Patchouli

Botanical Name

Pogostemon cablin

Plant Family

Lamiaceae

Country of Origin

India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, China, South America, North America, Europe

Common Method of Extraction

Steam Distilled

Plant Part Typically Used

Leaves

Color

Deep Golden Brown

Consistency

Medium – Thick

Perfumery Note

Base

Strength of Initial Aroma

Medium

Aromatic Description

Rich, herbaceous, musky, earthy, spicy.

Possible Substitute Oils

Spikenard, vetiver

Blends Well With

Bay laurel, bergamot, black pepper, cajeput, camphor, cardamom, carrot seed, cedarwood, chamomile (German & Roman), cinnamon, clary sage, clove bud, frankincense, geranium, ginger, lavender, lemongrass, myrrh, neroli, pine, orange, rose, sandalwood, Spanish sage, spikenard, vetiver

GRAS status

YES

Patchouli Essential Oil Uses

Acne, antiviral, antifungal, athlete’s foot, chapped skin, decongestant, dermatitis, eczema, expels excess gas,  fatigue, frigidity, hair care, insect repellent, mature skin, oily skin, stress, eases nausea and vomiting, reduces constipation, nervine (calms and soothes the nerves), circulatory aid, aids digestion, reduces fever, protects skin from UV-radiation damage, reduces the appearance of blemishes, nourishes and moisturizes the skin, regenerative, soothes skin conditions, wound healing, stimulating, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, promotes clarity of thought, stress management, balances overactive minds, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, cicatrisant, deodorant, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicidal, prophylactic, stomach, tonic

Source: Julia Lawless, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Updated Edition) (London: Harper Thorsons, 2014), 160-161.

Major Constituents of Indonesian Patchouli Oil

• Patchouli Alcohol
• a-Bulnesene
• a-Guaiene
• Seychellen
• Gamma-Patchoulene
• a-Patchoulene

See Essential Oil Safety for more complete list of typical constituents.

Source: K. Bruns, Ein Beitrag zur Untersuchung und Qualitatsbewertung von Patchouliol. (Parfumerie Kosmetik 59, 1978), 109-115. B.M. Lawrence, Essential Oils 1981-1987 (Wheaton: Allured Publishing, 1989), 15. B.M. Lawrence, Essential Oils 1988-1991 (Wheaton: Allured Publishing, 1993), 91.M.J. Milchard, R. Clery, N. DaCosta, et al. Application of Gas-Liquid Chromatography to the Analysis of Essential Oils. (Perfumer & Flavorist 29, 2004), 28-36. Sources cited in Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 382.

Recommended Dilution Range

5% – neat

Patchouli Essential Oil Safety Information

Tisserand and Young indicate that Patchouli Oil may inhibit blood clotting and pose a drug interaction hazard. Reading Tisserand and Young’s full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 382.]

General Safety Information

Do not take essential oils internally nor apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Read, Birkat Natural’s, Guide to Diluting Essential Oils, for general dilution information. If you are currently experiencing pregnancy, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, have any other medical problem, or are otherwise under the care of a physician, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. Carefully read Birkat Natural’s Essential Oil Safety Information page, before using any essential oil. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made by Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC as to the medicinal value of any products from Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC. The information presented here is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essential oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. If you have any questions, please call or email us for further information.