Patchouli Essential Oil

Patchouli Essential Oil – Uses And Benefits – image to repin / share
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Essential oil pic – amazon.com (click here to buy)

Patchouli: Botany and History

Patchouli – also known as Patchouly, Pachouli (English); Pachapat (Bengali); Pucha-Pat, Pucha Path, Peholi (Hindu); Pogostemon cablin / Pogostemon patchouly (Latin); Guang Huo Xiang (Pinyin); Pachouchi (West American rural dialect) – is a bushy, perennial, aromatic herbal plant in the same family as mint. It grows up to three feet in height.

Patchouli is a well-known plant primarily valued for its essential oil, which is widely used in medicinal and cosmetic applications. The essential oil is extracted from the leaves and sometimes the flowers of this shrub-like plant, which typically grows to about three feet in height. Patchouli is characterized by its woody appearance, dark-green matte leaves, and pale pink-white flowers that grow in cattail-like clusters.

Patchouli is a hardy plant that can thrive in relatively poor soil conditions, provided it receives ample but indirect sunlight and sufficient watering. It flourishes best in hot, humid climates but can also tolerate slightly cooler temperatures. As a member of the mint family, patchouli can endure cold spells, though it is not resistant to drought or frost, making its cultivation outside tropical regions somewhat challenging.

Patchouli was originally native to tropical parts of Asia such as Burma and Malaysia ^[1], but is now cultivated globally, with the highest quality varieties still sourced from Asia, especially China, the Philippines, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Laos. ^[2]

Historically, patchouli has been associated with the mystique of the Far East. It has been a valuable trade commodity since before its introduction to the Western world in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Middle East played a significant role in the trade of patchouli, using its aromatic leaves for perfume, incense, and medicinal purposes since the Spice Road era. Patchouli’s trade likely began with India’s interactions with Middle Eastern traders, although China also significantly contributed to its spread through extensive trading with India.

Patchouli gained popularity in the West when Middle Eastern traders used its scent to preserve fabrics, associating the aroma with luxury and allure. Archaeological evidence suggests that ancient civilizations like the Phoenicians, Egyptians, and Mesopotamians used patchouli leaves for medicine and incense long before the advent of steam distillation.

The exact timeline for the first steam-distilled patchouli oil is unclear, but it likely predates the 1800s. Early extraction methods may have included cold maceration of dried leaves in base oil or slow maceration in heated oil. The height of patchouli oil extraction likely occurred in the early to mid-1700s, coinciding with the peak of perfumery in France and the Lowlands. The use of patchouli saw a resurgence in the Americas during the 1970s and 1980s, driven by the Hippie movement and interest in Hinduism and Hindu mysticism. This mirrored a similar boom in Victorian England, spurred by British colonization of India and trade with the Middle East.

Patchouli – Uses Old And New

Patchouli is strongly scented and the leaves give off scent when rubbed. The leaves are used to obtain the essential oil, which is extracted by steam distillation. This uniquely scented, easily recognizable oil is used in the perfume industry, in the manufacture of incense and scented products, and also as a scent in its own right. ^[2]

Patchouli also has a history of use as an insect repellent, and at one time fabrics that originated in India invariably arrived in the West permeated with the scent of Patchouli. In the 18th and 19th centuries, silks from China were packaged together with Patchouli leaves as a way to protect them from moths that hatched from eggs that may have been laid on the fabric. ^[3]

Patchouli has a long history of use in herbal medicine systems of Asia, most particularly being used to treat fevers and headaches, as an antidepressant, as an antiseptic and (so it’s claimed by modern sources) as an aphrodisiac. ^[3]

The earliest references to Patchouli I can find in the western corpus comes from early 19th century France. The 1826 “Journal de Chimie Medicale, de Pharmacie et de Toxicologie, Volume 2” (Journal of Medical Chemistry, Pharmacy and Toxicology”) ^[4] describes the 28th of January’s session of the Royal Academy of Medicine (presumably in Paris), where “a plant called patchouli, which can be put in linen to drive away insects, and has a pungent smell” is introduced. It seems clear that it was new at the time and that the Academy had the intention of investigating its properties.

Patchouli drawing from the Pharmaceutical Journal
of 1849 – showing leaf, flowering top and flower.

By the 1840’s, Patchouli begins to appear in English botanical and medical journals, and is described as being fashionable in perfumery.

Richard Folkard Jr.’s glorious 1884 “Plant Lore, Legends, and Lyrics: Embracing the Myths, Traditions, Superstitions, and Folk-lore of the Plant Kingdom” states that the Mussulmans of India burn ood in all their religious ceremonies – an incense comprised of Sandalwood, Aloe, Patchouli and other herbs.

Today, the patchouli essential oil industry thrives, with demand from both the cosmetic and alternative medical sectors. Unlike other essential oils, patchouli oil becomes more potent and aromatic with age when stored properly. There is ongoing debate about the best extraction methods, with some advocating for immediate extraction from fresh leaves and others preferring sun-dried leaves. Regardless of the method, patchouli essential oil is known for its warm, woody, and slightly spicy aroma.

