Latin name: Pogostemon cablin
Country of origin: India
Part of the plant: Leaves
Extraction method: Steam distilled (in iron)
Main biochemical components*: Patchoulol, alpha-balnesene, seychellene
Properties: Antidepressant, antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-fungal, deodorant, aphrodisiac, calming, grounding.

Why Use

Physical uses: Tense breathing, rapid breathing, infections, water retention.

Skin care uses: Cracked skin, dry skin, devitalized skin, wrinkles, inflammation, dandruff, dermatitis, body odor, minor skin infections, small wounds, athlete’s foot, skin tonic.

Psychological uses: Nervous exhaustion, stress, lethargy, mood swings, mild depression, low libido.

Subtle uses: Grounds and strengthens. Promotes creativity. Relaxes an overactive intellect.

Notes: Patchouli’s aroma has been used to help curb the appetite.

How You Can Use

Add to Products: Essential oils can be added to pre-made, fragrance-free products to enhance their performance. Add 4-8 drops to 2 ounces of facial moisturizer; 6-30 drops to 1 ounce of lotion; 10-20 drops to 8 ounces of shampoo; 15-30 drops to 8 ounces of conditioner.

After Shower: After showering, while your skin is still wet, put 1-3 drops of essential oil in the palm of one of your hands and rub your hands together. Quickly and evenly spread the essential oil over your legs, arms, and torso. Avoid sensitive skin areas. For maximum skin hydration and to seal in moisture, apply cream, lotion, or body oil directly to damp skin.

Bath: Mix 4-8 drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil. (You can also add the essential oil to 1/2 cup of whole milk or heavy cream.) Set aside. If you have muscle aches, add 1-2 cups Epsom or Dead sea salts. Fill the tub with warm water and immerse yourself. Add the essential oil mixture and swirl the water around you. Massage your skin and breathe in the aroma. Remain in the tub for 10-15 minutes.

Bath, Foot: Mix 1-3 drops of essential oil in 1/2 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil. Set aside. Fill a tub (deep enough to cover your feet and ankles) with warm water. Add the essential oil mixture, stir well, and immerse your feet for 10-15 minutes. Breathe in the aroma and massage your feet.

Body Lotion: Add 6-30 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of fragrance-free, natural moisturizing lotion. Apply to your skin, especially after a shower or bath.

Body Oil: Mix 6-30 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of a carrier, such as fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil. Apply to your skin, especially after a shower or bath.

Chest Rub: Mix 5-15 drops of essential oil in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil or fragrance-free, natural lotion, apply to your upper chest and upper back.

Compress: Fill a basin with water. (Warm water relaxes and increases circulation. Cool water invigorates and relieves inflammation.) Add 3-5 drops of essential oil and briskly stir. Lay in a washcloth, wring and apply to the area in need for approximately 1-5 minutes. Dip, wring and apply 3 more times.

Compress, Facial: Fill the sink with warm water. Add 1-3 drops of essential oil to the water and agitate the water to mix well. Lay in a clean washcloth, wring, and apply to face, with eyes closed, holding in place for 5-10 seconds. Repeat dipping, wringing, and applying – 3 times. Pat dry.

Diffusion: Follow the diffuser manufacturer’s instructions to fill the air with a therapeutic aroma.
Easy alternatives when you don’t have a diffuser:
Place 2-4 drops of essential oil on several cotton balls or tissues; place nearby or tuck into the grate of fan or air vent in your home or car.

Facial Oil: Mix 2-5 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of a carrier such as jojoba, calendula, or rosehip seed oil.

Inhalation: Put 1-3 drops of essential oil on a tissue and inhale the aroma through your nose. Pause and inhale again.
(Avoid touching your nose with the tissue.)

Inhalation, Hot Water: Add 1-2 drops of essential oil to a small bowl of hot water. Keeping your eyes tightly closed, lean over the bowl and breathe in deeply yet gently, pause then exhale. Continue for 30 seconds. Inhale through your nose for respiratory or sinus conditions and through your mouth for throat issues or coughs. Repeat as desired.

Massage: Mix 6-30 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil or fragrance-free, natural lotion.

Perfume: Mix 10-20 drops of essential oil in 1 tablespoon of fractionated coconut oil. Apply to pulse points, such as inner wrists, behind knees, or backs of ankles.

Room Mist: Mix 30-60 drops of essential oil in 4 ounces of water in a mister bottle. Shake well before each use and avoid getting the mist into the eyes.

Skin Mist: Mix 10-40 drops of essential oil in 4 ounces of water in a mister bottle. Shake well before each use and avoid getting the mist into the eyes.

Scalp Oil: Mix 12-24 drops of essential oil in 2 ounces of fractionated coconut oil or jojoba, or a blend of both. Store in a glass bottle with a cap. Use approximately 1 teaspoon to massage into your scalp at night. Shampoo in the morning.

Spot Application: Mix 1-4 drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil or aloe vera and apply to the area in need.