Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is a medicinal plant known for its calming and sedative properties. It can help relieve insomnia, headaches, anxiety, and stress.
The most commonly used parts of the plant are the leaves, which are used to extract patchouli essential oil. The dried leaves can also be used to make herbal tea.
Patchouli can be found in health food stores and herbal shops and should always be used under the supervision of a doctor or a qualified herbal medicine specialist.
Indications for use
Patchouli is used for:
1. Reducing anxiety and stress
Patchouli has natural calming and sedative effects that help relax the body and mind, reducing agitation, irritability, stress, anxiety, and trouble sleeping.
2. Relieving symptoms of depression
When used as an essential oil for inhalation, patchouli helps relax the body and improve mood, which can support emotional balance and well-being.
3. Relieving pain
Patchouli contains analgesic and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help ease different types of pain, such as headaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle spasms.
4. Promoting sleep
Due to its sedative properties, patchouli essential oil is often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, and reduce insomnia.
5. Improving skin appearance
Patchouli oil has moisturizing effects that help hydrate and nourish the skin, improving the look of dry, rough, or mature skin.
6. Helping with skin conditions
Because of its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, patchouli essential oil may help manage skin issues such as acne, eczema, dermatitis, and fungal infections.
7. Easing stomach discomfort
Patchouli essential oil can help relieve mild digestive discomfort, such as abdominal pain, nausea, indigestion, and gastritis.
8. Fighting infections
Patchouli essential oil has antibacterial properties that may help prevent or treat minor skin infections, especially in small wounds or ulcers.
9. Increasing libido
The fragrance of patchouli essential oil is considered an aphrodisiac. It can stimulate the release of sex hormones, helping to increase libido.
10. Repelling insects
Patchouli oil can be used in sprays, diffusers, or incense to naturally repel insects.
11. Masking unpleasant odors
Patchouli essential oil is commonly used in perfumery as a fragrance fixative and can also be used to neutralize or mask unwanted odors.
How to use
Patchouli leaves can be used to make herbal tea, while patchouli essential oil is available commercially for use in massage, aromatherapy, or skincare.
1. Patchouli tea
Patchouli tea has relaxing, sedative, and mild pain-relieving properties, making it a good natural option for headaches and stress relief.
Ingredients
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1 Tbsp dried patchouli leaves;
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1 quart (1 L) of water.
How to prepare
Add the ingredients to a pot and boil for about 10 minutes over medium heat. Turn off the heat, cover, and let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain before drinking.
It’s generally recommended to drink 2 to 3 cups of this tea per day, as needed.
2. Patchouli essential oil
Patchouli essential oil can be used for massage or added to diffusers to help create a calm, relaxing environment. It can also be applied to the skin to care for dry, dull, or mature skin.
The essential oil should always be diluted in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil.
To prepare, mix 1 to 3 drops of patchouli essential oil in a small amount of carrier oil and apply it to the desired area.
Before using it on the skin, perform an allergy test by mixing 1 drop of patchouli essential oil with 1 tsp of carrier oil and applying it to the back of the hand or inside the elbow. Wait 24 hours. If redness or irritation occurs, do not use the oil.
Side effects
Patchouli is considered safe when used in the recommended amounts. However, applying undiluted essential oil directly to the skin can cause irritation due to its high concentration.
Patchouli should only be used under the supervision of a doctor or an herbal medicine specialist.
Contraindications to use
Patchouli should not be used by children or by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Patchouli essential oil should never be ingested or applied undiluted to the skin. Because of its strong fragrance, aromatherapy with patchouli should be used sparingly by people with respiratory conditions, or avoided altogether.