Patchouli’s History and Uses Ah, Patchouli oil – people seem to love it or hate it. This well know essential oil has a somewhat deserved reputation as the scent of the Hippy generation (according to one source, it’s use began as a mask for the odor of a particularly cherished herb), though it’s traditional use dates back hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. Today, Patchouli oil has a well-deserved reputation in aromatherapy, with it’s deep, musky, and sweet odor, and Earth and Fire balancing energy. It is an exotic aroma that can forever leave an imprint on the olfactory memory.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is a perennial herb native to Southeast Asia, growing wild in Sumatra and Java at elevations between 3,000 and 6,000 feet – though it’s cultivation is more pervasive in lower tropical jungles. This bushy plant grows to the height of 3 feet, having a strong stem and soft, hairy leaves. For essential oil production, the plant is cut two or three times per year, with the best quality oil derived from leaves harvested in the wet season. The leaves are hand picked, bundled or baled, and allowed to partially dry in the shade and ferment for a few days before the oil is extracted via steam distillation (Patchouli oil is now becoming available as a CO2 extract in limited quantities). The fermentation process softens the plant’s cell walls, easing the extraction of the oil.

The relative ease of it’s cultivation, and it’s high oil yield keeps the price of true Patchouli essential oils relatively low. It is important to note however, Patchouli is one of the few essential oils that improve with age (others being Frankincense, Cedarwood, Sandalwood and Vetiver), and that a properly aged Patchouli oil is much more desirable than a fresh one. Over time, the oil looses a harshness that many find distasteful, and adds a sweet top note. As it ages, the oil turns from light yellow to a deep amber, with the aroma becoming smoother and more rich. Principal constituents of the oil include: Patchoulol (25-35%), Alpha-Bulnesene (12-20%), Alpha-Guaiene + Seychellene (15-25%), and Alpha-Patchoulene (5-9%).

Perhaps first due to it’s power as a moth repellent, the aroma of Patchouli was pervasive in cloth and clothing exported from India in the 19th century. The scent became an indicator of true ‘Oriental’ fabric, so much so that English and French garment makers were obliged to scent their imitation products with Patchouli to ensure their acceptance in the domestic marketplace. Beyond its use for preventing holes from being eaten in one’s cloting, Patchouli oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine in Malaysia, China and Japan. Primarily indicated for skin conditions, Patchouli may be of benefit in cases of dermatitis, eczema, acne, dry chapped skin, and other irritating conditions, along with dandruff and oily scalp conditions. As a cell rejuvenator, it may help in healing wounds and reducing the appearance of scars. It is considered an excellent remedy for insect and snake bites, and has been used as a fumigant and rubbing oil to prevent the spread of fevers and to strengthen the immune system.

Aromatherapy and Perfumery Uses of Patchouli Oil

Patchouli oil is considered an excellent base note and fixative in perfumery, being a component in many famous perfumes. As a fixative, it slows the evaporation of other, more volatile oils so that their aroma may be released over a longer period of time. A little patchouli can be used in natural perfume blends, adding that special deep and earthy aroma. It mixes well with many essential oils, with almost all common oils being mentioned across a variety of sources – these include Vetiver, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Myrrh, Jasmine, Rose, Citrus oils, Clary Sage, Lemongrass, Geranium and Ginger.

In Aromatherapy, Patchouli is considered a great balancer, relaxing yet stimulating, particularly relevant for conditions of weak immunity where overwork and anxiety have left the individual in a susceptible state. It is said to bring the three principal forces at work within the body – the Creative at the navel, the Heart center, and transcendental wisdom a the crown – into harmony.

Patchouli oil may also relieve the strain of those with excessive mental activity who may feel ‘out of touch’ with their body and sensuality. It has been considered a relaxing aphrodisiac, and can be helpful for those with impotence, frigidity, and sexual anxiety that are products of mental anguish. Patchouli combines this aphrodisiac effect with an antidepressant one, uplifting the mind with it’s sweet, warm, spicy scent.

As if this were not enough, Patchouli is thought to be a bringer of prosperity and abundance. Perhaps by allowing one to open to these possibilities energetically, the oil is used in ceremonies and prayers by those in need of financial or other type of infusion in their lives. One may simply close their eyes, imagine the abundance they need, and inhale the oil’s aroma for a few seconds.

For a few simple blends, try:

3 parts Patchouli and 1 part Rosemary Cineol. This is a wonderfully uplifting blend combining the deep earthiness of Patchouli with the invigorating aroma of Rosemary. This can certainly be worn as a perfume, or used in a diffuser.

When the going gets tedious, try brightening with 3 parts Coriander, 2 parts Patchouli and 1 part Bergamot. This may uplift the spirits and remind one of the joy to be found in life.

