Monday, July 29, 2013

Patchouli: The Wild Child



I don’t think there is any essential oil more controversial than Patchouli.  It’s the wild child of the essential oils.  Love it or hate it, there isn’t much in between.  For many, it’s easy to see why patchouli is so special.  It’s a soft, sensual, and romantic scent with wood and spice notes, beautifully exotic with a definite bohemian feel.  Different scents have different effects that influence our emotions, physiological responses and moods.  Patchouli is a deeply passionate aroma that even used softly can at times overwhelm the emotions.  It’s in the chemistry of the scent.  And Patchouli has this funny way of provoking all types of reactions.  For some, it can be very relaxing, but for others it can cause a strong and somewhat fiery response.

I have to admit, there is something rebellious, independent and even daring to this aroma.  Its nature is a play of opposites and contrasts: authentic, unique, wild, imaginative, yet also vulnerable, soulful and peaceful.  Maybe this is why it continues to intrigue us, confound us, and evokes such emotion and thought.  

It’s no wonder that Patchouli was embraced as the scent of the sixties and captures the mood and spirit of this time period.  Used for centuries in its indigenous home of Asia, it was later brought to Europe and the Americas, but still utilized today in many modern perfumes for its exotic and sensual aroma.  It has a strong grounding and fixative quality that acts as a base note for many perfumes and blends well with many other types of scents.  It is also one of the few essential oils that improves with age and is well suited for both men and women.

Patchouli has many varied uses.  In the orient, the leaves were stored with silks, linens and clothing to repel moths.  It’s also helpful in preparations used for oily skin, acne, scars, eczema, chapped and mature skin.  It is soothing for anxiety and insomnia and because of its sensual aroma and interesting chemical make up, patchouli is considered a powerful aphrodisiac!

Words to describe patchouli are:  woodsy, earthy, spicy, exotic, peaceful, harmonious, passionate, imaginative, creative, sensual, bohemian, intoxicating, relaxing and grounding.

Some properties of patchouli essential oil are: antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti viral, astringent, fungicidal, deodorant, and aphrodisiac. 

Patchouli is said to support the 1st, 2nd and 7th chakras. 

Patchouli is a fragrance that is incredible both used as a perfume, but also in the home.  
For DIY tips on ways to use essential oils for self care and in your surroundings click here: Essential Oils: Do It Yourself Aromatherapy
and here: Ooo La La Basic Sugar Scrub Recipe

For you patchouli lovers out there, what are your favorite ways to enjoy this beautiful scent?  Does it inspire you? Get the creative juices flowing? Or does it mellow you out,....giving you time to stop and smell the...patchouli? 

If you enjoy this article please share with a friend, comment below or join this blog!

Be Well,
Alyssa


* Although patchouli is natural, if any allergies or reactions occur discontinue use.  Check with a doctor if you are pregnant and before using on babies or small children.

*Resources for this article: The Illustrated Guide to Massage and Aromatherapy, edited by Catherine Stuart;  The Complete Illustrated Guide to Aromatherapy - A Practical Approach to the Use of Essential Oils for Health and Well-being, Julia Lawless.

copyright 2013




Essential Oils: Do It Yourself Aromatherapy



 There are many great ways to use essential oils.  With just a few drops, it’s easy to turn your surroundings into a peaceful, relaxing environment. It's a simple pleasure that can bring a little creativity, comfort and sensuality into your daily routine.  Essential oils support our well being physically, emotionally and spiritually.  They are readily available at local health food stores or over the internet.  Here are some do it yourself tips that are both inexpensive and easy for self care and beyond.

Create a fragrant home by applying several drops of essential oil or aromatherapy mist to a handkerchief or tea towel and place next to a heat source such as a radiator, heat duct, or sunny window to disperse the scent throughout your home. This is particularly wonderful in the winter.  Each time the heat turns on, you are treated to the wonderful scent of your favorite essential oil. An aromatherapy mist can be used the same way sprayed directly throughout the house.  Essential oils, just like some fine perfumes, can possibly stain fabrics, so use old hankies, tea towels and take care around linens, clothing and upholstery.

To bring the spa home,
spray aromatherapy mists directly into the steam of a shower or add several drops of the essential oil to bath water.  You can also add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil to a washcloth, liquid soap or shampoo.  The essential oils combined with the warmth of the steam and water soothes the senses, leaving you relaxed, refreshed and restored…
Dim the lights, light the candles, put the music on and find the peace within....

Make an inexpensive and quick massage oil or moisturizer
by adding several drops of essential oil to 1/4 cup of your favorite carrier oil*.  Slowly massage into your limbs at bedtime or after a shower, taking the time you need to release any tensions and fully enjoy the experience of an aromatic massage.
Nothing quite like soothing the tensions right out of your muscles for a deep sense of rejuvenation.
Or share the love and give your partner the gift of a sensual massage.  
This recipe can be used as a simple moisturizer as well as a massage oil….

To promote a deeper, more restful night's sleep at bedtime, 
try lightly misting your pillows and linens with a relaxing aromatherapy spray.......

~ Hand wash your delicate fabrics
in a bath of warm water and a few drops of essential oil to scent your fine washables.  

Add a dab of diluted essential oil
to any of your pulse points any time to calm, center, and restore!

*Because essential oils are so potent, it is usually advised to blend and dilute them with a carrier oil when applying to skin. There are many different kinds of carrier oils and they can be used synergistically with essential oils to target certain problems.  I always recommend using quality ingredients.  Examples of some carrier oils are: jojoba oil, almond oil , sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, grapeseed oil, castor oil, olive oil, rosehip seed oil, extra virgin coconut oil and avocado oil.

If you've enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it with a friend, commenting below, or following this blog....

Thanks and Be Well,
Alyssa