Patchouli oil

Patchouli oil is extracted from the leaves of the Patchouli plant (Pogostemon cablin) by steam distillation.

Patchouli oil's characteristic scent is most reminiscent of the scent of musk. The oil has a thick consistency and can range in color from light yellowish to dark brown.

Patchouli oil is mainly used as a fragrance ingredient in various perfumes and skincare products, but in recent years it has also become popular in a number of other products such as handkerchiefs, air fresheners and the like.

In this article, you'll get a complete overview of the properties and uses of patchouli oil. In addition, you'll gain insight into how the oil is produced today.

Properties of patchouli oil

Undocumented properties

Although patchouli oil has not been used in natural medicine for very long (unlike many of the other essential oils), some people today attribute special medicinal properties to the oil – and this despite the fact that there is no scientific evidence for these properties.

There is no scientific evidence that patchouli oil is used to treat the following diseases and health problems:

Researched properties with missing evidence

• Insecticide: A few studies have indicated that patchouli oil has a deterrent effect on several types of insects, including several mosquito species and the termite species Coptotermes formosanus. However, these properties are not considered proven as the studies are not very extensive

• Colorectal cancer: A 2013 study has indicated that patchouli alcohol (found in patchouli oil) may inhibit cancer cell development in colorectal cancer. However, the study is far from proof that patchouli oil – or any of its constituents – can be used to treat colorectal cancer

Documented properties

Patchouli oil has been proven in several studies to have:

• Antibacterial properties
• Antifungal properties

However, the above properties do not apply to human use – i.e. patchouli oil is not suitable for fighting bacteria and fungi (or diseases stemming from them) in humans.

Patchouli oil uses

Incense sticks

In the 1960s, patchouli became very popular among hippies, who emphasized the scent of patchouli by burning the oil on incense sticks.

Today, many people still appreciate patchouli's distinctive scent and therefore patchouli incense sticks are still available, as shown below.

Industry

In industry, patchouli oil is mainly used in:

• Perfume
• Handkerchiefs, paper napkins and the like
• Laundry detergents
• Air fresheners
• Skin care products (creams, lotions etc.)

Aromatherapy

Patchouli oil can be used in hot baths, massage oil and for diffusion in the air.

Although some aromatherapists believe that patchouli oil can be applied directly to the skin (undiluted), it is always recommended to dilute it with a base oil before application. You can then gradually increase the concentration of patchouli oil and finally apply it undiluted if your skin can tolerate it.

Patchouli oil is particularly suitable for blending with the following essential oils:

Production of patchouli oil

Patchouli oil is extracted from the leaves of the Patchouli plant (Pogostemon cablin). It is produced by steam distillation and there is disagreement among producers as to whether fresh or dried leaves give the best oil. Some producers also ferment the leaves before distillation, while others use only fresh leaves.

The shelf life of patchouli oil differs significantly from other oils; whereas most essential oils become rancid or unusable after a few months or years, patchouli oil improves over time – meaning its aroma becomes richer and rounder.

Precautions to take

• Patchouli oil should not be consumed (either as a dietary supplement or in meals)

• Patchouli oil can cause skin irritation – especially in people with sensitive skin. Always test with a small area of skin first