Top 7 Benefits Of Patchouli Essential Oil For Skin, Hair, And Health

What Is Patchouli Oil?

Patchouli essential oil is made by steam distilling the dried leaves of patchouli, an aromatic herb. Patchouli, scientifically known as Pogostemon cablin Benth, belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae. A wide range of herbs like peppermint, lavender, and rosemary come from this family.

The color of patchouli oil varies from dark yellow to dark brown. This viscous oil has a musky, earthy aroma that ages well. It has a sweet initial note followed by a rich, earthy finish (1).

Patchouli is a tropical South Asian perennial herb. For centuries, it was used in rituals and oriental perfumery. However, its popularity peaked in the 1960s with the hippie movement (2).

Aromatherapist Wendy Gardner recalls, “Patchouli is the oil of the Hippy era!”

Fun Fact

In 1985, the action figure Stinkor from the Masters of the Universe line of toys was made using plastic infused with patchouli oil by American toy manufacturer Mattel. This was done to make it smell bad because the villain was based on a skunk.

Features Of Patchouli Essential Oil

Patchouli oil is also used in cosmetics, aromatherapy, and even tobacco. “It’s great for soaps, lotions, and shampoo,” Gardner adds.

Leanna Serras of Fragrance X says, “Patchouli oil has gotten a bad rap because of the ’60s, but it’s been a staple in luxury perfume for a long time. Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle, Viktor & Rolf’s Flower Bomb, Thierry Mugler’s Angel, and Etro’s Patchouly all feature patchouli prominently.”

Patchouli essential oil is also good on the skin. It is suitable for all skin types. Yet its most notable feature is its scent.

Serras adds, “It’s an earthy, sensual scent that adds mystery and exoticism to any fragrance.  Spicy, sweet, and smoky, it’s an unforgettable addition to perfume. Use patchouli when you want to make a statement, when you want to seduce, or when you want to boost your spirits.”

Numerous compounds contribute to its rich scent. The major components present in patchouli oil are patchoulol, δ-guaiene, α-guaiene, α-patchoulene, and seychellene (3). Some of the compounds are present only in patchouli, which makes the aroma unique and distinctive.

Patchouli oil must be used in small quantities as excessive amounts may overpower your senses. A little bit of patchouli oil goes a long way. Learn how to get the most out of this essential oil below.

How To Use Patchouli Oil

Gardner says, “It needs to be used diluted into a base and can be used as the sole scent or blended with many oils, including woods and citrus.”

Patchouli oil blends well with:

• Bergamot oil
• Cedarwood oil
• Geranium oil
• Ginger oil
• Jasmine oil
• Lavender oil
• Lemon oil
• Lemongrass oil
• Orange oil
• Vetiver oil
• Rose oil
• Sandalwood oil
• Ylang-ylang oil

You can blend patchouli oil with any of the oils mentioned above. Add it drop by drop to your blends until you achieve the desired effect.

Gardner adds, “It’s an acquired taste though, a bit like Marmite. You’ll love it or hate it.”

Patchouli oil is used in the following ways:

1. Aromatherapy

Patchouli essential oil can be used as an ingredient in aromatherapy. It creates a tranquil, relaxing environment to relieve stress.

What You Need

• 7 drops of patchouli essential oil
• 3 drops of lavender essential oil
• 3 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil
• 3 tablespoons of any carrier oil (coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil)

How To Prepare

1. Add all the components to a diffuser.
2. Make sure the ingredients are blended well in the diffuser.

2. Perfume Blend

The rich aroma of patchouli oil makes it the perfect perfume blend.

What You Need

• 10 drops of patchouli essential oil
• 6 drops of lavender essential oil
• 4 drops of orange essential oil
• 3 tablespoons of any carrier oil (coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil)

How To Prepare

1. Add all the oils to an airtight glass jar.
2. Shake the jar until all the oils have mixed together completely.
3. Use a cotton ball or an earbud to apply the perfume.

3. Bath oil

Patchouli oil can be used as a bath oil to relax the senses at the end of a tiring day.

What You Need

• 4 drops of patchouli essential oil
• 3 drops of bergamot essential oil
• 3 drops of clary sage essential oil
• 1 tablespoon of any carrier oil (coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil)

How To Prepare

1. Add all the oils to a bottle and shake it well to mix them together.
2. Pour the oil blend into your hot bathwater before you get in.

4.Topical Application

Patchouli essential oil can be used topically to achieve smooth, radiant skin.

What You Need

• 10 drops of patchouli essential oil
• 3 drops of lavender essential oil
• 5 drops of grapefruit essential oil
• ½ cup of carrier oil (coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil)
• ¼ cup of aloe vera juice

How To Prepare

1. Add all the oils to a glass bowl and mix well.
2. Massage a few drops of the blend gently into your skin.

Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “Patchouli oil smells wonderful, fresh, and airy. It has a calming effect, is often used as an additive in perfumes, and has medicinal and therapeutic benefits.”

Fun Fact

Madonna had patchouli oil drops applied to the vinyl, CD, and cassette album packaging for her album Like a Prayer to “evoke the era of Aquarius.”

