Organic essential oil - Patchouli

• INCI name: Pogostemon cablin leaf oil
• Botanical name: Pogostemon cablin
• Part of the plant extracted: Leaves
• Extraction method: Steam distillation

Cultivation & Origin

Native to Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, patchouli holds an important place in the perfume industry. Indeed, patchouli essential oil is the most sought-after raw material in this sector.
The essence of the plant is obtained after steam distillation of its leaves. To obtain 1 kg of essential oil, you need 250 kg of fresh leaves.

The success of patchouli in the world of perfumery began in the mid-19th century. At the time, cashmere shawls imported from Indonesia and India were covered with patchouli leaves to repel moths. Later, the powerful and characteristic scent of patchouli became associated with demimondaines. This is partly why this essence was attributed a powerful seductive effect.
In the 60s/70s, more than just a perfume, patchouli was a true symbol for the hippie generation who advocated peace, freedom, and travel.

Health Properties

Helps decongest tissues:

• Organic patchouli essential oil has a toning action on veins and lymphatic vessels. Indeed, it contains a significant amount of sesquiterpenes. Thanks to these compounds, this essence is excellent for promoting blood and lymphatic drainage. It is therefore particularly indicated in cases of edema, heavy leg sensation, cellulite, or water retention. For this purpose, it should be diluted in a vegetable oil before applying with light massages to the affected areas for comfort.

Useful against inflammation:

• Patchouli essential oil also proves to be effective against moderate inflammation. Indeed, thanks to the sesquiterpene compounds it contains, it can help regulate the immune response during external aggression. In this regard, redness, heat, and local swelling can decrease after applying patchouli essential oil to the skin, always diluted beforehand in a vegetable oil.

Tonic for the entire body:

• Thanks to the power of its fragrance, organic patchouli essential oil used for well-being can help boost motivation when diffused or inhaled. You can use it in small doses for massage or rubbing, to relax muscles and calm your mind. Note that patchouli essential oil is also an aphrodisiac, and can be combined with other essential oils such as ylang-ylang, for example.

Promotes digestion:

• This essential oil is also highly appreciated for its benefits on the digestive system. It is indeed an excellent stimulant for gastric and intestinal functions. It is very often recommended for slow digestion or indigestion.

Cosmetic Properties

Facilitates skin healing and regeneration:

• In case of small wounds, you can use organic patchouli essential oil to help speed up the healing process. It will be recommended to help soothe problems with acne, mycosis, bedsores, eczema, or impetigo.

Fights signs of aging, purifies skin and scalp:

• In cosmetics, organic patchouli essential oil is also found in anti-aging skincare recipes thanks to its regenerating properties. It naturally helps prevent the appearance of signs of skin aging, in addition to boosting skin radiance.
  Scalps prone to dandruff as well as combination to oily skin also appreciate its purifying and antiseptic properties to limit imperfections and help eliminate dandruff!

Contributes to circulatory well-being:

• Decongestant, organic patchouli essential oil will also be recommended to help fight cellulite, varicose veins, or water retention. Applied to the affected areas with massage, diluted beforehand in a vegetable oil, it will help to decongest tissues and restore comfort.

Usage Tips

Organic patchouli essential oil offers multiple uses, both for well-being and cosmetics.
In cosmetics, it is an excellent natural decongestant active ingredient. It has a positive action on venous and lymphatic circulation, making it an effective support against edema, the sensation of heavy legs, or to prevent cellulite. It can also be used to restore comfort in case of inflammation.
Incorporated into face and hair cosmetic care recipes, it helps skin repair and healing. Versatile, it offers many benefits for all skin types, and is also effective in helping to eliminate dandruff.

Diffused in the air, its captivating fragrance awakens the senses and restores vitality.

Organic patchouli essential oil can be used alone, or in combination with other essential oils to enhance or complement its various properties. To boost its decongestant effects, it can work in synergy with grapefruit essential oil, cypress, Italian helichrysum, Virginian cedar, lemon, peppermint, or juniper.