Patchouli Essential Oil: Uses, Benefits, and Blends

A member of the mint family, patchouli essential oil is famous for its trademark scent. Spicy and seductive, the aroma of patchouli is a favorite in the fragrance industry—and for good reason! Discover the calming influence of patchouli oil while enjoying its downright heady aroma for yourself, today.

Patchouli grows in many countries around the world, though 90% of patchouli oil production happens in Indonesia. It is a member of the Lamiaceae family, which you may also know of as the mint, or deadnettle family. Patchouli oil has a distinct musky aroma, which is why there is such high demand for it in the perfume industry. More recently, you can also find patchouli oil in incense, insect repellents, and even industrial products like detergents. 

Patchouli oil has also long been used for medicinal purposes, due to the biological effects of its components. It contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. One of its major components, patchoulol, is even used in the synthesis of a common chemotherapy drug. Let’s take a look at the breakdown of patchouli oil, and see how each of its different parts contributes to its whole in terms of health and wellness!

Patchouli Essential Oil Benefits: Component Breakdown

• Patchouli Alcohol: Patchoulol is a sesquiterpene, and one of the components used to synthesize the chemotherapy drug Taxol.
• a-Bulnesene: Another sesquiterpenoid, a-Bulnesene occurs naturally in plants. Its industrial role is as an emulsifier and a surfactant, with a surfactant being a component that helps to increase the surface tension of liquids. It makes a huge contribution to patchouli essential oil benefits.
• a-Guaiene: Guaienes are a natural component of plants. Their industrial use is for flavorings and fragrances, where they offer a spicy, earthy aroma and flavor. 
• Seychellen: A naturally occurring compound in plants. A component that's responsible for many patchouli essential oil benefits. 
• Gamma-Patchoulene: Organic plant component.
• a-Patchoulene: A sesquiterpene that is natural to the patchouli plant.

Patchouli Essential Oil Uses: For Wholesale Purposes

Perfume

According to this article, most perfumers use patchouli oil every single day of their working life. This versatile oil is common in oriental scents, due to its dark, dusky aroma. It is also gender-neutral, meaning it goes into scents for both men and women. Another benefit of using patchouli in perfume is that it is effective in both low and high doses: some perfumes only contain 0.1% patchouli, where others may contain up to 50%! 

The scent first became associated with designer fragrances back in the 18th and 19th centuries. As the oil has insecticidal properties, the Chinese would layer it onto silk to prevent moths from laying eggs. The resulting scent led to the link between the scent of patchouli and that of luxury. Today, many designer fragrances such as CoCo Mademoiselle, by Ch  anel, include the seductive aromas of patchouli oil. 

Aromatherapy

A significant amount of research on patchouli oil in aromatherapy offers us promising results. Studies show that patchouli can help manage stress and anxiety, while at the same time increasing mental alertness and awareness. In terms of topical aromatherapy, research indicates that the cooling and anti-inflammatory effects of patchouli may be able to treat some menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats.

Researchers claim that adding patchouli oil to baths, compresses, massage oils, and diffusers is the best method of use. If applying topically, be sure to properly dilute first with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation.

Insect Repellent

Insect repellent is one of the many patchouli essential oil uses. Studies show that patchouli oil can help to repel mosquitoes for approximately two hours. The short duration time is due to the fact the oil is very volatile and diminishes quickly in the air. 

In addition to mosquitoes, patchouli oil shows indications of being an effective repellent against ants, aphids, and termites. History also indicates the use of patchouli as a common insecticide, particularly in the silk market. 

Soap Making

Soap Making

Soap making is another great one from the patchouli essential oil uses list. Patchouli is a very powerful oil, with an earthy, dark scent. Because of this, it is best used in combination with other oils such as the ones listed below. Certain components in patchouli also act as an emulsifier, which means soaps containing this oil may help soothe and soften dry hands.

Patchouli Essential Oil Blends

Patchouli oil blends well with many different oils! Top choices for fragrance combinations include vanilla, cedarwood, sweet orange, ylang-ylang, rose, and jasmine absolute oil. 

DIY Patchouli Perfume

Making perfumes at home is a great way to avoid any synthetic fragrances, and ensure you know exactly what you’re breathing in! 

What you will need: 

• 10mL amber (or dark glass) roll-on bottle
• Carrier oil of your choice (ideally something light and fragrance-mild, such as jojoba, or almond oil)
• Essential Oils (3 drops of patchouli oil, 2 drops of ylang-ylang oil, and 5 drops of lavender oil)

Instructions:

• Add essential oils to roll-on container and swirl around 
• Fill with the carrier oil and swirl again to combine

Apply to pressure points and reapply as necessary!

Precautions

At VINEVIDA we provide third-party lab testing and safety data with all of our oils. However, to cover the finer points, you should never ingest or apply patchouli oil directly to the skin. This is because of the high concentration levels of essential oils. Additionally, patchouli oil may have an effect on blood clotting. This means individuals with blood disorders or who are on blood-thinning medications should avoid the use of this oil. 

Conclusion

Famous for its down-to-earth, woodsy aroma, patchouli is a favorite of many perfumers. Its enticingly spicy scent can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and it shows promise as an effective insecticide, antioxidant, and antibacterial.