Patchouli Essential Oil

Posted on July 15, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Patchouli essential oil, the phenomenal oil with extraordinary health benefits is often neglected and fails to attract the aroma lovers unlike Lavender and Rose oils, as many believe that it has a strong misty fragrance.

If you ask me the best thing about Patchouli oil, I would rather say that it is an instant remedy for fighting and fixing anxiety and help you stay relaxed all day long when rubbed on your wrist as a stimulating perfume.

Mesmerized with its enlivening fragrance, I would ask you to wear the aroma of Patchouli essential oil on your wrists as it will help you better to fight the challenges of your busy day better than your wrist watch could do.

Patchouli is an Indian name, meaning ‘Green leaf’ (Patch-green and ilai-leaf). Many of us still remember Patchouli as the significant incense of the 60s and 70s but the truth is that Patchouli oil has its roots vested deeply in the field of Ayurveda for more than 5000 years for treating innumerable health conditions since the primordial times.

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Immemorial history of Patchouli Essential oil:

Scientifically known as Pogostemon cablin, this herb is a member of the mint family, Labiatae and is native to India, Malaysia and Indonesia. The essential oil is steam distilled from the young leaves of this plant. Patchouli and its oil are often associated to the sixties where it was used by people to cover up the smell of their smoking. It was traditionally used as an effectual aphrodisiac in perfumes and as a powerful moth repellant.

The ancient Indians used Patchouli in shawls and linens traded to Britain in 1800s to generate a unique aroma and for its germ-killing effects. It was also used as an important constituent for scenting Indian inks. This herb and its essential oil are of high religious importance as it is still trusted to keep away pessimism, negative feelings and evil powers.

Patchouli essential oil is the major ingredient of the tribal prescriptions for treating poisonous snake bites, bites and stings of various insects including mosquitoes and other animals. For mosquito bites and stings of other insects, mix 2 drops of Patchouli oil with 6 drops of carrier oil like coconut oil and apply on the affected part for complete healing.

For venomous snake bites like King Cobra’s bite, few drops of pure Patchouli oil is taken on a cloth or cotton and put on the bitten part instantaneously as first aid before the patient is taken to the doctor for intense treatment. After which 2 drops of Patchouli oil is mixed with 4 drops of carrier oils like coconut oil, sesame oil, wheat germ oil or grape seed oil and applied on the bitten surface twice daily to promote quicker healing of the wound.

Chemical constituents or Gas Chromatography Report of Patchouli oil:

According to the Gas chromatography report, Patchouli oil constitutes of 8 chemical components that contribute to its magnificent aroma, remedial properties, consistency and quality.

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For knowing more about the detailed information of these key constituents of Patchouli essential oil.

The table below on the Gas Chromatography report talks about the chief chemical components and its role in granting the therapeutic and other attributes to Patchouli oil.

The chemical constituents responsible for the healing values of this oil are a-patchoulene, b-patchoulene, a-bulnesene, a-guaiene, norpatchoulenol, pogostol, caryophyllene, seychellene and patchouli alcohol (comprises of cadinene, luglviol, patchoulol, aldehydes, cinnamic, benzoic, evenol and phenol).

Therapeutic properties and growing importance of Patchouli oil:

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in India stated about the importance of Patchouli and its essential oil in its report submitted on Medicinal and Aromatic plants. According to this report Patchouli has developed extensively as a prominent aromatic plant and every year, the world consumes about 1000 Metric Ton of Patchouli essential oil.

The predominant therapeutic properties of Patchouli essential oil are aphrodisiac, antidepressant, antiphlogistic, cytophylactic, astringent, diuretic, deodorant, antiseptic, decongestant, anti-inflammatory, fungicide, cicatrisant, relaxant, febrifuge, sedative, insecticide and tonic.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Patchouli essential oil:

Ayurveda, the ancient medicinal system with its origin in India has the longest history in the field of medicine for more than 5000 years.

Ayurvedic texts define health as a perfect harmony between the emotional, physical and spiritual wellness of an individual to which his diet, lifestyle and other innumerable factors contribute to. This noble science aims at disease prevention rather than treating the disease at the disrupting stage.

Ayurveda trusts that every individual is made up of three energy elements known as doshas. The book’ Absolute Beauty’ by Pratima Raichur defines dosha as “metabolic principles governing mind and body; the intelligence of the body- mind”. These doshas are a combination of the five elements namely air, water, ether, earth and fire. Imbalance of any of these doshas ends up in illness or lack of health.

