Patchouli essential oil possesses a complex of useful properties, like all essential oils . Where it grows, how the plant is harvested, how the essential oil is obtained from it – all this affects the final set of valuable components, thanks to which the remedy becomes indispensable in the home medicine cabinet.
Application
In ancient India, the patchouli plant was used by carpet traders: its leaves preserved the products from moth damage. Patchouli aroma oil was valued as a fragrance: it was used to impregnate clothes and bedspreads.
Today, the application of this valuable remedy is much wider. Its unique properties are in demand in cosmetology, medicine, and aromatherapy.
Application in Cosmetology Patchouli essential oil has a regenerating effect, rejuvenates, refreshes the skin, restores the hair structure. Due to these properties, it has found wide application in cosmetology: - problematic skin (relieves inflammation, fights flaking, tightens pores, increases elasticity); - brittle nails (has a strengthening effect); - damaged hair (relieves dryness, restores structure, adds shine); - diseases of the scalp (relieves dandruff, prevents hair loss); - the presence of stretch marks on the skin, cellulite (helps to lose weight, restores skin elasticity).
Application in Medicine Patchouli essential oil application: - colds; - cystitis, urethritis; - inflammatory processes of the genitals; - impotence and frigidity; - metabolic disorders; - fungal skin diseases.
Patchouli oil is effective in the fight against herpes. It is enough to apply it pointwise to the affected area twice a day. The inflammation will disappear in 3 days.
Application in Aromatherapy The smell of patchouli oil has gained many fans worldwide thanks to its relaxing and balancing properties. Its use in aromatherapy allows achieving the following results: - elimination of stress, anxiety, depression; - awakening of sensuality; - getting rid of insomnia; - increased libido.
It is used as a fixative for more volatile oils, reducing their evaporation and prolonging the aroma.
The effectiveness of patchouli oil in aromatherapy is manifested after the first application. There are several main ways to use patchouli in aromatherapy.
- Relaxing massage.
- Aromatization of air, bedding.
- Topical application to pulsing areas of the body.
- Aromatic baths.
In addition to all of the above, the aroma of ether is effective in combating bed bugs, moths, and flies. To do this, it is enough to spray water mixed with ether in the room.
Properties The properties of patchouli essential oil prove its invaluable benefits and are associated with the components included in its composition. They harmoniously combine and give the substance a unique aroma, allowing it to be a powerful aphrodisiac and antidepressant. Also, patchouli oil has medicinal properties.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Healing.
- Bactericidal.
- Regenerating.
- Toning.
Characteristics Essential oil is a viscous liquid, the color is transitional from dark orange to yellowish-green. The aroma resembles a mixture of the smells of Indian spices and wood with a hint of camphor. Moreover, the smell changes during the storage of the oil: initially it is resinous, herbaceous-tart, and over time it turns into sweet-spicy, becomes deeper and richer. Natural essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the inflorescences and leaves of the plant. It is it that possesses all the listed properties. The cost of such oil is high, since a large amount of plant material is used for its production.
As inexpensive substitutes, synthetic and natural identical ones are encountered. They can only be used as a fragrance and do not have a therapeutic effect.
To distinguish natural oil, its qualities should be taken into account.
- Does not leave a greasy trail, as ether is an oil-like volatile substance. It does not mix with water and, evaporating, does not leave greasy stains.
- Variation of the aroma. When applying a drop of ether to the skin, the smell will gradually unfold and, accordingly, change. A clear unchanging aroma indicates the unnaturalness of the oil.
- The persistence of the aroma when applied to a sachet lasts 3-4 days. When choosing ether, it is important to remember that the container should be small, made of darkened glass with the Latin name indicated on the label – Pogostemon cablin. A copy of the quality certificate must be present at any point of sale.
Benefits The beneficial properties of ether have been known since ancient times. It helps fight various diseases, restores clarity of mind and youthful skin.
Important actions on the body: - activation of digestion; - toning, feeling of vigor; - increasing the body’s immune defense; - calming the nervous system; - protection against mycoses.
Contraindications
Cases have been identified where the use of ether is contraindicated: - pregnancy and lactation; - peptic ulcer and gastritis; - children under 3 months old; - asthma.
Before using the oil, it is necessary to test it for individual intolerance and allergic reactions.
How to Use Correctly Patchouli oil is one of the most active and heavy-acting ethers, therefore, it is important to strictly adhere to the recommended dosages. Depending on the purpose of use, it is used both in its pure form and added to cosmetic products. Let’s consider the main methods of application.
Use in Cosmetology Adding ether to a cosmetic product enhances its effect, gives a pleasant aroma and additionally enriches it with ether components: - no more than 5 drops are added to creams and masks for the face and body per 20 g of the product; - 3 drops are added to hair products (masks, shampoos, balms) per tablespoon of the product. Patchouli oil is an important addition to homemade masks. Even a small amount of added ether will have an effective effect (5-7 drops per serving is enough).
In its pure form, ether is used to cauterize inflammations.
