Patchouli essential oil is a favorite in aromatherapy for its rich and deep aroma that actually improves as it ages. In this spotlight, you will learn the uses and benefits of patchouli oil plus DIY Patchouli Essential Oil Recipes you can make.
There are many wonderful beauty and health benefits of patchouli oil. It is commonly used for skin care because of its ability to heal skin issues. It has cell rejuvenating properties that may help scars and stretch marks fade.
A little patchouli oil goes a long way so you do not need much of it. While many people find the smell wonderful, some may find the distinctive aroma unpleasant. It is commonly used in natural essential oil perfumes.
Patchouli Essential Oil Facts
Patchouli oil (Pogostemon cablin) comes from a bushy herb that is a member of the mint family, with a strong and heavy scent. There are many patchouli oil uses. It is commonly used in perfumes, incense, insect repellents and as fragrance additive to fabric softeners, soaps and air fresheners.
This is one essential oil that actually improves as it ages.
| Botanical Name | Pogostemon cablin |
| Botanical Family | Lamiaceae |
| Aka | N/A |
| Aroma | Sweet, musky, rich, earthy |
| Extraction Method | Steam distilled |
| Plant Part Used | Leaves |
| Shelf Life | 7 years+ |
| Kid Safe? | Yes, with dilution |
| Safety Concerns | Non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing |
*Avoid old or oxidized oils, they may cause skin sensitization. Store oil in dark, airtight container.
Patchouli Essential Oil Blends Well With
There are many oils that patchouli blends well with, this is not an exhaustive list, just some suggestions:
- Lavender
- Bergamot
- Geranium
- Myrrh
- Sandalwood
- Lemongrass
- Clary Sage
- Ylang ylang
- Frankincense
Benefits of Patchouli Oil
Patchouli oil uses include acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, and cellulite. It may also tighten loose skin, relieve chapped skin, tone skin, reduce inflammation, and diminishes scars.
- Diminished appearance of fine lines and skin blemishes
- Boosts immune system
- Promotes a clear and glowing complexion
- Balances and calms emotions
- Works as an insect repellent
- Improves confidence and clarity to thought
- Creates a tranquil atmosphere, excellent for meditation purposes
- Clears dandruff
- Natural deodorant properties that help eliminate body odor
- Traditionally used for skin and scalp care
- Cooling, refreshing aroma on warm days
- Stimulates sex drive
Patchouli Essential Oil Uses
Add to Skincare Routine: Patchouli oil is perfect to add to your face wash or moisturizer to promote a healthy complexion. Or add 2-3 drops of Patchouli essential oil to your favorite lotion or cream to help soothe dry skin.
Diffuse Patchouli: Diffuse 3-4 drops in your favorite diffuser for a relaxing effect or while meditating. Learn more about diffusing essential oils. Keep diffusers away from cats, and make sure dogs can leave the room.
Combat Stress: After a stressful day combine diluted peppermint with patchouli oil and apply to the back of neck and temples, well away from the eyes (adults only).
Calm Down: Add to fractionated coconut oil and massage into bottoms of feet to calm emotions.
Soothing Bath: Stir 5 drops of Patchouli oil into a tablespoon of carrier oil of choice, then mix that into epsom salt and add to a warm bath.
Healthy Hair: Add 4 drops of oil to a palmful of conditioner and massage into your scalp for healthy-looking hair.
Minimize Scars: Add 1-2 drops of oil to a teaspoon of carrier oil like rosehip and massage into scars to minimize their appearance.
Cool Down: Rub a few drops of diluted oil onto neck on a hot day for a cooling, refreshing feel.
Calm Environment: Diffuse 5-6 drops of Patchouli Essential Oil in your home to create a calming atmosphere.
Patchouli Essential Oil Recipes
Here are a few essential oil recipes to help you bring patchouli into your life.
1. Patchouli Diffuser Blend - Holistic Sleep |
This oil blend includes aromatherapy oils that can soothe your nervous system and help you improve sleep. Essential oils are extremely helpful for relaxation because they work holistically by calming the mind, emotions, and body.
Directions: Add essential oils recipes below to diffuser with recommended water for your diffuser tank. I like to use a 100-200 ml water tank diffuser but you can use whatever size you prefer. Read more about Diffusing Oils |
2. Relaxing Foot Massage Gel |
Essential oils work great to soothe feet in a foot massage gel recipe, especially with Peppermint and Patchouli. Both have cooling effects and are amazing for easing achy feet. Patchouli eases tension, while peppermint encourages circulation. Overall, this essential oil recipe is just refreshing to the feet! Adults only (contains peppermint).
Directions: Add all ingredients to bottle or jar and mix together. To use, massage on your feet for soothing relief. 2% dilution. |
3. Patchouli All Day Essential Oil Inhaler |
Feelings of stress, overwork, and worry can build up and leave you feeling run down. Let this inhaler blend help to support physical and emotional wellbeing.
Directions: Add essential oils to cotton wick and insert into inhaler. To use, bring the inhaler under nostrils and deeply inhale the aroma in. For kids 6+, cut the recipe in half. |
4. Lavender Patchouli Bath Blend |
Try this calming and relaxing blend in your next bath to soak away the stresses of the day, so nourishing to both the mind and body!
Directions: Mix essential oils into Castile soap, add to warm bath. |
5. Tranquil Inhaler Blend |
Overthinking? Need to calm your thoughts? Let this essential oil blend provide you the support you need. It offers deep nurturing and calming for the nervous system.
Directions: Add essential oils to cotton wick and insert into inhaler. To use, bring the inhaler under nostrils and deeply inhale the aroma in. For kids 6+, cut the recipe in half. |
Patchouli Essential Oil Combinations
Patchouli oil has a strong, musky scent that some people love and others find overwhelming. If you fall into the latter camp, don't write off patchouli oil just yet. Patchouli oil can be used in small amounts to create a variety of different fragrance profiles.
When used with other essential oils, patchouli oil can add depth and richness to the blend. Here are some of the oils that work well with patchouli:
Frankincense and Patchouli
Patchouli and frankincense make a great team. The musky, earthy scent of patchouli is complemented by the slightly sweet, resinous scent of frankincense. Together, they create a deep, complex fragrance that is perfect for wintertime.
Patchouli and Rose
Patchouli and rose make a classic combination. The floral scent of rose softens the edges of patchouli, resulting in a feminine and romantic fragrance.
Cedarwood and Patchouli
Cedarwood provides a warm, woody base for patchouli. The two oils work together to create a grounding and balancing blend.
Vetiver and Patchouli
Vetiver adds a smoky quality to patchouli. The result is a rich and earthy fragrance that is perfect for men or women.
General Essential Oil Precautions
Never use essential oils undiluted, in eyes or mucous membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified practitioner. Keep out of reach from children.
Use essential oils with extreme caution on children, be sure you have researched the oil and that it is safe for use on kids. See my kid-safe essential oils list.
If applying an essential oil topically (on your skin), you may perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body, use 1-2 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil like jojoba oil, read more here.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, epileptic, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. For more information on oil safety issues here.
Newbie to Oils? Read more here: Essential Oils for Beginners
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