Disability UK Disability UKPatchouli (Pogostemon patchouli) is an ancient plant, known throughout the Old World for centuries. It is best known as that ever popular incense scent of the 1960's in the Age of Love in America, when the populace learned to either love it's scent, or hate it completely.
The oil derived from the plant leaves is often used as a scent fixative in perfumes and fragrances, as well as to mask strong odors from chemical combinations. The odor improves with age, so the older oil is generally preferred by manufacturers of perfumes.
Patchouli leaves have been used to make an infusion to treat dysentery, diarrhea, colds without fevers, vomiting, and nausea. Fresh leaves bruised and applied to burns aids in healing. The essential oil is used externally to treat skin problems including dry and chapped skin, fungal problems, and acne, and as an aphrodisiac. In aromatherapy it is used to calm the nerves as well as to control appetite, to treat depression, stress, and lack of sexual interest. It also has been used in deodorants, to mask perspiration; of course for this application you will want to be sure you enjoy the scent. The oil as well as the leaf infusion has been used externally to treat dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, and acne.
In parts of Arabia, China, and Japan, it was believed that applying patchouli oil before and after sexual intercourse prevented venereal disease. This has not been proven nor studied, although the actions of the oil would indicate that it could be useful in killing bacteria and viruses, so I would not recommend this as a protective measure in today's society.
Patchouli's actions are typically classified as being carminative, diaphoretic, alterative, astringent, anti-emetic, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory, and it has been shown to have cell-regenerating abilities.
The dried leaves are valuable in repelling insects such as moths from stored textiles as well as food pantries and bedding. Tuck the dried leaves between stored sheets, tablecloths, etc., under mattresses, and set among pantry shelves.
A quick and easy mixture for applying to the face to treat skin irritations and dry skin contains 3 drops of patchouli essential oil, 3 drops of rose oil, 3 drops of evening primrose oil, and 3 drops of lavender essential oil, mixed together in a tablespoon of almond or olive oil. Blend well and apply to the face before bed, wash away in the morning.
Patchouli is a powerful oil worn to attract the opposite sex either by itself or mixed with other attracting essential oils. It is recognized as a sensual oil, calling love to the wearer as well as showing love of Deity, and it is believed to ward off negativity and evil. Patchouli is also burned in incenses to aid divination and clairvoyance, and is believed to attract money and prosperity.
Patchouli is a tender perennial, a native of Malaysia, that grows around 3 to 4 foot tall with a bushy habit. The leaves are large and furry. Cold will kill it, so try growing it as a houseplant if you enjoy its fragrance, giving you the added benefit of helping to repel insect predators from your houseplants. Patchouli prefers average to rich soil and partial shade.
The Herbal Encyclopedia - A Practical
Guide to the Many Uses of Plants by Rev. Dr. Lisa Waltz, ND, DD; available in
electronic form only from EarthNow.org.
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Natural
Remedies by C. Norman Shealy MD, PhD
The Art of Aromatherapy by Pamela Allardice
Aromatherapy
by Patricia Davis
Planetary Herbology by Michael Tierra
Herbs That Heal
by Michael and Janet Weiner
A Modern Herbal by Mrs. M. Grieve
Information within this article is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not meant to diagnose nor treat. Seek guidance from a health care professional.
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