing and uplifting blends.
Ylang Ylang: Enhances the sensual, exotic aspects of Patchouli, ideal for calming or romantic blends.
Rose: Deep and luxurious, Rose complements Patchouli’s musky tones for a sophisticated floral blend.
Orange Sweet: Brightens the deep, earthy scent of Patchouli, creating a refreshing yet grounded blend.
Bergamot: Adds a light, fruity note that complements Patchouli’s richness, uplifting while remaining balanced.
Lemon: Sharp and clean, Lemon helps lighten Patchouli’s earthy base in invigorating blends.
Mandarin Red: Brings a sweet, tangy freshness to Patchouli’s heavier notes.
Frankincense: Adds depth and a slightly spicy, resinous quality to Patchouli’s grounding effect, great for meditative or spiritual blends.
Cedarwood: Blends perfectly with Patchouli for a rich, earthy, and grounding aroma, ideal for calming and centering.
Sandalwood: Creamy and soft, it harmonizes beautifully with Patchouli’s depth in relaxing or exotic blends.
Vetiver: Intensifies the earthy, smoky qualities of Patchouli, creating a deeply grounding and calming combination.
Clove: Warm and spicy, Clove pairs well with Patchouli for a cozy, grounding blend.
Ginger: Adds warmth and brightness to Patchouli’s earthy base, perfect for invigorating and warming blends.
Cinnamon: Its sweet, spicy warmth enhances Patchouli’s richness in exotic or festive blends.
Rosemary: Adds an energizing, herbaceous note to Patchouli’s grounding nature, perfect for focus or clarity blends.
Clary Sage: Complements Patchouli with its earthy, herbaceous tones, creating a balancing and calming effect.
Peppermint: Its cooling freshness contrasts beautifully with Patchouli’s warmth for a refreshing and grounding blend.
Neroli: Adds a bright, floral sweetness that uplifts Patchouli’s deep, musky aroma.
These combinations allow you to create versatile blends for calming, uplifting, grounding, or balancing purposes depending on the complementary oils you choose.
The Main Chemical Composition of Patchouli Essential Oil
The main chemical components of Patchouli essential oil are sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenols, which contribute to its earthy, grounding scent and therapeutic properties. The primary constituents are:
Patchoulol (also called Patchouli alcohol) – 30-40%
- This sesquiterpenol is the dominant compound and is responsible for Patchouli's grounding, earthy aroma and its skin-regenerative, anti-inflammatory properties.
α-Bulnesene – 10-30%
- A sesquiterpene that contributes to Patchouli’s anti-inflammatory and insect-repellent effects.
α-Guaiene – 10-25%
- Another sesquiterpene that has grounding, earthy qualities and adds to the oil's sedative and relaxing effects.
Pogostol – 1-5%
- A minor sesquiterpenol that provides additional anti-inflammatory and skin-regenerative properties.
- Seychellene – 1-5%
- A sesquiterpene that contributes to Patchouli's rich and deep scent profile.
These components give Patchouli its characteristic deep, musky, and earthy aroma, along with its therapeutic benefits, including skin regeneration, anti-inflammatory effects, stress relief, and grounding properties.
What is a Chemotype in Essential Oils?
Chemotypes in essential oils refer to the different chemical compositions that can occur in the same plant species due to variations in their growing conditions, harvest times, or geographical locations. These variations lead to the production of essential oils with distinct chemical profiles, each possessing unique therapeutic properties. Understanding chemotypes is crucial for aromatherapy and medicinal applications, as the efficacy and safety of the oils can vary significantly based on their chemical makeup.
Here's a breakdown of what defines a chemotype and why it matters:
1. Genetic and Environmental Influences: A chemotype is often influenced by the plant's environment, such as altitude, climate, and soil composition, as well as genetic factors. These variables can affect which chemical compounds are predominant in the oil.
2. Chemical Composition: Each chemotype of an essential oil will have a dominant chemical compound or set of compounds that characterize it. For example, Rosemary essential oil can be found in several chemotypes, such as cineole, camphor, and verbenone, each named after its principal component, which dictates its therapeutic properties and uses.
3. Therapeutic Properties: The presence of different chemical compounds means that each chemotype can be more effective for different health concerns. For instance, the cineole chemotype of Rosemary is excellent for respiratory issues due to its expectorant properties, whereas the camphor chemotype is more suited for pain relief and circulatory problems.
4. Safety and Application: Some chemotypes may be safer or more appropriate for certain applications than others. For example, an essential oil chemotype high in ketones might be more neurotoxic and thus used with more caution, particularly around children or pregnant women.
Understanding chemotypes allows us to choose the most appropriate and effective essential oil for specific therapeutic outcomes, ensuring both safety and efficacy in their applications.
Patchouli is Safe to Diffuse around Dogs & Cats
Pet Safe
If you have dogs/cats in the house, these are the recommendations on how to diffuse your essential oils in a safe way: only use 3-4 drops of a particular essential oil in a water based aroma diffuser (UltraSonic).
Use no more than 4-6 drops total if using more than one essential oil, or use the amount in the diffuser recipes.
Be sure your aroma diffuser is in an area where your pet cannot knock it over. Always diffuse in an open area with the door open so your dog can leave the room if desired.
If your dog/cat is sensitive to an oil you are diffusing, stop diffusing and get your dog outside for some fresh air. Contact your veterinarian if you are concerned.
Storage
Essential oils are sensitive to UV: always keep them in their original bottles (amber glass with codigoutte).
We advise you to store them in a cool place without light after opening.
For your mixtures, cosmetic and culinary preparations, always use a new bottle to avoid interactions.
Disclaimer
This information is intended to educate and inform, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or veterinarian before starting any regime with Essential Oils.
