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 1^st, 2^nd and 7^th 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? 

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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