Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli Oil)
This is a lovely, subtle oil, with a musty, earthy, woody, slightly spicy smell. Patchouli is an aromatic flowering plant of the mint family (Lamiaceae). The essential oil is steam distilled from the dried leaves of the plant, producing an amber or dark orange thick liquid.
Patchouli is an excellent oil for anxiety, stress and depression as well as a variety of skin complaints (acne, chapped skin, eczema, wrinkles) due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Patchouli is also calming for the skin, contains antioxidants, and helps with skin barrier health.
Patchouli oil is often used in the perfume industry and in cosmetics. It's also used in the food industry, in alcohol and soft drinks. It is used in the East to scent linen and clothes and is thought to help prevent the spread of disease.
Blends Well With
Lavender
Geranium
Bergamot
Sandalwood
Peppermint
Clary Sage
Rose
Ylang Ylang
Vetiver
Clove
Cedarwood
Neroli
and many more...
Recipe Suggestion
For a wonderfully relaxing meditation or mindfulness break, combine one part each of Bergamot, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang in a diffuser and just breathe.
Use about 6 drops in total of essential oils in your diffuser, following the manufacturer's instructions. It's generally best to diffuse for 30-60 minutes at a time, and then take a break for the same amount of time. Ensure your pets can leave the room if they don't appreciate the aromas in the same way as you do!
Also works well in a diffuser as an insect repellent.
And now a reward for getting this far down the blog post - a photo of my favourite animal (Photo taken by my hubby, Simon Pinnock, in Zambia 2015)
Essential Oil Safety:
Always read the EO safety guidance
Always dilute before use (seek advice for recommended quantities)
Avoid contact with the eyes/mucous membranes
Do not use if pregnant without seeking advice
Do not use on children younger than 5 without seeking advice
Use lower dilutions for children/elderly
Ensure pets can leave the room if diffusing essential oils
If you have any medical conditions seek advice
Stop use immediately if you experience a reaction - inform your therapist and seek medical advice
Never ingest
If you are asthmatic or have any other lung condition, test your body response by smelling the caps of each oil before using to ensure the oils do not cause any sensitivity.
Patchouli oil can be slightly phototoxic
Drug interaction: may inhibit blood clotting. Cautions (oral): Anticoagulant medication, major surgery, peptic ulcer, haemophilia, other bleeding disorders (Tisserand, Robert. Essential Oil Safety - Elsevier Health Sciences, 2nd Edition 2014)
"Essential Oil Safety" by Robert Tisserand - E-book published by Elsevier Health Sciences
"The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils" by Julia Lawless - Updated Edition (2014) published by Harper Thorsons
"Essential Oils for Healthy Skin" by The Tisserand Institute - E-course (2021)
Get in touch if you'd like to purchase essential oils, smell any of the oils in my collection, buy a CAM Aromatherapy product, get help with creating your own blend, or have a treatment.
Medical Disclaimer - The above information is intended for educational purposes only, and not to be taken as an endorsement or replacement for any particular medical health treatment. Please check with your health provider before embarking on any type of herbal treatment.
Contact:
camaromatherapy@gmail.com
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