Patchouli oil is used in modern perfumery, incense, insect repellents, and alternative medicines. It has also found its way into culinary uses, herbal teas, and even toys. The oil is extracted through steam distillation of dried leaves and twigs, with the main chemical component being patchoulol, a sesquiterpene alcohol. Patchouli oil blends well with other essential oils like cedarwood, frankincense, jasmine, myrrh, rose, and sandalwood, making it a versatile addition to various products.

Patchouli – Herbal And Aromatherapeutic Uses

Patchouli has been utilized in traditional medicine and aromatherapy for centuries. This aromatic herb, native to tropical Asia, offers a wide array of benefits that extend far beyond its distinctive scent.

Historical Significance and Traditional Uses

The use of patchouli dates back to ancient civilizations. Archaeological evidence suggests that Phoenicians, Egyptians, and Mesopotamians utilized patchouli leaves for medicinal purposes and incense long before the advent of steam distillation. In fact, when Tutankhamun’s tomb was opened, archaeologists discovered 10 gallons of patchouli oil buried with the pharaoh, highlighting its importance in ancient Egyptian culture. ^[5]

In traditional Chinese medicine, patchouli has been employed to address various ailments, including:
• Alleviating summer heat and dampness
• Treating nausea and vomiting
• Stimulating appetite
• Managing inflammatory conditions

Modern Aromatherapeutic Applications

Today, patchouli essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Research has shown that inhaling patchouli oil can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety: A 2022 study on rats demonstrated that patchouli oil increased brain dopamine levels, suggesting potential antidepressant effects.
• Improve sleep quality: The sedative properties of patchouli, particularly its α-Patchoulene content, may help calm an overactive nervous system and promote restful sleep.
• Enhance mood: The oil stimulates the production of serotonin and dopamine, potentially alleviating feelings of anger and anxiety.

Herbal Medicine and Physiological Benefits

Patchouli’s therapeutic potential extends to various physiological systems:

Digestive Health: Patchouli oil can stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes, potentially aiding in:
• Optimizing metabolism
• Relieving constipation
• Enhancing nutrient absorption

Skin Care: The astringent and anti-inflammatory properties of patchouli make it beneficial for:
• Treating acne and eczema
• Reducing the appearance of scars
• Promoting skin cell regeneration
• Managing fungal infections like athlete’s foot

Respiratory System: Traditional uses include treating bronchial disorders and alleviating cold symptoms.

Pain Management: When diluted and applied topically, patchouli oil may act as a mild analgesic, particularly for headaches and abdominal discomfort.

Antimicrobial Properties

Recent scientific studies have highlighted patchouli’s potent antimicrobial effects:

• Antibacterial: Research has shown patchouli oil to be effective against various bacterial strains.
• Antifungal: The oil demonstrates efficacy in combating several fungal species.
• Antiviral: Studies suggest patchouli extract may have activity against influenza viruses, with one study reporting up to 99.8% inhibition of influenza virus A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) at a concentration of 10 μg/mL. ^[6]

Practical Applications and Safety Considerations

Patchouli oil can be utilized in various ways:
• Aromatherapy: Use in diffusers or add a few drops to bathwater
• Topical application: Always dilute with a carrier oil before applying to the skin
• Massage: Blend with carrier oils for a relaxing and therapeutic massage

While generally considered safe, it’s crucial to note:
• Pregnant women should avoid using patchouli oil due to its potential to stimulate contractions.
• Always perform a patch test before widespread use to check for allergic reactions.
• Do not take internally.
• Consult a healthcare professional before using patchouli oil medicinally, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

Is Patchouli An Aphrodisiac

Patchouli is often seen listed as one of the “aphrodisiac scents“. A search of Pubmed revealed 58 medical papers mentioning patchouli; however, none of these investigated any aphrodisiac qualities of the essential oil.

I can find no mention whatsoever of Patchouli being aphrodisiac prior to 1900, however as we turn to the 20th century, things start to get interesting: Robert William Taylor’s 1905 “A Practical Treatise on Sexual Disorders of the Male and Female” states “Several authors, particularly Frenchmen, make the statement… that certain odors of perfume, such as musk and patchouli, cause in them erotic desire.” Another; The English Review, Volume 51, of 1930, states “…the erotic motive of scent is so obsolete, or disguised, that aphrodisiac scents with a frankly animal quality, such as patchouli and musk, are disagreeable.” Clearly by this time, then, patchouli has been considered to have an aphrodisiac, if not entirely appealing, aroma.

What’s curious is that patchouli’s popularity within fashionable subculture, and its reputation as an aphrodisiac, suddenly go through the roof in the 1970’s, as far as can be judged from literature. Yet despite trawling through much of this material, I can find no true source reference.

Nancy L. Nickell’s 1999 Nature’s Aphrodisiacs states boldly: “Patchouli has been used as an aphrodisiac for centuries. It was a favorite ingredient for love potions and charms and was reputed to have magical powers… according to aromatherapists, patchouli affects the pituitary gland… patchouli’s aphrodisiac properties only work, of course, if both partners like it.” Nickell makes no mention of where this information was obtained – but after much research I have found no ancient source whatsoever that makes any aphrodisiac claim for Patchouli.

Patchouli is listed in the AHPA’s “Herbs of Commerce”, p.256. ^[7]