Day 15 is here with an essential oil that has a long shelf life and unique smell.
Patchouli essential oil has a scent people either love or hate. This essential oil is a grounding and calming oil. Patchouli is a great oil to add to your nighttime skincare routine to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and scars. It can help relax you as you prepare to sleep since this oil lingers around longer being a base note. I like to use patchouli in my bug repellant as well. This oil is inexpensive and has a long shelf life. One of my aromatherapy teachers said it gets better with age. She had a bottle that was 20 years old! A little goes a long way with this essential oil.
Essential Oil Common Name: Patchouli
Latin Name: Pogostemon cablin
Family: Lamiaceae
Part of Plant Used: Leaves
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Notes (Scent and Staying Power): Base
Safe for Ages: Safe for all ages, but there are some general guidelines when it comes to children and essential oils. But still, use caution when using topically for children under the age of 2. Sensitivities can still occur. Read here on how to do skin patch testing. If you create a blend for yourself, use a quarter of the amount of essential oil for children as a safe guideline.
Safe for Pregnancy: Yes
Safe for Breastfeeding: Yes
Topical Max: There is no topical max for this essential oil, but always dilute before applying it to the skin.
Shelf Life: 10 to 20 Years, if you store it properly and do not expose it to extreme heat.
Key Therapeutic Properties/Actions: Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antidepressant, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, CNS Sedative, Deodorant, Insect repellant
Contraindications: This essential oil has a few safety concerns according to the book Essential Oil Safety (Tisserand & Young). There is a drug interaction that may inhibit blood clotting. The following cautions are only for oral use of patchouli essential oil. There wasn’t anything in the Essential Oil Safety book or in the other references below for contraindications on inhalation or topical use of this essential oil. Inhalation and topical use can still enter the bloodstream, so that is a call you will need to make after reading this. Use caution if taking anticoagulant drugs such as aspirin, heparin, and warfarin. Use caution if you have a bleeding disorder, or ulcers or are on antidiabetic medications. Also, avoid before or after surgery by at lets 2 weeks at either end or the recommended timeframes by your doctor.
Where to purchase: Patchouli here
Thank you for reading!
Love and Nature,
Nicole
Remember: The contents of this blog post are intended for educational and informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here. Click here to read more about my medical/FDA disclaimers.
References:
Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety. (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone.
Petersen, D. (2016). Aromatherapy Materia Medica. American College of Healthcare Sciences.
Aromahead Institute. (n.d.). Aromatherapy Certification Program. [Courses]. Aromahead Institute. https://courses.aromahead.com/aromatherapy-certification-program