Patchouli essential oil is said to treat kapha deficit and aggravation of vata and pitta. This helps in treating emotional imbalances like depression, stress and anxiety along with numerous skin problems.

The major Ayurvedic health benefits of Patchouli essential oil are:1. Amazing natural oil for skin care:Patchouli is one among those best essential oils for skin care. The cicatrisant property of this oil makes it a perfect companion in quicker healing of cuts and wounds while helping in fading away the marks and scars left by injuries, acne, burns, chicken pox, measles, stretch marks etc.

Patchouli essential oil is also a good tissue re-generator that promotes the growth of new skin cells. The antiseptic and antifungal properties of this oil helps in healing wounds, burns, boils, sores, eczema, dry skin, rough skin, cracks, excessively dehydrated skin and fungal infections like athlete’s foot.

The astringent effects in Patchouli oil helps in tightening loose skin and muscles especially after weight loss and post-delivery. It stops the sagging of skin effectively and treats contractions of nerves, skin and muscles.

All you need to do to work out these wonders is to add 2 to 3 drops of Patchouli essential oil to gentle carrier oils like jojoba oil or sweet almond oil or to your mild skin creams or lotions and gently massage on the affected area.

2. Patchouli oil for Spiritual Influence:

The rich and energizing aroma of Patchouli essential oil grants mental clarity for many years. Among the seven chakras of the human body, Patchouli essential oil is used for connecting the heart chakra with the sacral and root chakras, where chakra is defined as “The centers of psychic energy located at points along the spinal cord. They are associated with the five elements: earth, water, fire, air and ether. Each chakra corresponds to a specific mantra (sound) and geometric pattern (yantra). Through meditation on these chakras we can gain mastery over our body and each corresponding element.”

Inhaling the aroma of this oil through a diffuser, vaporizer or applying it on the chakra or vital flex points, will aid in discharging jealousy, feelings of insecurity, obsessions and enhance the quality of one’s life to a greater level.

2 drops of Patchouli oil added to potpourri, vaporizer, diffuser or burner during an intense meditation will kindle your confidence, creativity, endurance, will power, self-confidence, self-esteem, positive feelings and the fortitude to live in the present moment.

3. Exceptional essential oil for intimacy:

Ayurveda considers sex as a positive force that helps restore the vital energy of life and is misused; it can be the strongest binding attachment stopping one from attaining higher spiritual reality. Ayurvedic texts does not encourage loveless sex as it considers that sex can be complete and beautiful only when there is intimacy and absolute love between the two partners involved in it.

Robert Svoboda’s translation quotes that “For the perfect love tryst Ayurvedic Scholar Sushruta recommends a full moon night in a bower of flowers, soft silk garments, sweet and intoxicating perfumes, light and nourishing food and sweet music.”

It also talks about the use of sweet perfumes, where the partners are said to bathe in or anoint their body in sensual essential oils like Patchouli essential oil before sex. Adding few drops of this essential oil with natural aphrodisiac properties in your burner or vaporizer is also said to add to the erotic mood and deeper intimacy.

4. Alleviates stress and deprives depression:

Patchouli essential oil is grounding and calming to the mind and body. This extremely versatile oil uplifts the mind, helps overcome depressive feelings, tranquilize the mind and paves way for new hopes ahead. The sweet herbaceous and ethereal floral charm brings peace and harmony for the ruined mind.

Fear, fatigue, anxiety, nervous tension, work pressure and prolonged stress can be cleared by enchanting your limbic system with the classic aroma of Patchouli essential oil. 2 to 3 drops of Patchouli oil added to your diffuser, vaporizer, burner, wrist, pillow or to a tissue assists in strengthening your mental power and wash away depressive thoughts that drain you.

Adding 5 to 6 drops of Patchouli in warm bath before going to bed will invigorate your senses, refreshes your mind and strengthens your immune system. You can also choose to enjoy the benefits of a reviving Ayurvedic massage by blending 4 drops of Patchouli oil in cold pressed Sesame oil followed by a warm bath for lessening stress, depression and other related health conditions.

