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Patchouli oil is an essential oil that is extracted from a large evergreen perennial that is a plant species of the genus Pogostemon. The plant is native to the tropical regions of Asia and is now extensively cultivated in India, China, Malaysia among numerous Asian countries. The plant is cultivated in the tropical regions of South America and Hawaii as well. The oil has been in use in Asian cultures for thousands of years and was a sign of wealth and royalty. Rumor has it that several traders considered it to be as valuable as gold.
The components of patchouli oil include alpha patchoulene, beta patchoulene, alpha guaiene, alpha bulnesene, caryophyllene, norpatchoulenol, patchouli alcohol, seychellene and pogostol.
Patchouli oil is extremely useful when it comes to treating wounds and scars as it regenerates skin cells. The oil’s aroma and fragrance is very rich, earthy, musty, and pungent, with an herbal and balsamic scent. Patchouli oil is like fine wine, it only gets better with age. Premium oil is often aged for a very long peiod of time. The oil is typically light yellow in colour, but as it ages the colour changes to a deepe shade of amber causing the scent to become richer and smoother.
The strong scent of patchouli oil has been used for centuries in perfumes; more recently it’s been used in incense, insect repellents and alternative medicines.
Amazing Benefits of Patchouli Oil Include
1. Soothing Antidepressant
It is one the most popular oils that is used in aromatherapy due to its antidepressant properties. When we breathe in the aroma of patchouli oil, the smell causes the body to release serotonin and dopamine. The release of these hormones reduces feelings of anxiety, despair, stress, and sadness. This in turn allows us to have better control over volatile emotions.
This is why patchouli oil is commonly used in prayer rooms. The oil not only calms our senses, but it enhances our senses.
2. Natural Diuretic
Patchouli oil increases the frequency of urination as well as the quantity of urine. This can be highly beneficial to a person’s health as excess salt, water, and uric acid is removed from the body. It reduces the body’s chances of developing gallbladder stones and kidney stones.
Removing these toxins from the body leads to lower blood pressure, lower levels of cholesterol, and increases appetite.
3. Used as Deodorant
Unsurprisingly, due to its strong aroma and scent, patchouli oil works as an excellent deodorant and perfume. The strong, sweet, and musty aroma of patchouli oil is highly refreshing. This allows it to eliminate or mask body odour.
It is important to dilute the oil before using it as a deodorant or perfume as its strong and distinctive aroma can be off-putting to some people. People are normally advised to put a few drops of diluted oil on a cotton or hemp ball and dab it on their underarms.
4. Aphrodisiac Nature
Patchouli oil stimulates the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone, and it is commonly used to boost an individual’s sex drive. It is useful for impotence, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, and sexual anxiety.
The simple aroma of patchouli oil in a room is known to increase intimacy among couples as the oil is effective at soothing the mind. It is popularly used in tantric sex practices.
5. Useful for Skin
Patchouli oil is commonly used to treat acne, scars, pimples, and open wounds. The anti-inflammatory nature of the oil calms skin problems such as sunburn, acne, eczema and other forms of dermatitis. The essential oil is particularly good at regenerating new skin cells, thus keeping the skin looking healthy, young and vibrant.
The anti-septic nature of the oil allows it prevent open wounds from infections and fungus. The oil can cure burns and cuts effectively. The oil also removes marks from pox or measles if it is applied on the afflicted area of the skin on a daily basis.
6. Fights Numerous Diseases
Patchouli oil can bolster your immune system to help you avoid colds, influenza, and tonsillitis. It is a tonic that helps promote your overall well being by toning your stomach, liver, and intestines to optimize metabolic function. The oil is useful for treating conditions that induce internal inflammation in the body such as gout and arthritis.
The oil also reduces body temperature during times of fever and relieves the inflammation caused by fever. It destroys infections and reduces the pain that is associated with fever. The cooling nature of the oil plays a vital role in reducing body temperature.
The sedative properties of the oil allow it work as an effective remedy for insomnia. Rubbing a couple of drops onto your hands and near your nose before sleep allows you to experience its sedative properties. The oil eases mind and bod, thereby inducing sleep.
It soothes inflammation and sedates convulsions, coughs and epileptic attacks resulting from hypersensitivity or hyper-reactivity of the nerves.
7. Metabolic System Benefits
Patchouli oil is an effective tonic which allows it to optimize the body’s metabolic system. It increases the body’s ability to break down food and absorb essential nutrients. This boosts the functioning of the digestive system. The oil does this by toning up the lives, stomach, and intestines.
The oil aids excretion and regulates the endocrinol secretions of hormones and enzymes. It also boosts the health of the immune system and the nervous system.
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