17/11/2018
ESSENTIAL OIL SPOTLIGHT on….PATCHOULI
Patchouli gets an unfair rap. The word often conjures up college apartments filled with overbearing incense or aging hippies who never left the 70s behind. That’s a shame because real patchouli smells amazing and has incredible benefits for both skin and hair. Read on to learn more about how to use this wonder oil.
1. Skincare
Patchouli can be a wonderful addition to your skincare routine; it’s deeply nourishing, while also providing anti-fungal benefits, making it ideal for people suffering from dry, irritated skin that is prone to chapping, eczema or acne. It can also help to minimize the appearance of sun-spots and acne scars.
To use, add one drop of patchouli oil to your nightly facial oil (try our rosehip oil for a great combo) or moisturizer before patting it into skin. Not only will the relaxing scent of patchouli help you drift off, but you will wake with refreshed, glowing skin.
NOTE: While patchouli oil can safely be used directly on the skin we recommend diluting it with another oil or moisturizer for best results. Keep away from the eyes, kiddos.
2. Haircare
As discussed above, patchouli is an anti-fungal which means it is great for people who suffer from dandruff, or who just want a healthy scalp (wearing a helmet can really wreak havoc on your scalp’s natural balance). Simply mix a few drops into your shampoo and spend a minute massaging it into the scalp before rinsing.
3. Perfumery/Aromatherapy
Patchouli is often used in perfumery for its slightly earthy, musky scent that gives the impression of warm skin. Soft herbaceous and mildly spicy notes round out the bouquet.
In perfumery, patchouli is known as a fixative or base-note, meaning that when combined with other oils it provides long lasting staying power.
Patchouli blends well with cedarwood, lavender, peppermint, clary sage, sandlewood and vetiver oils.
4. Scenting the Home
Many people find the scent of patchouli deeply relaxing and grounding, making it a wonderful oil to burn in a diffuser after coming home from a long day. Blend with lavender when you are ready to go to sleep or combine with peppermint when you need to de-stress, but aren’t ready for bed just yet.
