An Herb For Thought: Patchouli

The health benefits of Patchouli Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties as an antidepressant, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, cicatrisant, cytophylactic, deodorant, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicide, insecticide, sedative and tonic substance.

The insecticidal and insect repellant properties of this oil have been known for many years, particularly as it was used in the protection of clothes and fabrics from insects. As history moved forward, more health benefits of patchouli essential oil have been discovered.

Essential Oil of Patchouli is extracted by steam distillation of the leaves of the Patchouli plant, whose botanical name is Pogostemon Cablin or Pogostemon Patchouli, depending on the species. The basic components of Patchouli Essential Oil are Alpha Patchoulene, Beta Patchoulene, Alpha Guaiene, Alpha Bulnesene, Caryophyllene, Norpatchoulenol, Patchouli Alcohol, Seychellene and Pogostol.
Health Benefits of Patchouli Essential Oil
Its medicinal properties include the following health benefits.

Antidepressant: This oil is said to work great for people suffering from depression. Some people claim it helps them to get over the feelings of sadness or loss and fills them with new hope. That is why patchouli essential oil is so frequently used in aromatherapy. It uplifts mood, drives away disappointment, and relaxes tension in the majority of people, even if they are being treated for something else.

Antiphlogistic: It soothes inflammation, particularly if the inflammation or irritation is a result of fever, and it also provides relief from the fever itself.

Antiseptic: Patchouli essential oil mat be used to help protect wounds and ulcers from developing infections and becoming septic.

Aphrodisiac: Patchouli Oil is also good for treating sexual problems including impotency, loss of libido, disinterest in sex, erectile dysfunctions, frigidity, and sexual anxiety.

Astringent: This powerful essential oil stimulates contractions in muscles, nerves and skin. This helps strengthen the hold of gums on the teeth, prevents sagging skin, hair loss, and loosening of muscle tissue. The astringency of patchouli oil also helps stop hemorrhaging by contracting the blood vessels.

Cicatrisant: Patchouli essential oil helps speed the healing process of cuts and wounds, and also hastens the fading of scars. It is similarly effective in eliminating marks left by boils, acne, pox, and measles.

Cytophylactic: This property of the Essential Oil of Patchouli promotes growth by stimulating the generation of new bodily cells. This also helps in the production of red blood cells, which can boost energy levels.It is particularly good at regenerating new skin cells, thus keeping the skin looking healthy, young and vibrant.

Deodorant: The strong sweet, spicy and musky aroma of this essential oil eliminates or masks body odor. However, it should be used in a diluted form as the aroma of Patchouli Oil might be very strong to some people’s olfactory sense.

Diuretic: It increases the frequency of urination as well as the quantity of urine. This may help some people lose weight, lower blood pressure, increase appetite, lower cholesterol and remove toxins from the body.

Fungicide: Patchouli Essential Oil has been found to be quite effective at inhibiting fungal growths and infections, thereby providing protection from some notorious infections such as Athlete’s Foot.Insecticide: As mentioned earlier, the insecticidal property of Patchouli Oil was recognized all the way back in ancient times. Despite smelling sweet, it is very effective at keeping insects at a healthy distance. It is frequently used in sprays, body lotions, fumigants, vaporizers, and incense sticks or it can be mixed with water to wash clothes and bed linen to drive away mosquitoes, ants, beg bugs, lice, fleas, flies and moths.

Sedative: It soothes inflammation and sedates convulsions, coughs and epileptic attacks resulting from hypersensitivity or hyper-reactivity of the nerves. It can also stop breakouts due to allergies by sedating the hypersensitivity of the body towards certain elements.
Other Benefits
It has been known to help in the treatment of eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and sores. It provides relief from constipation, and can be used as an temporary antidote or salve against insect bites.

A Few Words of Caution: The long lasting aroma of patchouli essential oil, though sweet, may be too strong and almost unpleasant to some people. Be cautious about using too much or smelling too strongly of it, as the aroma can be irritating to others.

Blending: Patchouli Essential Oil blends well with essential oils of Bergamot, Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender and Myrrh.