Benefits Of Patchouli Oil

1. Promotes Healthy Skin

Image: Shutterstock

Patchouli oil promotes collagen formation and the activity of antioxidant enzymesⁱ  XProteins that act as a biological catalyst and speed up metabolism by accelerating chemical reactions in the body. (4). This boosts the growth of skin cells and protects them. Its skin benefits include:

• Reduces Fine Lines And Wrinkles

Patchouli oil contains patchoulol or patchouli alcohol that can prevent signs of aging caused by the sun. In addition, it can reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and tone, and reduce the thickening of the skin (5). It is also said to reduce stretch marks, but there is not enough scientific evidence to prove the same.

• Enhances Skin Permeability

Patchouli oil penetrates deep into the skin. It is, therefore, an excellent addition to your moisturizer. Its rejuvenating effects help address many skin problems. It can reduce scars and spots and treat dry and cracked skin (6), (7).

2. May Treat Dandruff

Image: Shutterstock

Studies suggest that patchouli oil can be used to deal with dandruff and oily hair (8).

3. Reduces Stress Levels

Image: Shutterstock

According to a study, the scent of patchouli oil reduced stress levels among emergency nurses and boosted compassion satisfaction. Thus, this essential oil may improve the quality of life at the workplace (9).

In addition, the compounds found in essential oils stimulate the brain and have a positive effect on mental health ( 10).

Patchouli oil calms the nerves as well. Inhaling the oil has been found to decrease sympathetic nerve activity by about 40% (11). These studies suggest that aromatherapy may reduce stress and anxiety levels.

4. May Help You Sleep

Image: Shutterstock

The diacetone alcohol present in patchouli oil has sedativeⁱ  XA tranquilizer or CNS depressant that tends to calm nervousness and excitement by slowing down brain activity. effects. According to a study, inhalation of the oil has shown sedativeⁱ  XA tranquilizer or CNS depressant that tends to calm nervousness and excitement by slowing down brain activity. activity in the mice. Thus, it may help you sleep (12).

5. May Help Relieve Depression

Image: Shutterstock

The patchouli alcohol in patchouli oil has anti-depressant properties. In addition, several studies indicate that the smell of patchouli alcohol reduces depression by stimulating certain brain regions (13), ( 14).

6. May Fight Infections

The patchouli alcohol present in patchouli oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

A study showed its potent antibacterial activity against pathogens such as Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and antifungal activity against Candida, Saccharomyces, and Aspergillus. These pathogens are associated with many skin infections (15), (16).

Patchouli oil helps fight severe skin conditions like eczemaⁱ  XA condition that causes inflammation of the skin which leads to dry, itchy, cracked, and rough skin. Also known as atopic dermatitis. , dermatitisⁱ  XA general term used to describe skin conditions characterized by inflammation, itchiness, and rashes. It is often triggered by allergens. , psoriasisⁱ  XAn autoimmune condition that is triggered due to infection, stress, or cold and causes rashes and dry, itchy patches on the skin. , and acne as well and soothes their symptoms (6).

7. May Reduce Inflammation

Patchouli oil contains patchoulol, α-bulnesene, and β-patchoulene. These compounds work to reduce inflammation. They reduce swelling, inhibit inflammation, and prevent cells from irritating the affected area (17), (18), (19).

The benefits of this essential oil may pique your interest, but be sure to use it correctly as it may lead to negative effects. Keep reading to learn what precautions you need to take while using patchouli oil.

Side Effects Of Patchouli Oil

Essential oils should never be used undiluted. Always dilute them with a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or olive oil.

Protect your eyes and mucous membranes from patchouli oil.

Dr. Chacon notes, “Side effects include possible irritant contact dermatitisⁱ  XA general term used to describe skin conditions characterized by inflammation, itchiness, and rashes. It is often triggered by allergens. and allergies in individuals who may be prone to them.”

Patchouli oil is non-toxic and non-irritating. But you must perform a patch test first to be on the safe side. Apply a small amount of diluted essential oil to your inner forearm to check for any reactions. Do not use it if you notice any redness, irritation, or other adverse effects in that area.

Dr. Chacon adds, “Patchouli does have a heavier floral aroma with a medicinal note and undertones of a chocolate aroma and, if overused, can cause headaches.”

This oil may interact with certain medications and interfere with blood clotting. Therefore, never take it internally without consulting a doctor (20).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does patchouli oil repel mosquitoes?

Yes. Patchouli essential oil can be used to eliminate bed bugs and keep mosquitoes at bay.

Does patchouli lower blood pressure?

No, patchouli cannot lower blood pressure.

Sources

Was this article helpful?

The following two tabs change content below.

• Reviewer
• Author

Rowinda DimechRDN

   

Rowinda Dimech is a registered dietitian with 6 six years of experience who provides individualized diets according to body type, age, lifestyle, medical conditions, allergies/ intolerances, level of physical activity, and food preferences. She is also a feeding therapist who helps treat feeding difficulties and weight and growth problems in children. She studied Applied Food and Nutritional Science at the...more

Payal KarnikHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Payal Karnik is a certified health and nutrition life coach. She is a biotechnology graduate from the University of Mumbai with a keen interest in writing and a natural curiosity for science. This formidable combination equips her with the knowledge to write research-backed health and wellness articles. She has also published a research paper titled 'Sustainable sanitary napkin’ in the...more