Patchouli: what is it for and benefits
Check out a list of 13 unmissable benefits of patchouli essential oil
Image: Pogostemon cablin is licensed under CC BY 3.0
Patchouli , patchouly , patchouli , patchouli , patechuli , patexulí or oriza are the names of some plant species belonging to the genus pogostemon, normally the species Pogostemon heyneanus or pogostemon patchouly.
Patchuoli is widely cultivated in Indonesia and its benefits are used mainly in the form of essential oil.
Patchouli essential oil has a strong and woody scent, being widely used in perfumery and aromatherapy. In the latter, patchouli essential oil is used for its antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, healing, deodorizing, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicide, insecticide, sedative and tonic properties.
Patchouli essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves of the patchouli plant and its basic components are alpha-patchoulene, beta-patchoulene, alpha-guaiane, alpha-bulnesene, caryophyllene, norpatchulenol, patchouli alcohol, seychellene and pogostol .
What is patchouli essential oil and its benefits?
1. Relieves depression
Patchouli essential oil works very well for depression sufferers. It improves mood and promotes relaxation in most people. When inhaling the essential oil of patchouli, it stimulates the release of pleasure hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine. And feelings of anxiety, anger and sadness are allayed.
2. Improves inflammation
Patchouli essential oil also serves to relieve inflammation and fever.
3. Prevents infections
Patchouli essential oil improves wounds and ulcers.
4. Aphrodisiac
Patchouli essential oil has been used as an aphrodisiac for hundreds of years. By stimulating sex hormones, it increases libido.
5. Astringent
The essential oil of the species Pogostemon paniculatus (Willd.) stimulates muscle, nerve and skin contractions. This helps prevent sagging, hair loss and loosening of muscle tissue. The astringency of patchouli essential oil also helps to stop bleeding by constricting blood vessels.
6. Accelerates healing
Patchouli essential oil also helps to speed up the healing process of cuts and wounds and also speeds up the disappearance of scars. It is equally effective in removing marks left by boils, acne, smallpox and measles.
7. Stimulates blood circulation
This property of patchouli essential oil promotes the generation of new cells. It also helps in the production of red blood cells, improves circulation and oxygenation of organs and cells throughout the body.
8. Eliminates bad smell
The sweet and spicy aroma of patchouli essential oil helps to deodorize the body. However, as it is very concentrated, it should be used diluted in some neutral vegetable oil, such as coconut oil, grape seed oil and almond oil.
9. Diuretic
Patchouli essential oil increases the frequency of urination and the amount of urine. This helps to lose weight, lower blood pressure, increase appetite, lower cholesterol and eliminate toxins from the body. Urination removes excess water, unnecessary salts and uric acid, which reduces the chances of developing gallbladder and kidney stones, as well as conditions like gout.
10. Improves fever
Patchouli essential oil reduces fever by fighting the infections that cause it.
11. Inhibits fungal growth
Patchouli essential oil is very effective in inhibiting the growth of fungi and infections, providing protection against some infections such as athlete's foot.
12. Kill insects
The insecticidal properties of patchouli essential oil have been recognized since ancient times. Despite having a sweet smell, it is very effective in keeping insects at bay. It is often used in sprays, body lotions, vaporizers and incense. It can also be mixed with water to wash clothes and bed sheets to ward off mosquitoes, ants, bed bugs, lice, fleas, flies and silverfish. Just a few drops are needed to keep the insects away. You can also apply patchouli essential oil in a diffuser.
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13. Acts as a tonic
Patchouli essential oil tones the entire body. It optimizes metabolic functions such as food decomposition and nutrient absorption. It also promotes proper excretion, regulates endocrine secretions of hormones and enzymes, and tones up the nervous system, making it more alert and active. Patchouli essential oil even boosts the immune system.