patchouli flower

PATCHOULI OIL Aromatherapy Essential “Oil of the Month”

Learn about Patchouli Oil Constituents and Benefits

Botanical Name: Pogostemon Cablin

An Earthy strong, woody, wine scent (native to the Philippines) mainly produced in Indonesia by steam distillation from the leaves of the Pogostemon Cablin, a species of the mint family that dates back centuries but was commonly used in the 1960’s and 1970’s by the hippy counterculture. One of the most well known uses of the Patchouli plant was protection from bed bugs and moths. The leaves were placed in shipments of Indian cashmere rugs, destined to England for protection from moth damage. Ultimately, the cashmere shawls became known for the distinctive patchouli fragrance.

Constituents of Essential Oil: patchoulol, g-guaiene, a-guaiene, saychellene, a-humulene, b-patchoulene, b-caryophyllene, aciphyllene, g-patchoulene, pogostol

Patchoulol or Patchouli alcohol makes up to approximately 30 – 40% of Patchouli EO and is responsible for its distinct aroma used extensively in the perfume industry. Morden studies have revealed activities such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-tumor and antimicrobial, antiplatelet and aphrodisiac. Patchoulol is also used in the synthesis of the chemotherapy drug Taxol.

Although the constituents of Patchouli Oil have not been widely studied separately, the constituents of Patchouli Oil as a whole have. Patchouli Oil constituents widely vary from plant to plant, area grown and time of harvest.

Pogostemon Cablin was studied for antibacterial and antifungal activity and was found effective in inhibiting 20 bacterial strains and all 12 fungi. One study was also found of antimicrobial activity, pogostone and patchoulol had broader therapeutic prospects in bacteria infection. Patchouli Oil was also effective in preventing biofilm formation. Anti-viral activities of Pogostemon Cablin were shown to inhibit influenza A virus but more human studdies have to be done.

Studies have also shown Patchouli Oil helps to overcome defaecation and constipation by olfactory neurotransmission systems and may assist with fibrinolysis (prevents blood clots from growing) and many neurodegenerative disorders.

Patchouli Oil showed an efficient free radical scavenging activity and prevented photoaging by exhibiting antioxidative properties and maintained skin structural integrity caused by UV irradiation with anti-inflammatory activities also observed. The healing duration was considerably reduced in patients suffering ulcers, torn skin, skin abrasions and pressure sores using 12% Patchouli Oil concentration. It also effectively controlled skin infections and odour. Patchouli Oil is also an effective repellent against the mosquito, termites, dust mites, ants amongst many others.

In Aromatherapy, Patchouli Oil helps to sharpen intelligence, improve concentration and provide insight, reduce tension and anxiety. Its wine-like intoxicating aroma functions as an aphrodisiac and is used to treat symptoms of menopause for a harmonious flow of energy that interacts with thyroid glands and balances hormones. Mental alertness and awareness is improved therefore an oil great for meditation.

Patchouli Oil is a Middle Note and we call it our “Hippy Mint”

Kid Safe: yes

Shop Our Hippy Mint – Patchouli Oil


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