Patchouli oil offers a number of remarkable benefits. It is used in aromatherapy, massage, perfume and alternative medicine, and is most prized as a mood lifter. As with most aromatherapy, negative side effects are typically limited and mild. However, individuals with sensitive skin or a history of hypersensitivity to aromatherapy should be cautious in their use of Patchouli oil. It can be an extreme relaxant and cause drowsiness, and should therefore not be used when alertness is required.
About Patchouli Oil
Patchouli oil is a peculiarly scented essential oil derived from a bush native to Southeast Asia, particularly India. It peaked in popularity as an incense and a perfume during the sixties and seventies in the United States, but was being used as a moth repellent on Indian fabrics shipped around the world as early as the 1800s. For many, the scent of Patchouli holds a sort of unspoken mystical quality evocative of the mysteries and riches of the Orient. Some find the scent too unusual or pungent.
Medicinal Benefits
Abdominal pain, as well as vomiting, diarrhea and appetite loss, can be eased by Patchouli oil. It can lessen water retention associated with menstruation. Patchouli can be used as a deodorant, antiseptic and healing ointment for dry skin. Some women claim that it has eased cellulite and many have found it to be an effective antidepressant.
Aromatherapy Benefits
Patchouli oil ages well and is easily blended with other oils, making it an oft-used base for aromatherapy blends and perfumes. Aromatherapy enthusiasts praise Patchouli oil for its ability to simultaneously stimulate and relax the body. When inhaled, its scent is believed to release destructive energy from the system, relieving stress and anxiety and replacing negativity with clarity of mind.
Skin Benefits
Patchouli oil makes an excellent massage oil for its aromatherapeutic properties, as well as for its benefits as a topical skin application. Patchouli oil is an effective moisturizer and has been known to ease a number of skin conditions such as eczema, acne and dermatitis. It reduces the appearance of scars and fine wrinkles, and can even be helpful against dandruff and other scalp conditions.
Cautions and Considerations
Apart from its unusual scent, the primary complaint against Patchouli oil is that it can act on the body as a sedative when too much is used. A large dose of the oil will cease to have a stimulating effect on the body, and cause extreme relaxation and drowsiness instead. As with any topical treatment, Patchouli oil should be tested on a small patch of skin for unusual side effects before actual use. Some people are more sensitive than others to the effects of aromatherapy in general, and may require moderation in the use of any aromatherapy oil. Always exercise caution. Serious negative reactions to Patchouli oil are rare, however, and many people have benefited greatly from regular use.
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