Indian Pure Patchouli Oil

Patchouli oil—

Botanical name—Pogostemon patchouli,

Family—Labiatae

Extraction—Distillation

Aroma—A strong , earthy and exotic fragrance , yet sweet and spicy too.

A bushy plant, with furry leaves, four inches long and five inches across.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       The white flowers have a purple hue and the plant  itself grows to about three feet.

It is a soil – exhausting shrub and needs fertile ground to thrive. The oil is obtained from

 The young leaves which are dried and fermented prior to   distillation - the oil, like a good wine, improves with age and gives a fuller odour. Produced in India, Malaysia, Burma, Paraguay.

HISTORY----The name ‘patchouli’ is from the Hindustan and has a long history of medicinal use in Malaysia, China, India and Japan. It was a renowned antidote against insect and snake bite. The greater volume of oil was distilled in British Malaya for many years but the Seychelles become large producers during the last world war –though the oil is said to be slightly inferior to the Malay.

Dried patchouli leaves were placed amongst the folds of Indian cashmere shawls in Victorian times to protect the merchandise from moths. In India, patchouli sachets are a popular way to perfume linen and keep an eye on bedbugs. A base fixative of oriental type perfume, it was much in vogue during the ‘Flower power’ era of the 1960s along with sandalwood and jasmine.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS--- patchoulol [Alcohol], Benzoic, cinnamic [aldehydes ] ,Eugenol  [phenol], cadinene [sesquiterpene]                                                                         

PROPERTIES----Antidepressant, Antiphlogistic, Antiseptic,Aphrodisiac,Astringent,Cicatrisant,Cytophylactic,Deodorant,Diuretic,Febrifuge, Fungicide,  Insecticide ,Sedative, Tonic.

PRECAUTIONS-----Apparently sedative in low doses and rather stimulating in high . may cause loss of appetite which is fine if eating habits need to be curbed . Also , its odour may be little persistent for some people .

MIND----Its rather earthy aura promotes a grounding and balancing effect. Seems to banish lethargy and sharpen the wits , thereby clarifying problems and making the mind more objective.

BODY---- perhaps patchouli’s most outstanding feature is its binding action due to strong astringent and cicatrisant properties . this could be helpful  for loose skin especially after excessive dieting . since it also seems to curb appetite it is probably useful for overall weight reduction. Could well be helpful in cases of  diarrhoea too.

Seems to have marked diuretic properties which could prove valuable in cases of water retention and cellulite. Also said to offset heavy sweating , though certainly has a marked deodorizing action , helpful when feeling hot and bothered.

There is some association between patchouli and increasing libido. Its bracing  action on the central nervous system  may account for this! However , it is neither too sedative nor too stimulating which effectively assists feelings of balance .

In any event, it seems to relieve the nasty effects from insect and snake bites !

EFFECT ON SKIN----said to be a tissue regenerator, helping regrowth  of skin cells and forming scar tissue. Apparently cools inflamed conditions and heals rough, cracked skin, sores and wounds. Some relief may also be obtained from acne, eczema, fungal infections and scalp disorders.

BLENDS---- bergamot, black pepper ,clarysage ,elemi ,frankincense ,Galbanum, Geranium, Ginger, Lavender , Lemongrass, Myrrh, Neroli, pine, Rose, Rosewood, Sandalwood.