Patchouli Essential Oil
Meet Patchouli — rich, grounded, and endlessly intriguing. The Oil Stories calls her the “old soul”: balancing emotions, strengthening immunity, and healing the skin. With her earthy-sweet aroma and calming depth, she helps you slow down, breathe easier, and reconnect with yourself.
AROMA
Earthy - Musky - Sweet
BENEFITS backed by SCIENCE
Calms stress & promotes sleep – Patchouli’s soothing aroma eases anxiety, uplifts mood, and helps you relax into restful sleep. Inhaling Patchouli has been shown to balance emotions and reduce spontaneous activity, improving sleep quality (Ito & Ito, 2011).
Boosts immunity – Patchoulol, her major component, has proven immunomodulatory effects. Studies show Patchouli supports recovery from viral infections like influenza and offers antibacterial protection (Liao et al., 2013; Ghule et al., 2006; Kiohara et al., 2012).
Heals & protects skin – Traditionally used in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, Patchouli cools and moisturizes skin, reduces dryness, eczema, and inflammation, and promotes wound healing. Also helps fade scars and works as a natural insect repellent (Holmes, 1997).
Patchouli's Story
Patchouli is a very interesting character with a lot of contrasting traits. There is an old, ancient air about her, and Patchouli is actually quite balanced with her feet very well grounded but with aspirations shooting up into the sky.
She has such an enigmatic personality that she seems to have borrowed features from all her oil siblings and friends. She can be intense, persistent, fiery, yet refreshing, pungent, citrusy. It’s like the Creator couldn’t decide what distinctive features and aromas to throw in- but luckily the indecision turned Patchouli into a very charming cocktail who has something for everyone.
Patchouli personality has a tendency to stick to projects and has the drive and persistence required to see tasks come to fruition. She also has the ability to delve into the human psyche, which is why she makes the best negotiator, psychologist and even investigative journalist. When around Patchouli you may realise that her late-night-radio-jockey voice can make you feel sedated and euphoric, as if you are in a trance or relaxing meditation that you don’t want to come out of. So whether you need someone to help you understand some part of yourself, or simply want to be lulled to sleep, you know who to go to!
Safety & Dilution
Maximum topical use dilution: See DILUTION GUIDELINES according to age or ailment.
Avoid: eyes, ears, sensitive areas
Children: not for under 2 years.
Pregnancy/nursing: consult a physician
Pets: diffuse with door open so they can leave if uncomfortable
❗ Discontinue if skin irritation occurs. Do not ingest unless directed by a licensed aromatherapist or physician.
Shelf Life & Storage
Shelf Life: 20 years. No, it is not a typo! Patchouli is one of the most stable oils.
Storage: Store in a cool, dark place with cap tightly closed.
More Information
Latin Name: Pogostemon cablin
Botanical Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Main chemical constituents: Patchoulol
Country: India
Extraction Method: Steam distilled
Plant part used: Leaves
Culture: Unsprayed
Aromatic note: Base