Beauty and Natural Perfumes: The Lore of Patchouli Oil

The distinctive Patchouli essential oil - it's an aroma people seem to love or hate - very few are indifferent. This aromatic oil has a reputation as the scent of the Hippy generation, though it's medicinal and aromatic use dates back thousands of years. Patchouli oil has a well-deserved reputation in modern aromatherapy, with it's deep, musky odor, balancing energy, and mystical properties. It is an exotic aroma that can forever imprint the olfactory senses.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is a perennial herb native to Southeast Asia, growing wild in Sumatra and Java at elevations between 3,000 and 6,000 feet - though it's cultivation is more pervasive in lower tropical jungles. This bushy plant grows to the height of 3 feet, having a strong stem and soft, hairy leaves. For essential oil production, the plant is cut two or three times per year, with the best quality oil derived from leaves harvested in the wet season. The leaves are hand picked, bundled or baled, and allowed to partially dry in the shade and ferment for a few days before the oil is extracted via steam distillation (Patchouli oil is now becoming available as a CO2 extract in limited quantities). The fermentation process softens the plant's cell walls, easing the extraction of the oil.

The relative ease of it's cultivation, and it's high oil yield keeps the price of true Patchouli essential oils relatively low. It is important to note however, Patchouli is one of the few essential oils that improve with age (others being Frankincense, Cedarwood, Sandalwood and Vetiver), and that a properly aged Patchouli oil is much more desirable than a fresh one. Over time, the oil looses a harshness that many find distasteful, and adds a sweet top note. As it ages, the oil turns from light yellow to a deep amber, with the aroma becoming smoother and more rich. Principal constituents of the oil include: Patchoulol (25-35%), Alpha-Bulnesene (12-20%), Alpha-Guaiene + Seychellene (15-25%), and Alpha-Patchoulene (5-9%).

The aroma of Patchouli was pervasive in cloth and clothing exported from India in the 19th century, as it was found effective at preventing insects from devouring natural fabrics. The scent became an indicator of true Oriental cloth, so much so that European clothing makers were obliged to douse their products with Patchouli to ensure acceptance in the marketplace. Patchouli oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicines in Asia, indicated for skin conditions. Patchouli can help with dermatitis, eczema, acne, dry chapped skin, and other irritating conditions, along with dandruff and oily scalp conditions. It may help in healing wounds and reducing the appearance of scars, acting as a stimulant for skin rejuvenation. Further, Patchouli is considered an excellent remedy for insect and snake bites, and when used as a fumigant, it may prevent the spread of infectious fever and support the immune system.

Patchouli is a superior base note and fixative in perfumery, being a component in many famous perfumes and colognes. As a 'fixative', it slows the evaporation of more volatile oils so their aroma can be detected for longer periods of time. A little Patchouli can be used in natural perfume blends, adding that special deep and earthy aroma. It mixes well with many essential oils, with almost all common oils being mentioned across a variety of respected perfumery and aromatherapy sources.

In aromatherapy, Patchouli is considered a great balancer, relaxing yet stimulating, particularly relevant for conditions of weak immunity where overwork and anxiety have left one feeling 'spent'. Patchouli oil may also relieve the strain of those with excessive mental activity who may feel out of touch with their sensuality. It has been considered a aphrodisiac, and can be helpful worn as a perfume for those with impotence, frigidity, and sexual anxiety. Patchouli combines this aphrodisiac effect with an antidepressant one, uplifting the mind with it's sweet, warm, earthy qualities.

Adding to it's mystique, Patchouli is thought to be a bringer of prosperity and abundance. By allowing one to open to these possibilities energetically, the oil is used in rituals and prayers by those in need of financial or other type of infusion in their lives. One may simply close their eyes, imagine the abundance they need, and deeply inhale the oil's aroma.

To try some fun natural perfume blends including Patchouli, one can create these mixtures of essential oils: Three parts Patchouli to one part Rosemary Verbenone - This creates a very uplifting blend with the earthy, grounding energy of Patchouli with the herbaceous, almost floral scent of Rosemary oil. If you're needing a break from the daily grind, experiment with three parts Coriander seed oil, two parts Patchouli and one part Bergamot oil (pressed from bitter oranges). For those wishing to uncover their sensuality, try one part Geranium Rose oil, one part Patchouli and one part Bergamot oil used as a perfume - this simple blend with a glorious aroma was created for helping one be comfortable with their own body.

It may take a little education, but many who claim to have a dislike for Patchouli may truly enjoy it when finally getting to sample a properly aged or beautifully blended oil.

Article Source: http://wellnessarticles.net

Michelle is a degreed natural health professional offering personal consultations to support overall wellness through a variety of modalities. She may be contacted through her website for more on aromatherapy and essential oils.

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