When patchouli oil is produced, the leaves and stems of the herb are picked and dried. The drying process helps to ensure that the leaves produce the strongest aroma when the oil is extracted.
The process of extracting the oil from the dried leaves and stems includes steam distillation. This helps to ensure that the oil is completely pure and as strong as it can be.
The patchouli plant is native to the island region of Southeast Asia including Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
For centuries, cultures in Southeast Asia have used Patchouli oil for various purposes. The most common purpose has always been perfuming. However, patchouli has also commonly been used in traditional and alternative medicines.
Incredible Uses For Patchouli Oil
Although patchouli oil is most popular as a natural perfume or cologne, there are so many other things that you can do with this essential oil that can bring much more than just a pleasant aroma to your life.
1. Patchouli Enhanced Moisturizer
Adding patchouli oil to your favorite moisturizer can have some incredible benefits for your skin.
While it is possible to purchase moisturizers and lotions that already contain patchouli from drugstores, it is unlikely that they will have enough patchouli essential oil to make a significant impact on your skin.
You can add patchouli essential oil to any face (see also “Ultimate Guide On How To Use Frankincense Oil“) or body moisturizer. The only thing that you need to remember is that there is a dilution ratio that should be adhered to. With patchouli oil, the dilution ratio should never exceed 5%.
This means that if you have 100 ml of moisturizer, there should be no more than 5 ml of patchouli oil mixed in. Exceeding the maximum dilution ratio can cause adverse reactions such as inflammation, rashes, and allergic reactions on your skin.
When patchouli oil is used on the skin it can help to heal scars and blemishes that occur as a result of acne or sun damage. It can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.
With regular use, patchouli moisturizer can leave skin looking smooth and youthful. It is great for helping dry skin to retain moisture.
2. Diffusing Patchouli Oil
If you are not looking for topical applications for patchouli oil, diffusing it inside your home is another possible use.
The best thing about diffusing essential oils, especially patchouli, is that the benefits spread to everyone in your home while you go about your daily life.
There are two ways to diffuse patchouli oil. There are more traditional reed diffusers that slowly release the essential oils into the air (see also “Complete Guide To Essential Oil Diffusers“).
These diffusers work all the time, there is no way to turn them off other than removing the reeds from your or letting the oil dry out.
You can also use an electric diffuser which can be turned on and off whenever you want. This method of diffusing patchouli oil is much stronger when the machine is turned on but it is easy to control how long it is turned on.
Patchouli is known for its ability to relieve mild symptoms of depression and improve overall mood. It can also help to reduce feelings of anxiety.
3. Topical Stress Reduction
As we mentioned above, patchouli is known to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. This makes it a great option for creating a DIY topical stress reduction treatment.
Applying diluted patchouli oil to your temples and the back of your neck or head can help to significantly reduce stress levels.
When patchouli oil is used in this way, people have reported that it has lessened the symptoms of tension headaches and other physical manifestations of stress in the body.
This can be particularly useful to have on hand during times of extra stress and tension.
It is important to make sure that you properly dilute patchouli oil when using it in this manner. Mixing patchouli oil with a gentle carrier oil and placing it in a small roller bottle will make it easy to apply on the go.
4. Patchouli Enhanced Shampoo
If you are someone who suffers from a dry scalp or dandruff, adding a few drops of patchouli oil to your shampoo can help relieve symptoms.
When it comes to natural, DIY dandruff treatments, the most common essential oil is tea tree oil, however, patchouli can be just as useful.
Patchouli oil is great for soothing an itchy and irritated scalp. It can also help to lock in extra moisture to prevent the itchiness from returning. Patchouli oil has also been known to help stimulate hair growth and improves the strength and appearance of hair.
It is important to remember that you still need to follow dilution guidelines to avoid adding too much oil to the products. Remember not to add more than 5% to your bottles.
5. Patchouli Hair Mask
If you want a more intense patchouli hair treatment to give your hair a much-needed boost, you can create a DIY patchouli hair mask using essential oils.
There are a few different ways that you can make a nourishing mask depending on the results that you want.
The most simple way to make a patchouli hair mask is to add some patchouli essential oil to a store-bought hair mask that you enjoy using. However, if you want to create a hair mask from completely natural ingredients, you can make one from scratch.
Carrier oil such as coconut oil or avocado oil makes great hair masks. Simply dilute patchouli oil into it before applying it to your hair.
6. Patchouli Cooling Spray
If you live somewhere with incredibly hot summers or suffer from hot flashes, a patchouli cooling spray can be a lifesaver and is super easy to make.
All you need to do is add a few drops of diluted patchouli oil to a spray bottle filled with water (see also “Can You Spray Peppermint Oil On Plants?“). The patchouli helps to provide a cooling effect when it touches the skin.
Because water and oil do not mix, it is best to dilute the patchouli oil with liquid castile soap so that it mixes effectively with the water.
However, if you have to use a carrier oil to dilute the patchouli, make sure that you shake the bottle before using it to get the benefit of the patchouli.
7. Effective Bug Repellant Spray
Another spray form of patchouli oil is a bug repellant spray. Patchouli has been touted as an effective insect repellent for many years.
People who live in areas with high numbers of mosquitoes have often used patchouli to help avoid mosquito bites.
You can make an effective bug repellent spray with patchouli oil in the same way as making a cooling patchouli spray as mentioned above.
8. Patchouli Inhaler For Colds
Patchouli oil has also been used as a treatment for colds for a long time. The essential oil contains antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. All of these properties help to fight off the effects of colds and flu.
When you are feeling under the weather, you can add a few drops of patchouli oil to a tissue, handkerchief, or even your pillow to create a patchouli inhaler.
9. Patchouli Inhaler For Weight Management
Some people who use essential oils regularly claim that patchouli can be used for weight management. It is claimed that the aroma of patchouli can work as an appetite suppressant. Using a patchouli diffuser or inhaler can help when using patchouli in this way.
10. Natural Wound Cleaner
Because of the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of patchouli essential oil, it makes an excellent, natural wound cleaner.
It is important for the patchouli to be well diluted when being used on open wounds. Simply mix patchouli oil with a carrier oil and keep a small vial in your first aid kit to treat minor cuts and abrasions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use Patchouli Oil When You Are Pregnant?
Patchouli oil is generally considered to be safe for use by people who are pregnant. With that being said, it is important to understand that the maximum dilution ratio is lower when you are pregnant. There are dilution guides available online.
Can Patchouli Oil Cause Allergic Reactions?
It is possible to experience allergic reactions when using patchouli oil. However, allergic reactions to any essential oil often occur when the oil hasn’t been diluted properly prior to topical application.
Is Patchouli Safe For Babies And Pets?
Patchouli oil is safe for use with young children and pets. When using the essential oil topically for pets and infants, it is important to make sure that you properly dilute the oil. To be on the safe side, use as little as possible. It is best not to use essential oils around newborns.
Final Thoughts
There are so many incredible uses for this amazingly musky and earthy essential oil. Patchouli can be an incredibly comforting and healing essential oil in so many ways.
Hi, my name is Mia Greene, and I am the creator of AromatherapyUnited.com!
I wanted to create a space to share the benefits and impressive properties of essential oils, and spread awareness of their healing powers. Join me here, and learn about all of the benefits and uses essential oils have to offer.
