Patchouli Soap

More Information About Patchouli

Patchouli is an herb, a fragrant herb with egg-shaped leaves and square stems. The scent of Patchouli is sweet, spicy, and woodsy all at the same time. Other words used to describe Patchouli include pungent, mossy, and musty. Patchouli is often used as a low note in perfumes and aromatherapy blends, anchoring the other scents, and mixing or blending to enhance the scents with which it is combined.

Growing Patchouli

Patchouli can grow 2 to 3 feet in height. The leaves of the Patchouli herb give off the characteristic Patchouli scent when rubbed. Patchouli does bloom, with white colored flowers tinged with purple. If Patchouli is being grown for a purpose, it can be cut 2 to 3 times a year, providing 2 to 3 crops that can be dried for later use.

Patchouli Essential Oil

If Patchouli is going to be distilled for its oil, it is best to use oil grown in Patchouli plantations of Indonesia and India. Neither American nor European grown Patchouli is known as having a great scent. Patchouli is native to tropical Asia and is grown in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Burma, India, and countries in South America.

Patchouli essential oil is a noticeably thick oil, very viscous, with amber-brown tones to its color. It contains coerulein, a bright blue compound found in matricaria, wormwood and other oils. Patchouli fragrance is thought to improve or mellow with age.

Patchouli Emotional Effects

Patchouli has long been believed to have a relaxing effect. It is said that in high doses Patchouli can act as a stimulant, while used in lower doses it can act as an Antidepressant or sedative. You can also use Patchouli to sharpen your focus and improve your concentration. Some believe use of patchouli can provide insight.

Patchouli Medicinal Uses

Medicinally, it is considered to be Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, and Astringent. Its value as a diuretic has also been reported in PMS studies, and other research indicates in may help in weight loss by curbing appetite and increasing urination. The value of Patchouli in reducing hot flashes during menopause is being explored. The Chinese, Japanese and Arabs believe it to possess prophylactic properties.

Patchouli and Skin Care

Patchouli has also been positively linked to improvement of several skin disorders, from reducing chapped, cracked skin and scar tissue to reducing irritation caused by eczema. It has been used to treat athlete�s foot and jock itch, and skin allergies. In India, patchouli oil is reputed to be an antidote for snake and insect bites.

Patchouli helps to regulate oily skin and dry scalp disorders such as dandruff and seborrhea. It is often found in natural commercial deodorants because it is helpful in controlling perspiration.