Patchouli may not be a name everyone easily recognizes but its use as an essential oil for health and wellness goes back centuries. Patchouli essential oil is extracted from the leaves and stems of the patchouli plant, an aromatic herb related to lavender, mint, sage, and oregano.
Patchouli oil is known for its strong, distinct aroma that is often described as musky, earthy, and sweet. The unique combination of these scents contributes to its characteristic fragrance. This aroma is considered calming by many individuals and is a key reason why patchouli oil is extensively used in aromatherapy for its potential relaxation and stress-relieving properties.
Additionally, due to its reported antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and skin-regenerative properties, patchouli oil is also popular in cosmetics and skincare products. It’s used in various formulations for its potential benefits in addressing skin conditions, promoting skin health, and rejuvenating the skin.
Let’s take a look at the benefits and uses of patchouli essential oil.
Benefits of Patchouli Essential Oil
As we said, patchouli essential oil has many uses, and is balancing and soothing! They include treating skin issues and improving mood. It has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving compounds.
When used topically or aromatically, you can enjoy the following benefits:
Soothes Inflamed Skin
Patchouli oil is believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties that may aid in soothing inflamed skin and reducing redness or irritation. It’s often used in skincare due to its purported properties, potentially assisting in calming various skin conditions where inflammation, redness, or irritation are present.
Improve Skin and Hair Health
Dry skin? Dandruff? Acne? Improving skin and hair health is one of the most popular applications of patchouli essential oil.
Some people report that it improves skin health by reducing the appearance of wrinkles, potentially increasing collagen content, and aiding in skin tightening, leading to a smoother, more vibrant look. It also contributes to healthier hair, making it shiny and stronger.
Patchouli oil is also believed to have properties that could aid in healing wounds and scars. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities may help in addressing blemishes, fortifying the skin against infections, and soothing irritation.
Improves and Balances Your Mood
Patchouli essential oil possesses mood-enhancing properties that can potentially aid in managing feelings of depression or fatigue. The scent of patchouli oil is often associated with relaxation and calmness, which may contribute to its reported mood-boosting effects.
Inhaling the aroma of patchouli oil can help stimulate certain areas of the brain responsible for regulating emotions. This stimulation helps to promote feelings of relaxation and can potentially alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, or get you out of your funk.
However, it’s important to note that while some people may find patchouli oil beneficial for uplifting mood or reducing feelings of fatigue, its effectiveness can vary from person to person.
So if you need an emotional balance boost, patchouli essential oil can help improve your mood as it triggers your body’s relaxation response. It is abundant in adaptogenic and sedative properties that can also relieve stress.
How To Use Patchouli Essential Oil
You can add a few drops of patchouli oil to a diffuser or humidifier. Inhaling the aroma can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and uplift your mood.
You can also apply it topically. Dilute patchouli oil with a carrier oil first. You should never apply pure essential oils directly onto your skin. Once diluted you can use the mixture for massages, moisturizing, or targeted application on areas with skin conditions like acne or dryness.
For skincare use, add a few drops of patchouli oil to your facial cleanser, moisturizer, or bath to potentially improve skin health, and for hair care, mix a few drops of patchouli oil with your shampoo or conditioner to promote a healthy scalp and potentially reduce scalp problems.
Final Thoughts
Patchouli essential oil offers soothing and balancing benefits attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties. When using patchouli oil, it’s important to practice safe application methods. It’s generally considered safe for topical and aromatic use when appropriately diluted with a carrier oil or used in a diffuser or humidifier.
However, ingestion of pure essential oils, including patchouli oil, is not recommended due to potential adverse effects. Using caution and proper dilution methods is essential to ensure safe and effective use.
