Aromatherapy of the Counterculture - The Patchouli Oil


Aromatherapy:

Oh the infamous Patchouli essential oil - This well know aromatic essence carries a deserved reputation as the scent of the counter-culture generation, first gaining fame as a cover up for the aroma of another burning herb. Patchouli's traditional aromatic and medicinal uses, however, date back perhaps thousands of years. Today, Patchouli (sometimes written 'Patchouly') has an honored place in aromatherapy and natural perfumery, with it's deep, musky, and sweet scent, and emotionally balancing properties.

Patchouli is a perennial herb originating in tropical Asia, growing wild at elevations between 3,000 and 6,000 feet, with farming more pervasive in the lowland tropical jungles of India and Indonesia. This bushy plant grows to one meter, with a powerful stem and soft, hair-covered leaves. The plant is harvested two or three times per year, with the best quality essential oil derived from leaves cut in the rainy seasons. The leaves are hand picked and dried in the shade, fermenting for a few days before the oil is extracted via steam distillation. The fermentation process softens the plant's cell walls, easing the extraction of the oil, though it doesn't significantly add to the oils' distinctive odor.

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.

Creating your own aromatherapy and perfumery blends with Patchouli can be exceptionally rewarding - for a few simple blends, try: 3 parts Patchouli and 1 part Rosemary oil. This is a wonderfully uplifting blend combining the deep earthiness of Patchouli with the invigorating, herbaceous aroma of Rosemary, and can certainly be worn as a perfume or used in a diffuser. When the going gets tedious, try brightening with 3 parts Coriander, 2 parts Patchouli and 1 part Bergamot. This may uplift the spirits and remind one of the joy to be found in life. For the sensually insecure, try 1 part Geranium, 1 part Patchouli and 1 part Bergamot. A beautiful yet simple blend for getting comfortable in one's own body.

It may take a little effort finding that perfectly distilled and aged Patchouli oil, but many who claim to have a dislike for Patchouli's unique aroma may truly enjoy it when finally getting to sample an exquisite variety.

Learn more about practical aromatherapy and buy essential oils online through The Ananda Apothecary.


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