Description: A perennial herb from the mint family growing up to 1 metre high with a sturdy, hairy stem, large, fragrant, furry leaves and white flowers.
Properties: Antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, cicatrizant, cytophylactic, deodorant, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicidal, insecticidal, sedative.
Constituents: Patchouli alcohol aka patchoullol (31-58%), α -guaiene (10-15%), caryophyllene (2-4%), α-bulnesene (2-4%), seychellene(6-9%), α-patchouline (3-6%),
α-patchouline (1-5%), pogostol (0-3%).
Uses: Perfumery- including oriental bases, woody bases, fougeres and chypres. Insect repellant, especially moths. Skin healing. Patchouli was a renown antidote to snake and insect bites in India and China. In the Victorian era, it was used to treat Indian carpets from deteriorating from insects and fungi.
Blends well with: Bergamot, black pepper, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, ginger, lavender, lemongrass, myrrh, neroli, rose, rosewood, sandalwood, and ylang-ylang.
Safety: A 10% dilution is recommended. Non-toxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritant.
This information is for educational purposes only, it is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or, diagnose any disease or condition. Nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. Never use undiluted. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children. If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body.
Read our Blog Essential Oils 101 and How to Use Them