Patchouli Essential Oil 10ml

Patchouli essential oil is extracted from the Pogostemon hair plant of the mint family and has a rich smell of sweet and spicy musk. The plant is native to Malaysia and India, where it is known as 'puchaput'. The word patchouli is derived from the Tamil 'pachchaiilai' which means, simply, 'green leaf'. Patchouli oil is extracted from the young leaves, which are dried and fermented before steam distillation. This oil improves its fragrance and potency with age. It is highly valued in skin care, especially in healing.

In Eastern countries, patchouli oil is used in potpourri and sachets between clothes and clothing for fragrance, as well as to keep bed bugs and insects away. The oil is said to have a balancing effect on emotions and creates a loving atmosphere. When used in an oil burner, it relieves anxiety and depression. Used in bath water, it is believed to help with skin and scalp complaints, yeast infections, fluid retention, breaks down cellulite, and relieves constipation. It has excellent tissue regeneration properties, accelerates healing and fights infections. Thus, it helps with acne, eczema, sores, ulcers, and athlete's foot.

It appears that patchouli was placed among Indian cashmere shawls before being shipped to Victorian England, to protect the merchandise from moths. Without this characteristic smell of dried patchouli leaves, shawls could not be sold in England. In Europe and America, patchouli oil and frankincense were immensely popular in the 60s and 70s among hippies, as the smell of patchouli covered the body odor and the smell of burnt cannabis. Patchouli was used as a hair conditioner for dreadlocks. In many Asian countries, patchouli is also used as an antidote to snakebite.