For the sensually insecure, try 1 part Geranium, 1 part Patchouli and 1 part Bergamot. A beautiful yet simple blend for getting comfortable in one’s own skin.

It may take a little education, but many who claim to have a dislike for Patchouli may truly enjoy it when finally getting to sample a properly aged or beautifully blended oil.

About the Author

Misty Rae Cech, ND, is a Naturopath and yoga instructor practicing in Boulder, Colorado – she is the owner of http://www.anandaapothecary.com

Written By: Misty Rae Cech, ND

Nothing turns a commonplace, ho-hum room into a radiant, inviting setting faster than the flicker of a few ordinary candles scattered strategically throughout the room. Add scented candles and you can quickly evoke childhood memories, transport your imagination to a tropical island, or infuse the room with the crisp scent of a pine forest. Aromatherapy candles add yet another dimension to the equation.

Aromatherapy candles release a small, but continuous stream of herbal and floral essential oils into the air as they burn. The chemicals in the essential oils enter your body as you breathe, and travel throughout the body, including the brain, through the bloodstream. You receive subtle benefits as the chemicals interact with your body. Don’t expect to receive full healing benefits by lighting a candle, but aromatherapy candles provide the same dual benefits inherent in conventional aromatherapy in less concentrated doses: smell therapy and chemical reactions to the essential oils.

Burn aromatherapy candles to alter, enhance, and improve your state of mind while adding a touch of nature’s pure perfume to your surroundings. What a pleasant, powerful quick fix to an otherwise rotten day, not to mention a less destructive alternative to downing a pint of ice cream or a pound of chocolate to chase away the blahs.

Let aromatherapy candles help set the right mood for others with whom you spend time. Your guests will only know that you have that “special something,” that magical touch when it comes to hospitality.

Tips for Using Aromatherapy Candles:

Make sure that you purchase aromatherapy candles, not just scented candles. Look for labels that include “pure essential oils.”

Select the right candle for the situation. The best way to ensure that you have selected the best candle to achieve your goal is to purchase a candle with labeling that reflects your desired effect.

Invigorate – Perhaps you arrive home lethargic and drained after a grueling day at work, and like so many other busy parents, your workday at home is just beginningwith no time for an intervening catnap. Treat yourself to a short break, and light an energizing aromatherapy candle. Invigorating candles typically contain some mixture of oils from the mint and citrus families. The mint essential oilspeppermint, spearmint, basil, and eucalyptusprovide quick stimulation, revitalization, and an extra dose of energy. Other invigorating essential oils include cedar, rosemary, cinnamon, geranium, cassia, and vanilla.

Relax. Sometimes a sense of accomplishment or closure leaves you wired. You know that feeling. You’ve finished a big project, and you’re bursting at the seams with energy when you really want to kick back, relax and enjoy some quiet time. Light a stress-releasing aromatherapy candle, take a few deep breaths, and allow your mind to clear. Stress-releasing essential oils include lavender, chamomile, patchouli, geranium and rose.

Concentrate – Use aromatherapy candles to improve concentration when you need to tap into your creative powers. Nothing sparks creativity like the ability to concentrate and block mental and environmental distractions. Citrus essential oils help you to concentrate: lemon, orange, grapefruit, lemongrass, and bergamot.

Add atmosphere You’ve planned a quiet evening at home with that special someone, and you’ve made every effort to impress. You’ve cooked a dinner right out of a Parisian bistro, fresh flowers grace your home, the table is set with china and linen napkins, the wine is chilling, and you’ve never looked better. Add the final touch with an aromatherapy candle containing some of the sensual essential oils: Ylang ylang, vanilla, neroli, rose, clary sage, sandalwood.

When using candles to add atmosphere, grouping candles together is fine, but less can be more. You’re striving for natural and nonchalant: think elegant understatement, not sacrificial altar.

When you light more than one aromatherapy candle, burn candles with complementary, not competing essential oils. You don’t want to burn candles with invigorating oils along with candles that contain a relaxing mixture of oils. Your body will receive mixed signals.

Why reserve your aromatherapy candles for special occasions or for company? Add an elegant touch and a little mood to your everyday life. What else can add so much pleasure with so little effort? Include aromatherapy candles in your repertoire to turn the mere ordinary into the extraordinary.

M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for http://www.candles-4-u.com/candle_holders.htm, http://www.candles-4-u.com/aromatherapy.htm, and http://www.candles-4-u.com/soy_candles.htm. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.

