Just as garlic is known as a stinking rose that makes pasta more palatable, Patchouli is a scent that makes perfumes more fulfilling. Patchouli as a scent is heavy and strong, but it is somehow uplifting. It is a natural deodorant, and a natural mood enhancer, making it a must have essential oil for anyone coping with depression. As anyone who copes with depression would agree, depressive moods are hard to lift, and the feeling can be unyielding, almost sticky. Patchouli matches that heavy sticky feeling and gives a subtle relief.
Patchouli Uses
Patchouli is used in incense and perfumes, soaps etc., but it is usually used to augment another main fragrance. It tends to support rather than play centre stage. As an essential oil it can be blended with other essential oils such as Frankincense to be a real friend in times of low mood. Patchouli comes from the mint family, and like all mint family herbs, it has an affinity for the heart chakra, stimulating a sense of openness in the chest. When there is stress, our breathing naturally becomes shallower, with tight muscles around the rib cage. Mint family herbs tend to dilate the cells and encourage deeper breathing, thus reducing stress.
Another organ that Patchouli is helpful for is the skin. It can help fungal skin infections, dandruff and eczema. A tea made from leaves can help with digestive issues.
In Hippie culture, Patchouli was considered an aphrodisiac. However, it actually stimulates the pituitary gland–the gland that secretes serotonin (calmness) and Endorphin (joy). Of course we can’t have too much of that in a stress culture that believes that stress is necessary rather than a choice.
According to Dr Axe, a doctor of functional medicine, Patchouli essential oil is an effective anti-depressant when used regularly.
When using essential oils for therapeutic purposes, it is important to find therapeutic grade essential oils, that have been distilled using ethical methods. Also the plants used should be ethically farmed, so that they are not destroyed in the process of extraction. Even though essential oils are all over the place, doing some research about what, how, where is important.
Remember, a small amount goes a very long way for better quality oils and 2-3 drops in a diffuser or applied topically with a carrier oil is enough.
Blending ideas: Patchouli with frankincense, rose, basil, sandalwood, bergamot, peppermint, orange or rosemary are great combinations for emotional support. Blended with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil, almond oil or jojoba oil, it yields a super yummy combination that takes self love and self care to a brand new level.
*Before using any natural or holistic tool, it is important to listen to your body and do your research, as well as monitor effectiveness.
**Refer to a professional when possible.
***Holistic tools should not be seen as a cure-all but as a lifestyle aid.
Note: This article is a series of articles about essential oils that would be helpful in 2022, as we are recovering from the global trauma of a pandemic. If you have a favourite essential oil, let us know!.
