Patchouli

The patchouli plant traces its origin from Southeast Asia region in islands of Indonesia, India, China, Malaysia, and Philippines. It is a perennial plant of the Labiatae family that also includes the lavender, and sage. Its bushy in nature with stems of about 2-3 feet tall. It bears small and pale pink flowers with a strong scent.

It thrives well in a warm or tropical climate. A hot weather is a necessity but not direct heat from the sunlight. The patchouli plant is well adapted to dry weather conditions because it recovers quickly on getting water after it had withered due to lack of water. It is propagated through the seeds which are very tiny and delicate or the plant cuttings from the mother plant. However, due to the small size of the seeds which are also delicate, propagation is best achieved through the use of cuttings and many people prefer this to the use of seeds. However, using the seeds will also produce a healthy patchouli plant.

The patchouli oil is well known for a deep and strong scented fragrance. It has a translucent yellow color. The oil is extracted through steam distillation of the dried leaves. It is claimed that oil of a much higher quality can be obtained from the distillation of fresh leaves. Some people also claim that distillation of the dried fermented leaves is much better in producing high quality oil.

Uses

1.      Body uses

o   The sweet fragrance of the patchouli oil is used as an aphrodisiac for unisex.

o   The oil is used to reduce depression and anxiety.

o   It has an emotional effect of raising one’s spirits.

o   It can be used to reduce fluid retention for those with problems in their menstrual cycles.

o   The aroma of the patchouli oil is used to reduce appetite. For this effect, it is suitable for use by those willing to reduce weight through reduction of amount of food taken.

o   The sweet fragrance of the oil makes it a good perfume. It is also a good insect repellant.

o   The patchouli oil aroma relieves headache and migraine when inhaled.

2.      Skin uses

o   The oil is essential for dressing wounds as it is antiviral and antifungal. This way, it reduces secondary infections to open bruises.

o   It is a well known skin rejuvenator that treats several skin disorders such as eczema. It is also treats dried and cracked skin.

o   Its antifungal property makes it essential for fighting the athlete’s foot disease.

o     The oil is essential in regulation of skin acne and oily skin condition.

o   It is essential in the treatment of a skin disorder known as psoriasis, a condition that is characterized by red, itchy, and scaly patches.

o   It also relieves the chapped skin due to cold weather conditions.

3.      Hair uses

The patchouli oil is very effective in reduction of dandruff in the hair. Adding about 8 drops of the oil to an ounce of hair conditioning product helps eliminate the problem of dandruff.

Precautions

Patchouli oil is nontoxic and does not induce sensitivity problems. However, excessive use of it can cause appetite loss and nervous attacks.