The patchouli plant is well known for its magical attributes and has long been used for medicinal and spiritual purposes.
Patchouli comes from the Hindustan word “pacholi” meaning “to scent.” Indian shawls and fabrics were scented with patchouli oil in the 1800s.
A member of the mint family, the most commonly used portions of the plant are the dried leaves and the essential oils. When grown, the patchouli bush will reach about three feet tall. It is covered in pretty purplish-white flowers. Patchouli oil is very strong, and has a deep, musky scent. It is feminine but with a masculine character and is earthy and profound. It stimulates the nervous system. It is for keeping awake, not for sleeping. It is strident and forceful. It is associated with the element of earth and magic.
Planet: Saturn
Elemental Association: Earth
Astrological Sign: Scorpio
Deity Associations: Aphrodite, Pan, Osain
Gender: Feminine
Spiritual Properties: Astuteness, Reasonableness, Stimulation
Magical Properties: Fertility, Lust, Money
Spiritually, Patchouli essential oil brings a sense of the sacredness of life. It is also a fragrance of action, knowing that no ideal will occur unless we take the first steps to make it happen. It reminds us that sitting quietly under a tree is good, if there is purpose in it; the purpose of knowing and appreciating.
Sitting under a tree represents the contemplation of what we can do for our selves and others in the way of caring. As the thought of caring for others enters our spirit, so too does the thought of caring for the tree that harbors us, and caring for all else besides. Such is the scope of Patchouli… liberation from boundaries. It is one of the Angelic Fragrances.
Patchouli assists in our connection with the planet and the past vibrational patterns that we may encounter upon our journey. Dispels negativity and promotes good dreams. Energetically patchouli increases energy/attention in the sensory levels and the outer fields, causing the spiritual self to drop into the physical body. Patchouli also slows down the sense of time perception.
Magically, Patchouli oil is added to Fertility Sachets to bring fertility to one who wants it. It is also used in the bath (8 to 10 drops, worn as a body perfume, and/or used in Love Sachets to bring love to one and encourage lust. To draw money, Patchouli essential oil is sprinkled upon money, purses, and wallets. It can also be used to anoint a green candle before burning.
Chakras Affected
First Chakra: Root Chakra – In the root chakra, patchouli essential oil assists with healing feelings of separation and isolation from others. These feelings can result in fear, anxiety, and depression, however, patchouli can help one feel stable, peaceful, uplifted, and abundant.
Second Chakra: Sacral Chakra – Patchouli is an excellent aphrodisiac, which can assist with impotence and lack of sexual drive. Patchouli also assists in the second chakra with uncertainty, lack of confidence, and bitterness, as the oil disperses negative energies and low self esteem.
Third Chakra: Solar Plexus Chakra – Patchouli supports the third chakra on a physical level by lessening nervous tension, which, stresses the adrenal glands. When stress is put on the adrenal glands, the body goes into a “fight or flight” mode response, where the heart rate is increased, blood pressure is raised, and one’s immune system is suppressed. Patchouli essential oil assists with relieving this nervous tension and releasing stress from the adrenal glands!
Seventh Chakra: Crown Chakra – The crown chakra is the chakra that governs prayer and meditation in our lives. Through the calmness and quieting of the mind, we become open to receiving. Patchouli essential oil is one of the high frequency oils which allows us to quiet our minds and be in unity with the Divine.
Aromatherapy Uses
1. Antidepressant
Patchouli oil is commonly used in aromatherapy because of its antidepressant properties. Because of the impact that inhaling patchouli oil has on our hormones, it encourages the release of serotonin and dopamine; these hormones ease feelings of anger, anxiety and anxiousness.
This is why patchouli oil is commonly used during prayer; it creates an atmosphere or tranquility. An easy way to experience this benefit is to add five drops of patchouli oil to an oil diffuser or burner; you can even try adding 10 drops of patchouli oil to a warm bath.
