Patchouli
Pogostemon cablin
A rich, musky essential oil with a distinctive earthy aroma. Valued for skincare, emotional grounding, and its natural insect-repellent properties. Improves with age like fine wine.
Aroma Profile
Rich, earthy, musky, sweet herbaceous scent with wine-like depth. The aroma mellows and improves as the oil ages.
Strength: strong
Get Personalized Safety Info
Sign in and complete your health profile to see safety warnings personalized to your age, sex, medications, conditions, and allergies for this essential oil.
Therapeutic Properties
Chemistry
Primary Constituents
Patchoulol (patchouli alcohol, 25–40%), alpha-bulnesene, alpha-guaiene, pogostol, norpatchoulenol
Emotional & Psychological
Grounding and centering. Helps with anxiety, stress, depression, and indecisiveness. Reconnects to the physical body and sensuality. Balances scattered thoughts and excessive mental activity.
Physical Therapeutic Uses
Excellent for skin — helps with acne, eczema, dermatitis, cracked/dry skin, wrinkles, and scars. Anti-inflammatory for skin conditions. Natural insect repellent. Supports wound healing and tissue regeneration. Helps with cellulite and fluid retention.
Safety Profile
Contraindications
None well established. May be too sedating if drowsiness is unwanted.
Drug Interactions
May potentiate sedative medications. Theoretical anticoagulant interaction at high doses.
Pet Safety Notes
Avoid use around cats. Generally tolerated by dogs at low diffusion levels.
Application Methods
How to Use This Oil
base note — evaporates slowly, lingers longest. Provides depth, warmth, and fixative qualities.
Common Ways to Use
Diffusion
Add 3-5 drops to a diffuser with water. Run for 30-60 minutes at a time with breaks. Ensure good ventilation.
Topical Application
Dilute to 15% in a carrier oil (jojoba, sweet almond, or coconut). Apply to desired area. Always patch test first.
Massage
Blend at 15% dilution in a massage carrier oil. Apply with gentle strokes to the desired area.
Bath
Mix 4-6 drops with a tablespoon of carrier oil or bath salts before adding to warm bath water. Never add undiluted oil directly to bath.