Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
I didn’t used to be a very big fan of Patchouli. I think some of my free spirited friends in college wore way too much of it. While I liked the idea of the lifestyle patchouli invoked, I couldn’t abide the way that lifestyle seemed to smell. Until recently, whenever I smelled Patchouli it would bring up memories of late night coffeehouse conversations and hula hooping at outdoor music festivals.
Today though I have a very different relationship with Patchouli, a more mature one you might say. It started a few years ago when I was doing massage at a spa where we used an aromatherapy blend that was for relaxation, and I loved the smell of it. I looked into what oils were in the blend and was surprised that Patchouli was one of them. Since them I have noticed that I’m often drawn to aromatherapy blends and perfumes that contain Patchouli. It seems to lend a sort of deep, soft, grounding glue to these blends. It’s the subtle but powerful boss babe running the show from backstage. In control, but not needing the spotlight because she knows she’s got this.
The scent of Patchouli is sultry and dark. It has herbal, woody, narcotic notes, and an almost antiseptic or insecticide finish. This is a bit ironic because Patchouli is actually a great oil to use as a bug repellant.
Energetically, Patchouli helps us feel connected to our bodies. For obsessive personality types this oil can be especially grounding. It calms fear and nervous energy and fosters better synergy between the body and mind. It can be helpful for easing mild depression. Use Patchouli for yoga, tai chi, or my favorite, when you go out dancing!
Patchouli is very helpful for the skin. Historically it’s been used for toning the skin and may be helpful in anti aging skincare blends. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibacterial.
I was surprised to learn that Patchouli is actually part of the mint family. The essential oil is made by steam distilling the leaves of the plant. The flowers when in bloom are a beautiful lavender color that somewhat remind me of lilacs (as far as their look, not smell!) It is high in sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenols, which give it it’s skin healing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
For centuries Patchouli has been used in perfumes. It is a base note, and blends well with florals like Lavender, Rose, and Jasmine, and with other woody base notes like Sandalwood, Frankincense, and Vetiver.
Sources:
- doTerra.com
- Aromahead Institute
- Modern Essentials, Sixth Edition
- Emotions and Essential Oils, A Reference Guide to Emotional Healing, 2017 Sixth Edition
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