Description:
Patchouli oil is acquired from evergreen perennial, scientifically known as Pogostemon patchouli and it belongs to Labitae. Patchouli oil is native to Southeast Asia, commonly cultivated in India, Indonesia, Philippines, China and Malaysia. It is bushy herb of the mint family with erect stems, grows up to 2 or 3 feet and bearing small, pale pink-white flowers.
Extraction:
Patchouli oil is obtained from leaves and white, violet marked flowers of the patchouli plant through steam distillation method.
Properties:
Patchouli oil is thick in consistency, light yellow, deep golden or brown in colour and having sweet, strong earthy aroma.
Composition:
Its major constituents are patchouli alcohol, alpha bulnesene, alpha-guaiene, seychellen, pogostrol, gamma-patchoulene and alpha patchoulene.
Blending:
Patchouli oil is nicely blends with bergamot, clary sage, geranium, lavender and myrrh.
Uses:
- Patchouli oil is effective against chapped skin or dry skin.
- It is used for aromatherapy as it provides peace and calming effect and reduces stress and nervous tension and treats insomnia.
- It has insect repellant property, used in protection of clothes and fabrics from insects.
- It provides relief from inflammation or irritation of fever, internal inflammation from conditions like arthritis and gout.
- It is antiseptic in nature, it protects wounds and ulcers from developing infections and prevent septic.
- It boosts sex drive; it is used for treatments of sexual issues such as impotency, loss of libido, disinterest in sex, erectile dysfunction, frigidity and sexual anxiety.
- It boosts immune system and help in prevention of colds, influenza and tonsillitis.
- Patchouli oil acts as tonic for overall well being as it stimulates stomach, liver and intestines to optimize metabolic function.
- It regulates endocrinal secretions of hormones and enzymes.
- It encourages contractions in muscles, nerves and skin, also strengthen hold of gums on teeth, prevent sagging skin and loosening of muscle tissue.
- It promotes growth of red blood cells which boosts energy levels and increases blood circulation, functionality and oxygenation of organs and body cells.
- It eliminates body odor.
- It has diuretic property, increases frequency of urination and promotes weight lose, lowers blood pressure and increases appetite, reduce cholesterol and eliminates toxins from body.
Safety and Precaution:
- Though patchouli oil has sweet, may be too strong that is unpleasant to some people.
- Avoid use in excessive amount of patchouli oil as its too much or smelling too strongly can be irritating to some peoples.
- Do not use patchouli oil during pregnancy.
- It can cause photosensitivity and appetite loss.
Specification of Patchouli Oil:
Organoleptic Properties:
Appearance Slightly viscous liquid
Colour Brown colour
Odour Characteristic Persistent, Camphoraceous odour
Botanical Source Pogostemon Cablin Benth (Fam.: Labitae)
Physico- Chemical Properties:
Specific Gravity 0.956
Refractive Index 1.505
Optical Rotation -45.2°
Storage In well fitted container in cool and dark place.