2. Reduces Inflammation
Patchouli oil has antiphlogistic properties, which means that it has the power to soothe inflammation in the body. With inflammation at the root of most disease, patchouli oil can address internal inflammation and such conditions as arthritis and gout, and also deal with external inflammation that can be present in skin infections or irritations.
Rub five drops of patchouli oil into your hands and massage your feet, stomach, lower back or any other agitated or inflamed area.
3. Prevents Infections
There is always the risk of small wounds become infected and this leads to bigger problems, like tetanus. Patchouli oil is antiseptic, meaning it protects cuts or sores on the skin from becoming infected. It also kills fungus, so it can help if you are battling athlete’s foot or another fungal infection. Simply rub 2–3 drops of patchouli oil on the infected area, or make yourself a warm bath with 5–10 drops of this infection preventing oil.
4. Helps Metabolic System
Patchouli oil is a tonic, which means that is helps to tone your liver, stomach and intestines. This increases your ability to decompose food and absorb nutrients properly, so it impacts your digestive system. Because of these metabolic benefits, patchouli oil will give you more energy and help your body to function properly.
Inhaling patchouli oil with an oil burner or diffuser can make a big difference; you can also use patchouli oil as a dietary supplement. Try adding 1–2 drops to a cup of tea or a glass of water.
5. Stimulates Hormones
Patchouli oil has the power to stimulate hormones and increase your libido, or sex drive. It can be be considered as one of the natural remedies for impotency and erectile dysfunction. Used as an aphrodisiac for years, patchouli oil boosts your testosterone and estrogen levels, and this can have a huge impact on your intimate relationships.
6. Strengthens Hair and Skin
Patchouli oil stimulates muscle contractions and, therefore, prevents hair loss or sagging skin. Patchouli essential oil regenerates new skin cells, and this keeps the skin looking young, healthy and vibrant. It is also great for all skin types — dry, cracked skin and oily or acne-prone skin; you will see the healing and germ-fighting benefits of this oil either way.
7. Minimizes Scars
Because of its quick-healing properties, patchouli oil minimizes the look of scars or marks that are left from acne, wounds, measles, pox or boils. You can even heal bug bites with this powerful essential oil. To speed up the healing process of any unwanted marks on the skin, rub 2–3 drops of patchouli oil into your hands and then apply it the scarred area. Do this daily and you will begin to see the mark disappear.
8. Reduces Insomnia
It’s very important that you can a full night’s sleep; in fact, proper sleep has a positive impact on every system in your body. Because patchouli oil is a sedative, it helps to cure insomnia; it helps to put your mind and body at ease and allows you to rest peacefully.
Simply rub 2–3 drops of patchouli oil into your hands and cup your nose; just by breathing in the sweet scent of patchouli oil, you will experiences the benefits of its sedative properties. You can also touch your temples, neck and chest after rubbing the oil into your hands.
9. Bug Repellent
Just a few drops of patchouli oil will go a long way in keeping the bugs at bay. This bug-repelling oil can be used in sprays, lotions and vaporizers; it will repel mosquitoes, fleas, ants, lice, moths and flies. You can use patchouli oil outside while you are gardening or dining in the backyard, or you can use it inside — especially if you are battling bed bugs or lice; try adding patchouli oil to your laundry detergent or burn five drops of the oil in an oil burner.
10. Fights Fever
Patchouli oil has a number of powerful properties, which allows it to fight a fever and beat a cold with ease. Patchouli oil reduces inflammation and kills infections; this will bring down your body temperature and reduce the pain that is associated with a fever. It also has cooling properties, so rubbing the oil into your hands, neck and stomach will reduce your body temperature.
11. Natural Deodorant
Patchouli oil has a sweet, musky and spicy aroma; it can be used to mask body odor naturally. It also kills germs and fights fungus, so it’s makes a great natural home deodorizer for any infected area.
Rub 1–2 drops under your armpits or add it to your favorite body lotion. Keep in the mind that the scene it pretty strong, so only a drop or two will do the trick.