Written By: M J Plaster

Aromatherapy has become so popular today because the sense of smell has such impact on the human brain and how a person feels making it a unique gift idea. There are aromatherapy products for energy, relaxation, peace, stress reduction and many other moods that can be affected by scent. Why not a gift of aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy gifts can be found for every room in the house. A simple, elegant and very fun to receive gift is a single or a set of aromatherapy candles for the living area or bedroom. These scented candles are identified as to which mood they are intended to invoke. A great choice for a living room candle or candle set is one that increases romance, peace or serenity. For the bath, relaxation is usually the preferred choice. Choose the scent your recipient will most enjoy. Wrapped in a bright wrapping paper or placed in an attractive gift bag, aromatherapy candles make a great gift idea.

Why not create or purchase an aromatherapy gift basket for the bath? Bath salts, bubble bath, candles, moisturizing lotion and bath beads can be packaged along with a loofah, facial brush and other personal care items and make a gift idea come to life that is beautiful and smells great. It is best to select a theme if you are creating your own gift basket of aromatherapy bath products. Most of the ready-made gift baskets containing aromatherapy items will be created along a theme as well. The reason is that the scents should compliment one another rather than clash. To add a unique touch, wrap the gift basket along with a rubber ducky. Even if the recipient doesn’t have children, the whimsy of the rubber duck will get a smile.

For Christmas or Hanukkah, select a theme of “joy” for the aromatherapy gift. There are many scents created just for the holiday season that smell so great and set the mood for celebration. Candles, oil lamps, incense sticks or cones all make wonderful scented gifts.

To give a gift that will scent an entire room for hours and hours, select one of the light bulb rings on which a small drop of essential oil is applied and the ring is placed on a lighted bulb. The scent creates a wonderful odor in the room for hours and hours without re-applying the oil. This aromatherapy gift usually comes as a set with the light bulb ring and one scent. You might want to select an addition essential oil scent to add to the gift. If so, choose an opposite aromatherapy, for example, give energy and peace together, or give serenity and stamina together. That way, the person who receives the gift can have a change when desired.

There are many ways to give aromatherapy gifts: essential oils, potpourri, personal care products, candles, incense, scented stones and many more. Choose the gift based on what the recipient’s home. If the person loves candles, select that as the gift. If they are a person who treasures bath time, select bath-related aromatherapy gifts. There’s an aromatherapy gift idea for everyone on your gift list.

About the author:

Iouri Kroukov is an associate writer for http://www.mygiftidea.net. There, you will find hundreds of excellent gift ideas for even the most difficult to buy for!

Written By: Iouri Kroukov

Aromatherapy is one of the practices used in the science of herbology, and it consists of using natural essential oils to heal. We introduce the oils into our body through the process of inhalation. Through inhalation, the oils enter into our lungs (from the bronchi into the alveoli and into our circulatory systems. From there, the herbs spread into the rest of our systems.

The way the oils enter our system is called aromatherapy. Many substances can enter our systems in this way, so this can be good or bad, depending on what the substance is. This is why we should be as careful with aromatherapy as with any introduction of substances or medicines.

But there are many herbs which have natural healing properties, and can also help heal our emotions as well as our bodies in a more natural and less invasive way than traditional medicines can.
As with anything, we need to take care when using herbs. Just because it is natural doesn’t make it safe! Remember that poisons also occur naturally and in abundance on this earth!
The difference between alternative therapies and medicine is only that medicines are heavily processed herbs and ingredients that also occur in nature.
Herbs can be the very same plants that medicine uses, only not heavily processed, and sometimes in lower concentrations without all the additional chemicals added.

Our sense of smell is one of our strongest of our senses, That is why a smell can trigger
an earlier experience so vividly. This is why aromatherapy is such a powerful tool.

We can use this knowledge to:
1. heal a sickness
2. prevent a sickness
3. enhance quality of life
4. esthetically, such as in using perfume
5. enhance our state psychologically

There are many ways to use these essential oils. You can use them in your personal body care products, such as shampoos, skin cremes, or soaps and lotions. You can use them in candles or in diffusers and vessels, in aromatherapy
The use of essential oils and herbs is mainly about a lifestyle choice. It involves a much healthier way of living, It is a way to delight your senses, while enhancing your immune system. A way to help in yourself and your families well being, increasing your energy, regaining your sanity, and enjoying the rest of our lives.

About the Author

Cianna is the owner of http://www.Glass Affinity.com She Handmade Glass Lampwork Beads . She has found a lot of passion in her life working with glass! She is a stay at home mom, and has one son 9 yrs old. She has homeschooled him for the last 2 years. Another passion is writing. Being at home, has had more time to pursue it!
In her previous life she worked as an R.N. in Cardiology for about 13 years.

Written By: Cianna Oliver