Meet the Real Patchouli
I admit it, I really, really like the smell of patchouli.
Not the incense stick, hazy, smoky smell associated with paisley prints and tie-dye but rather the authentic patchouli plant.
Yes, for those of you who didn’t know, the 1960’s time period did not invent patchouli. It is actually a plant. That grows in nature.Shocking, I know.
Patchouli is a tropical plant that grows naturally in China, Indonesia, Cambodia, India and South America among other places. In the warmer, more tropical zones of the US you can even plant and grow this lovely plant in your own backyard.
It is a member of the mint family.
The plant averages 2-3 feet in height and it’s flowers bloom in fall. Cuttings can be easily taken and used to sprout or you can use the flower seeds to start new plants.
The plant’s flowers actually look similar to lavender and salvia with long purple covered spikes.
For centuries, patchouli has been used medicinally and in daily life for a multitude of purposes:
Digestion relief
Insect repellent
Healing chapped lips
Skin issues
Fabric preservation
Patchouli first became popular in Europe in the 1800’s with the import of fabrics from India. The fabrics were often sprayed with patchouli to prevent moth, lice and insect infestation damage during ship transportation. The smell was considered exotic and often raised the price of imported materials.
The plant’s essential oil, derived from its leaves, continues to provide several important applications to support natural living today including:
Inflammation treatment
Headache relief
Antiseptic for eliminating bacteria and fungus from cuts and burns
Help preventing scars
Acne and rash treatment
Immunity boost for flu prevention
Dandruff control
Depression and anxiety support
Insect repellent
I use doTERRA’s Patchouli essential oil pretty regularly. Like all of doTERRA’s oils, Patchouli is 100% pure, containing no fillers, synthetics or chemicals. It is grown, harvested and processed in India.
Practical Uses
Dandruff control
Apply 2-3 drops to dry hair after styling
Mix 4-6 drops in your conditioner and apply as normal
Hair detangler – Mix in a 4oz spray bottle 7-12 drops patchouli with witch hazel and water (equal parts) and spray on hair before drying. I also add in a couple drops of Rosemary. This is my version of the Aveda Brilliant spray I was paying over $28 a bottle on!
Apply 1 drop Patchouli with 1 drop of Peppermint to the forehead and temples for headache relief
Diffuse it during the day or evening for relaxation and stress management
Diffuse it on your patio to keep bugs at bay
You can also make a bug spray to apply to your skin while outdoors
Use it in your garden to manage slugs, beetles and other pests
For large areas I’d recommend growing a couple of the plants if you live in a zone that will support it
You can also grow the plant indoors
Apply with your daily moisturizer or body lotion to treat breakouts and hives
Apply to areas of your body that are inflamed due to sprains, sore muscles, etc.
The authentic smell is complex. It is spicy and warm but also floral.
How have you used this oil?
Interested in more?
I use doTERRA essential oils because of their purity. What the label says is in the bottle is all that it is in the bottle. There are never any chemicals, synthetics or fillers. If you’re going to invest in essential oils and use them as part of your daily life, then make sure you are using actually real 100% pure essential oils.
If you have questions about essential oils please contact me via this blog or dragonspitapothecary@aol.com
Get your oils at my website my.doterra.com/dragonspitapothecary.com
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