Other health benefits:

1 drop of Patchouli oil added to a cup of warm water for gargle can assist in treating halitosis or bad breath, strengthening the gums and refreshing your breath all through the day. Adding 3 drops of this oil in calming coconut oil for massage or in bath aids in treating fever, pain, inflammation and tones the entire system by stimulating the metabolic functions and boosts the immune power.

The febrifuge and antiphlogistic properties of this oil aids in reducing inflammation, fever and body pain associated with it. Adding few drops of Patchouli essential oil in your air freshener, burner or vaporizer can keep away from insects like bed bugs, mosquitoes, ants, moths and flies.

Disclaimer:

Pure essential oils are highly concentrated in nature and always use them externally after diluting in appropriate carrier oils. Avoid taking essential oils internally. Seek the advice of your Ayurvedic professional regarding the usage of specific essential oils for your unique constitution and state of health.

The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) of Patchouli essential oil is readily available for your enhanced safety and better usage.

Gas Chromatography Report of Patchouli essential oil.

Thought for the day:

Patchouli has always been a part of my fragrance, like a line through my life. -Julia Roberts

Suggested Reading:

The Fragrant Mind: Aromatherapy for Personality, Mind, Mood and Emotion by Valerie Ann Worwood
Jeanne Rose: Herbal Body Book: The Herbal Way to Natural Beauty & Health for Men & Women by Jeanne Rose
The Essentials of Aromatherapy Essential Oils by Dr Miriam Kinai
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy & Herbalism by Julia Lawless

Reference Links:

Vetiver Essential Oil

Posted on July 6, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Vetiver is a holy herb that has its name etched in the oldest sacred book of Hindus known as Bhagavad Gita where Lord Krishna says, “I am the fragrance of the soil“. This reminds us about the universal truth that the Creator is present in all creatures born on the planet Earth and is nurtured by the rich flavors of Mother Nature.

Vetiver is an aromatic grass that grows up to a height of six feet and the essential oil of Vetiver is extracted from the roots of this mythological herb.

The sweet, woody, earthly and reviving fragrance of this natural oil instills confidence and kindles the aura of human body by transforming the aura of nature flawlessly, where aura is the uniqueness or radiation of every substance in the cosmos.

Ayurveda is the oldest of all healing practices that celebrates the therapeutic values of Vetiver essential oil by attributing its divine aroma and curative properties in the treatment of innumerable health conditions. Come let’s love learning the magic of Vetiver essential oil.

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Historical uses of Vetiver and its essential oil:

The history of Vetiver backs to the 12^th century. Vetiver herb and its essential oil have been in use in many cultures across the globe for thousands of years together. The massive use of this sacred herb is often attributed to its uplifting, soothing, healing, calming and shielding properties. Vetiver oil is known as the ‘Oil of tranquility’ in India and Sri Lanka.

Ayurvedic treatments involved the use of this oil to treat the imbalances of an individual’s constitution and to heal health disorders like muscular aches, fevers, arthritis pain, loss of energy, heat strokes, joint disorders, skin problems, headaches and to cool the body during extremely high temperatures. Vetiver essential oil was used in massaging brides to sanctify them before their marriage.

The comforting, deep, woody, earthy and distinct aroma of this oil has made it a strict masculine fragrance in the perfume industry. The most popular use of Vetiver oil in the Middle Ages is its use in scents along with lime and rosewood.

Ancient Chinese believed that Vetiver essential oil had high calmative powers that cool the system, energize the brain cells, stabilize emotions, invigorate dry skin and pacify hurtful thoughts and anger.

Vetiver oil was recommended even for patients suffering from Yin deficiency often ending up in dissociative state of depression. For all these special reasons it was used as an aid for meditation and other problems related to the mind.

The cooling property of Vetiver herb made its use inevitable to bring in the natural freshness and coolness especially during hot summer seasons. Vetiver roots were used as a substitute to straw or wood shaving pads in evaporative coolers. Muslin sachets with Vetiver roots are put in earthen water pots to cool the drinking water naturally and to retain its medicinal values.

Mats weaved with Vetiver roots are trusted to cool, protect and refresh Indian homes during scorching summer season. Gods and idols in India are honored with garlands made of Vetiver grass.

This grass is also used in making roof thatches and Africans used this grass in making rugs, baskets and certain other parts of their homes. The tenacious root system of this plant helped in preventing soil erosion and protecting the fertility of the soil.

