8 Benefits of Patchouli Essential Oil

The benefits of patchouli essential oil extend from enhancing mood to strengthening hair and fighting depression! The herb has been used for centuries in fragrances and perfumes, but you may be most familiar with its use in incense, insect repellents, and natural medicines. Or perhaps, the earthy scent of a stereotypical “hippy”. 

Historically, Asian regions have used patchouli to cool fevers, fight infections, tone skin, and relieve insect bites. It’s also been used to help with nausea, vomiting, bad breath, and abdominal pain. In India, people would use patchouli on clothing as a moth repellent! 

Today, we’re going to be focusing on the health and beauty benefits of patchouli oil. You’ll learn how patchouli oil can support common ailments and wellness goals with some easy, supportive DIY recipes! Let’s dive in. 

Patchouli’s Powerful Properties 

Patchouli oil is extracted from steam distillation of leaves. The oil offers antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-infectious, anti-toxic, astringent, and diuretic properties that can work for a variety of common ailments and concerns. 

Powerful components of patchouli like alpha patchoulene, beta patchoulene, and caryophyllene make patchouli oil a potent natural remedy for eczema, acne, and scars. 

It’s calming and sedative aroma makes it an ideal choice for nervousness and anxiety. Try blending with bergamot, clary sage, frankincense, ginger, lavender, sandalwood, pine, and lemongrass for a lovely combination diffuser blend. 

Now that you know why patchouli oil is so beneficial let’s talk about specific benefits and how we can harness patchouli oil to work naturally with our bodies. 

8 Benefits of Patchouli Essential Oil 

Boost Hair and Skin Health

Patchouli oil’s ability to stimulate muscle contractions makes it an excellent choice for combating saggy skin and hair loss. Use patchouli topically to help boost muscle strength and regenerate skin cells. Not only will you reduce hair loss, but you can also keep your skin vibrant and healthy all year long. Whether you have too dry skin, excessively oily skin, or even acne-prone skin, patchouli will work to balance, heal, and cleanse. 

Bonus: its natural healing properties can help reduce the appearance of scars! 

For hair: add 1-2 drops to conditioner 

For skin: add 1-2 drops to carrier oil of choice and gently massage onto skin 

Fight Fever 

Patchouli’s anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious properties work hard to help fight fevers and colds. Patchouli will help reduce body temperature and pain that sometimes comes with having a fever. To help fight infection and cool down, try mixing 1-2 drops of patchouli with a carrier oil of choice and rubbing it into your hands, neck, and stomach. 

Natural Diuretic 

One of the most common uses of patchouli is as a natural diuretic. Its diuretic properties can help flush out toxins, uric acid, excess salt, and more. You may have to pee more often, but in the end, it will give your hard-working kidney and liver the reset they need. 

Dilute one drop of oil with a teaspoon of honey and mix. Add to warm water or tea and sip. 

Repel Bugs 

Conventional bug sprays are overflowing with harmful chemicals. Make a DIY bug spray with natural essential oils to keep mosquitoes, fleas, ants, lice, and moths away! Adding a drop or 2 of patchouli to your laundry may also help eliminate bed bugs or lice (1).

Treat Insomnia 

To get a goodnight’s sleep try harnessing the sedative effects of patchouli to help alleviate insomnia. Add 4-5 drops to a diffuser and deeply inhale while you drift off to sleep. You can also help put your mind at ease by mixing two drops of patchouli with a carrier oil and rubbing it into your chest and back of your neck.  

Increase Libido & Stimulate Hormones 

Patchouli’s aroma may have an influence on sex and physical energy (2). Patchouli has been used as a natural aphrodisiac for years to help boost testosterone and estrogen levels. It’s also considered an excellent natural remedy for erectile dysfunction and impotence! 

To boost intimacy in your relationship, try diffusing 5 drops of patchouli. 

Helps with Depression 

Patchouli has a positive impact on hormones as we saw above. Because it can encourage dopamine and serotonin release, patchouli oil is commonly used as an aromatherapy technique for depression and sad or blah feelings.

To foster a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere add 5 drops of patchouli oil to the diffuser and deeply inhale. You can even try mixing 10 drops to a cup of epsom salt and mixing it into a warm bath. 

Athletes Foot, Jock Itch, Fungal Infections 

To help prevent or ease infections, use patchouli oil for its antiseptic and antifungal properties. If you struggle with athlete’s foot or jock itch, try mixing 2-3 drops of the oil with a carrier oil and apply it to the infected area. 

Now that you know 8 benefits of patchouli essential oil, what are you most looking forward to using the potent oil for?! Let me know in the comments below.

Sources

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14705881/
2. Modern Essentials Handbook. AromaTools, 2019.