Noted for its characteristic earthy, sweet, and spicy smell, the patchouli essential oil has been valued over centuries for both its curative properties and cosmetic applications. Imbued with anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, insecticidal, antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, and pain-relieving properties, the essential oil offers an absolute remedy for numerous health anomalies. Be it respiratory distress, increasing appetite, rejuvenating hair, enhancing skin health, promoting weight loss, relieving stress, and warding off insects, this aromatic oil has worked wonders on different types of conditions.
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Patchouli Oil is believed to have received its name from the Hindi word “pacholi,” meaning “to scent” due to its powerful musky fragrance. Obtained from the leaves and flowers of the bushy herb Pogostemon cablin, this essential oil is native to tropical areas of Southeast Asia. The Patchouli plant is related to the family of other well-known aromatic plants, including Mint, Lavender, and Sage. Patchouli essential oil is usually fabricated via the steam distillation method using steam or carbon dioxide. As the essential oil ages, the colour darkens into an amber tint, and the scent becomes deeper and smoother.
The abundance of bioactive constituents like Patchoulol, Norpatchoulenol, Seychellene, α-Patchoulene, β-Patchoulene, α-Bulnesene, α-Guaiene, Caryophyllene, and Pogostol bestows the therapeutic benefits that give it the repute of being a grounding, balancing, calming and peace-inducing oil. These constituents make it perfect for use in cosmetics, aromatherapy, massage, and in-home cleansing products to purify the air as well as surfaces. Owing to its stimulating earthy aroma, it is widely used in perfumes, deodorants, shampoos, oils, topical creams, liniments, clothing detergents, and many more.
Without further ado, let us know some of the uses of this aromatic essential oil in day to day living,
Incredible Benefits Of Patchouli Essential Oil:
Treats Respiratory Problems
Imbued with potent anti-bacterial and expectorant properties, the patchouli essential oil is highly significant for quite a few respiratory problems. It helps clear mucus and rheum deposits from the nasal passage and provides relief from chest congestion. The soothing nature of this oil plays a crucial role in treating dry, irritated throat. It also serves as a potent remedy for asthma, bronchitis, sinus, headache, and pharyngitis.
Relieves Pain And Inflammation
Owing to the strong analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties of the bio-active component patchoulene, this oil is extensively used for providing relief from pain and inflammation in case of arthritis and joint pain. Being a natural vasodilator, it is also used to treat painful muscle spasms, sore muscles, arthritic conditions, and other inflammatory situations. Also Read: 5 Amazing Essential Oils To Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
Relaxes The Mind
The abundance of adaptogenic, and sedative properties in this essential oil not only improves the mood but also relieves stress. It holds high significance in providing mental stability by regulating the stress hormone, i.e. serotonin which in turn reduces various symptoms of anxiety including restlessness, uneasiness, cold hands, and feet, etc. and bestows a fresh and happy feeling.
Augments Skin And Hair Health
With age, our skin tends to become saggy and develops spots and blemishes that easily give away the age and put down one’s self-confidence. Patchouli essential oil is hailed for its use in skin cell regeneration. Blessed with umpteen active ingredients and anti-bacterial properties, it facilitates wound healing, effectively reduces wrinkles, scars, blemishes, and other signs of ageing. The aromatic oil also plays a key role in fighting off bacteria and germs that ultimately lead to pimples, acne, and other skin infections, thus bestowing one with a crystal clear radiant skin.
Apart from enhancing skin health, it also prevents the growth of lice and dandruff on the hair scalp, stimulates blood circulation which in turn prevents hair fall and promotes the growth of new hair. Regular use of the oil improves hair texture, adds shine, and stimulates hair growth. Also Read: Top 5 Essential Oils To Revamp Your Skin Health
Repels Insects
Insects and bugs form the root cause of several problems. Being carriers of different types of viruses, bacteria, or other microbes, not only can they contaminate food and lead to food poisoning but also cause allergic conditions ranging from rashes and itching to fever and hallucinations. Some insects can even lead to lethal infectious diseases like dengue, malaria, chikungunya, yellow fever, etc. Imbued with potent anti-bacterial properties, patchouli essential oil is extensively used for killing different types of insects including mosquitoes, house flies, ants, fleas, etc.
Promotes Oral Health
Powered with potent antimicrobial properties, this essential oil is an absolute choice for treating dental issues and bad breath. Not only does it inhibit infectious microbes within the oral cavities, but also promotes the growth of good probiotic bacteria. Additionally, it is also extremely pivotal for killing the bacteria causing bad breath, cleansing the teeth, preventing the development of cavities, and restricting tooth decay.
Just add 2 drops of patchouli essential oil and 1 drop of peppermint essential oil in a glass of water and rinse your mouth with it for a refreshing breath and microbe-free tooth.
Facilitates Wound Healing
The abundance of strong anti-microbial and antiseptic properties in patchouli essential oil not only help in removing bacteria and germs from the body but also protects the body from infections and sepsis. The bioactive compounds present in this miraculous oil when rubbed onto wounds, cut, or abrasion after dilution can effectively disinfect the area and prevent it from getting infections such as tetanus. It also works against internal infections and speeds up healing process.
Boosts Libido
Owing to its strong aphrodisiac properties, this incredible essential oil provides strength to the penile tissue during sexual activity. Prescribed use can also help bring out sexual desire in those who have lost interest in sex and treat impotency thus help people who are suffering from erectile dysfunctions. Additionally, its stress relieving qualities reduces mental stress and fatigue in both men and women, increase their sexual drive and stamina while increasing their sexual drive substantially.
Additional Benefits:
Wards Off Body Odour
The warm, musky aroma of patchouli essential oil is highly useful to neutralize and mask bad body odour and prevent bacterial breeding. It is widely used for formulating underarm deodorants, powders, body washes and soaps to help you smell fresh and stay with a lingering fragrance all day long.
Side Effects
Patchouli essential oil usually does not pose any risks when applied topically or through the use of products containing the extract. However, to always be on the safer side, it is strictly suggested to perform a small patch test with diluted oil to check for any allergies in the form of rashes, redness and itchiness. This oil is also marked risky for people who are on blood thinning medications or those suffering from any sort of bleeding disorders.
Safety When Using Patchouli Oil
Although these essential oils are great for self-care routines, however, one should also take care and caution and keep a few guidelines in mind.
- Do a patch test before use
- Read the label and instructions pamphlet coming with the oil to use the oil correctly
- Dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil of your choice before applying
- Restrain from applying it on broken skin unless it’s mentioned on the bottle or label
- Avoid applying the essential oil on sensitive areas like the eyes, nose or inside the ear
- Consult a skin care specialist, if you exhibit any signs of irritation
- Keep it at a safe distance from both kids and pets