Ayurvedic health benefits of Vetiver essential oil:

According to Ayurveda, every living thing on this earth takes up the life energy known as prana and the nutritive essence known as ojas from earth. Plants take up prana and ojas from soil and convert it into medicines, foods and essential oils for the use of other living organisms on earth.

Among all the plant varieties on the universe, the best one to incarcerate the fine intricacies of the earth’s mystifying aroma is Vetiver.

Commonly known as Khus in India, Vetiver has come a long way from a cooling herb to a vital ingredient in thousands of contemporary perfumes and the base for all these evolutions is its miraculous medicinal values celebrated in the world of Ayurvedic medicine.

Ayurveda is a holistic approach that considers human body as a temple where the soul unites with the Creator and trusts that this union is the underlying reason for good health. According to this miraculous science every human being has three distinct doshas among which one dosha stays predominant and this decides the character and persona of an individual. They are vata, pitta and kapha.

The imbalance of any one of these doshas causes illness and indicates that the body is out of balance. Vata imbalance can cause insomnia, loss of memory, fever, dry skin, constipation, restlessness and fear. Pitta imbalance might cause anger, high blood pressure, disgust, heartburn, ulcer, jealousy and skin irritation. Lethargic attitude, congestion, delayed digestion, sluggishness and obesity are caused by Kapha imbalance.

Ayurvedic texts exclaim Vetiver essential oil as a pacifying oil with its relaxing effects for treating vata imbalances and calming the mind. It is also said that the cooling properties of this oil can be highly beneficial in treating pitta imbalances like anger, heartburn and much more.

The historical healing practices and priceless medicinal values of Vetiver essential oil has made it a principal part of Abhyanga or the Ayurvedic massage therapy that is trusted to strengthen the nervous system, calm the nerves, soothe the senses, work against stress and exhaustion.

The other major Ayurvedic health benefits of Vetiver essential oil are:1. Benefits the mind and spirit:

Vetiver essential oil is used as an anointing oil or incense since the primordial times. It is considered as a sacred oil that has the potential to open the crown and root chakras where chakra is considered as the vital center of power of the human body according to Ayurveda. Among the seven basic chakras, the oil of Vetiver is trusted to kindle the root chakra and pass the vital energy to other chakras also.

The evolution of each chakra has direct connection to the spiritual qualities of an individual and opening up of chakras paves way to mental consciousness and greater spiritual insight. With this awareness, your mind and spirit strives hard in fighting agonizing stress, deep depression, negative energies that drive you hard and your attachment to misleading worldly pleasures.

Applying 1 to 2 drops of Vetiver essential oil on the Chakra points or using it in a diffuser or inhaling its balancing aroma benefits the mind and spirit paving way to increased self-confidence, inner wisdom and your link with the divine force.

2. Benefits for the skin:

With its promising antiseptic properties, vetiver essential oil has been proven effective in combating bacteria and other harmful microbes. It stops wounds and other skin infections from being septic and it efficaciously curbs the growth of the Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria that is often accountable for causing septic.

This oil helps in healing the wounds quickly and promotes the growth of new tissues on the affected area by protecting it from the effects of harmful foreign bodies. In the book Encyclopedia of herbal remedies, Shealy says that vetiver oil “helps to clear acne, and because it promotes skin regeneration and strengthens the connective tissue, it assists with wound healing and benefits aging skin.”

Vetiver essential oil is an established cicatrisant that aids in speeding up the process of treating scars and other ugly marks. It rejuvenates the skin and often gives you a young and healthy look. The anti-aging benefits and the cell regeneration properties of this oil makes it an effective natural remedy for treating stretch marks, acne, burns, fat cracks and certain other skin disorders.

3. Effective essential oil for ADHD:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a health condition that is generally associated with children and it usually starts before the age of seven and persists throughout the life. Reports say that about 4 to 6 percent of Americans are affected by ADHD. This arises when an individual is excessively diverted, agitated and impetuous for more than six months.

ADHD drastically affects the routine life and the best way to treat it is by using therapeutic oils like Vetiver essential oil. Dr. Terry Friedman in his study about the effects of essential oils on ADHD and ADD compared the efficiency of Cedarwood, vetiver and lavender essential oil. He proved that inhaling the aroma of Vetiver essential oil was 100% effective in improving the performance of children affected by ADHD with its extremely tranquilizing and calming properties, whereas Cedarwood oil contributed to 83% and Lavender oil contributed to 53% improvement.

