PATCHOULI ESSENTIAL OIL
A deeply grounding essential oil traditionally valued for skin health, emotional balance, and relaxation.
Botanical Information
Botanical Name: Pogostemon cablin
Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Origin: South East Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, South China, Philippines
Method of Extraction: Steam distilled from the dried leaves
Note: Base
Colour: Orange-brown
Aroma: Sweet, earthy, rich, spicy, woody
About This Essential Oil
Patchouli Essential Oil is one of the most distinctive oils in aromatherapy, renowned for its rich earthy aroma and powerful grounding qualities. Traditionally valued for supporting healthy skin, emotional balance, and relaxation, Patchouli has remained a popular ingredient in perfumery, skincare, and meditation blends for centuries.
Key Benefits
• Traditionally supports healthy skin
• Popular for scar and mature skin care
• Deeply grounding and balancing aroma
• Traditionally valued for emotional wellbeing
• Helps create a calm and centred atmosphere
• Popular fixative in natural perfumery
History
Patchouli has been widely used throughout Asia as incense, perfume, and an insect repellent. During the Napoleonic era, trade between India, the Middle East, and England increased significantly. Textiles, carpets, and woven goods were often packed with dried Patchouli leaves because of their ability to repel moths and insects.
Patchouli later became strongly associated with the counterculture movement of the 1960s and remains one of the world's most recognisable fragrance ingredients. It is also highly valued as a natural fixative that helps extend the life of perfume blends.
Main Chemical Components
50% Sesquiterpenes, 33% Alcohols
Properties
• Antidepressant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-phlogistic
• Antiseptic
• Aphrodisiac
• Astringent
• Cicatrisant
• Cytophylactic
• Deodorant
• Diuretic
• Febrifuge
• Fungicidal
• Sedative
• Tonic
• Nervine
Traditional Uses
• Skin – Traditionally used for cracked and dry skin, wounds, weeping sores, scar tissue, acne, eczema, athlete's foot, and supporting healthy skin regeneration. Valued for its moisturising and cooling properties.
• Nervous System – Traditionally used for depression, anxiety, stress, nervous tension, and emotional fatigue.
• Circulatory System – Traditionally valued for varicose veins, fluid retention, and cellulite support.
• Digestive System – Traditionally used to support digestive comfort, diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, and appetite regulation.
• Other – Contains patchoulene, which has a chemical structure similar to azulene found in Chamomile and is traditionally valued for its soothing and anti-inflammatory qualities.
Psychological & Emotional Uses
• Deeply grounding and centring
• Encourages emotional balance and objectivity
• Traditionally valued for anxiety, depression, and nervous tension
• Helpful during periods of indecision and emotional overwhelm
• Supports release of unresolved anger and emotional repression
• Small amounts may be uplifting, while larger amounts are traditionally considered more sedating
Blends Well With
Berga mot, Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender, Neroli, Rose, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood, Frankincense, and Myrrh.
Health & Safety
• Small amounts may be uplifting, while larger amounts may have a sedating effect.
• Overuse may reduce appetite.
• Can easily dominate a blend due to its strong aroma.
• Always dilute appropriately before topical use.
• For external use only.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store below 25°C away from direct sunlight.
