Patchouli oil comes from the leaves of the perennial herb, Pogostemon cablin - a species that originated in the hot, tropical climates of South East Asia and India, and not surprisingly it has a strong history of use within the cultures of these regions.

The fresh green, leafy plants have incredibly fragrant leaves, and once rubbed or pressed they release their unmistakable, earthy aroma. The word patchouli, in fact, was originally and fittingly derived from the Hindu words 'green leaf'.

Patchouli oil is known for having one of the deepest base notes in aromatherapy, offering a long-lasting and luxurious scent. When blended with other essential oils, it lends itself to producing warm, grounding and somewhat mysterious aromas.

Patchouli is a popular fixative used in perfumes and soaps, and some other traditional applications include is being used to scent linen and clothes. 

Natural perfumes and essential oil blends featuring Patchouli oil offer a warm, earthy base note. It blends well with many precious oils such as Rose and Neroli, as well as complementing some of the more spicy notes such as Black Pepper, Ginger and Lemongrass.

When incorporated into skincare and personal care products, Patchouli offers many impressive benefits. It is ideal for cooling inflamed skin conditions and will help with many common ailments such as cracked skin, breakouts and scalp irritations. It is a popular inclusion in natural deodorants due to its deodorising action and usefulness in reducing perspiration.

Aromatherapeutically, Patchouli oil offers a deeply grounding and supportive action on ones emotional wellbeing and psychological state. It can balance the spirit and help people find their cerebral centre. When used in meditation it may assist in reconnecting the mind to the physical body, while also encouraging problem solving thought processes. Incorporating Patchouli into a massage treatment can help those suffering from fluid retention.

It is also an effective insect repellent and can help fend off mosquitoes, ants and even moths when used in body products or vaporised in the environment.

Here at Sage, we love Patchouli oil. If you'd like to find out more about how to blend with it, join us for our next Scent Blending Workshop. We hope to see you soon!