Patchouli oil is one of the essential oils which ensure myriad health benefits. It has strong sweet, spicy and musky aroma. Patchouli is extremely useful for skin infections. Patchouli is often added to perfumes because of its aphrodisiac affect. Its thickness makes it a natural fixative, and it seems to be particularly effective with fungal, yeast and bacterial infections. It can also be useful as a mouthwash or a gargle.

Extraction of Patchouli Oil
The Patchouli plant is native to Malaysia and India, where it is known as `puchaput`. The word is derived from Hindustani word `patch` meaning `green` and `ilai` meaning `leaf". The oil of patchouli is extracted by steam distillation of the leaves, requiring rupture of its cell walls by steam scalding, light fermentation, or drying. The Patchouli leaves may be harvested several times a year and, when dried, may be exported for distillation.

Properties of Patchouli Oil
Patchouli acts as regenerative, fungicidal, decongestant, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, antiseptic, tonic, astringent, cicatrisant, cytophylactic, deodorant, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicide, insecticide, and sedative.

Blending of Patchouli Oil
It mixes well with the oils like Ylang Ylang, Lemon, Musk, Neroli and Rose.

Health Benefits of Patchouli Oil
The various health benefits of Patchouli oil are as follows:
•It is good for all kinds of fever.
•It is good for a number of skin conditions, including scars, acne, eczema, burns, allergies and hemorrhoids.
•It helps to lower blood pressure, increase appetite and lower cholesterol.
•It is widely used in India as Moth repellent.
•It lifts mood and helps one to get over the feelings of sadness.
•It protects wounds and ulcers from developing infections.
•It is good for treating impotency, loss of libido, frigidity and sexual anxiety.
•It helps to hasten the fading of scars.
•It is effective in eliminating marks left by boils, pox, and measles.
•It helps to eliminate body odor.
•It helps to lose weight and remove toxins from the body.
•It increases the frequency of urination which reduces chances of developing gallbladder stones and kidney stones.

Caution about Patchouli Oil
It is advisable not to use too much or smell too strongly, as the aroma can be irritating to certain people.