4. Excellent tonic and sedative:

Vetiver essential oil has been traditionally used for alleviating emotional stress, nervousness, panic attacks, trauma, anxiety, insomnia, hysteria, debility and depression. The sedative, strengthening, tonic and nervine properties of this oil make it the perfect natural choice for assisting problems associated with the mind.

It stabilizes the mind, strengthens the nervous system, tranquilizes the mind and body, rejuvenates the entire system, boosts the immune power and induces peaceful sleep.

Adding few drops of Vetiver oil to carrier oils like Grape seed oil or Coconut oil for an enlivening massage can grant you great relief from all these conditions. You can also add 3 to 4 drops of Vetiver oil to warm bathing water and bathing in this medicated water before sleep will relax your muscles, reduce pain and help you sleep tight.

5. Proven antioxidant: The essential oil of Vetiver was proved to possess “a strong free radical scavenging activity when compared to standard antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and alpha-tocopherol”, according to a research by the Clemson University.

This study reinstated that the inherent components of Vetiver essential oil can be an eventual alternative natural antioxidant. Another study on “Antioxidant potential of the root of Vetiveria zizanioides” evidenced that the essential oil extracted from Vetiver root has been proven to have antioxidant activity and can fight against the free radicals in the body.

6. Promising pesticide and insecticide:

Apart from benefitting mankind in a number of ways, vetiver oil is also an effective pesticide, insecticide and has antitermitic properties. A study on the Chemical analysis and Comparison of Antitermitic activity of essential oils of Neem, Vetiver and Mint against Heterotermes indicola from Pakistan proved that Vetiver oil was the most efficient repellent and valuable fumigent with its long lasting activity and has 60% potential to kill Heterotermes indicola, while mint and neem oil showed 56.66% and 54% effectiveness. Another study proved the Larvicidal property of Vetiver essential oil and its power against the control of mosquito larvae responsible for Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, yellow fever and filariasis.

7. Strengthens the reproductive system and kindles sexual desire:

Vetiver essential oil is a natural aphrodisiac that increases libido and stimulates the sexual desire. Healthy and harmonious sex often has a deep connection with state of mind. A stress-free mind is the most vital requirement for sexual health and sexual disorders like frigidity, impotence, lack of libido are often vested with the limbic system of the brain.

Vetiver essential oil stimulates the limbic system, pacifies the mind and serves as an effective natural remedy for such health disorders. This oil strengthens the female reproductive system, aids in treating menstrual discomforts, balances female hormones and assists female infertility due to uterine problems with its gentle estrogen-like effects. Adding few drops of Vetiver essential oil to your massage blend, in a diffuser or your bath tub can help bring the best times together with your partner.

According to Shealy, the most invigorating recipe for a tranquilizing bath is to “add 2 drops of vetiver (oil), 2 drops of lavender (oil), 4 drops of rose (oil) to 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of sweet almond oil. Add to a running bath and disperse with your hands. Relax for at least 10 minutes”.

Vetiver essential oil is also known to promote oxygen, fortify the red blood cells and support blood circulation. It is also used as a warm pain-relieving oil to treat muscular pains, stiffness, arthritis, rheumatism, sprains and few other inflammatory conditions.

For all these medicinal values, vetiver oil is a part of the favorite massage oils like Ortho Sport and Ortho Ease. Vetiver essential oil is also used as flavoring oil in beverages and certain food items. It is also used in cosmetics, soaps and celebrated perfumes like Guerlain Vetiver and Dior Eau Sauvage and the amazing information is that it is used in 90 percent of every western perfume.

Disclaimer:

Vetiver essential oil is non-toxic and non-irritant but avoid taking this oil internally. Consult your Ayurvedic Practitioner before using it directly on your skin. It is good to keep away from the use of this oil on children, pregnant women and pets.

Thought for the day:

Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity. -Hippocrates

Suggested Reading:

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies by C. Norman Shealy
HEALING POWERS OF VETIVER OIL (The Aromatherapy Professional: Healing with Essential Oils by KG Stiles
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy & Herbalism by Julia Lawless
Vetiveria: The Genus Vetiveria (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – Industrial Profiles) From CRC Press
The ADD / ADHD Revolution: Treatments That Work by LaVonne Kirkpatrick

Reference Links: