Patchouli essential oil , ( Pogostemon cablin ). ID: 552-68

Patchouli oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves of the patchouli plant, a type of aromatic herb.

To produce patchouli oil, the leaves and stems of the plant are collected and allowed to dry. They are then subjected to a distillation process to extract the essential oil.

Patchouli oil has a variety of additional uses around the world. Some of these include:

• Treatment of skin conditions such as dermatitis, acne or dry, broken skin
• Relief of symptoms such as colds, headaches and stomach upsets
• relieving depression
• Providing feelings of relaxation and helping to relieve stress or anxiety
• helping oily hair or dandruff
• appetite control
• using as an insecticide, antifungal or antibacterial agent
• use as an additive in low concentrations to flavor foods such as candies, roasts and beverages

Many of the facts about the benefits of patchouli oil are anecdotal. This means that it comes from personal experience or testimony.

In recent years, researchers have been actively researching many of the uses and benefits of patchouli oil. Below, we will explore what their research tells us so far.

Anti-inflammatory properties

Several studies have shown that patchouli oil has anti-inflammatory action:

• Swelling is a big part of your body's inflammatory response. A recent study in mice found that a component of patchouli oil reduced chemically induced swelling in their legs and ears. Αξιόπιστη πηγή Reliable source
• Immune cells produce a variety of chemicals associated with inflammation. A 2011 study reported that pre-treated immune cells called macrophages with patchouli alcohol reduced the levels of these molecules produced by cells when stimulated. Reliable source
• Immune cells must also migrate to the site of inflammation. A 2016 study in cultured cells found that patchouli oil reduced the migration of immune cells called neutrophils. Reliable source

These findings are promising for the use of patchouli oil or its ingredients in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.

Pain relief

A 2011 study evaluated the soothing effects of patchouli extract. The researchers found that the administration of the extract reduced their response to pain in a variety of trials. span>

They noted that this soothing effect may be related to the anti-inflammatory effects of patchouli.

Skin application

In a 2014 study, researchers found that it helps reduce the formation of wrinkles and increase collagen content.

Antibacterial activity

Disease-causing bacteria infectious agents to effectively colonize a host and overcome its defenses. A recent study observed that patchouli oil was able to disrupt the biofilms and certain infectious agents of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains.

Antifungal activity

A recent study examined the antifungal activity of 60 essential oils against three species of fungi that cause disease: Aspergillus niger, Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans. Patchouli oil was found to have remarkable antifungal activity against C. neoformans.

As an insecticide

Patchouli oil has insecticidal properties and several studies have evaluated its effect on different species of insects. The discovery of natural insecticides could be very beneficial, as many anthropogenic insecticides harm the environment.

A 2008 study found that, compared to many other essential oils, patchouli oil was the most effective at killing flies when applied topically. Another study found that patchouli oil was toxic to three species of urban ants. Reliable source

Finally, a 2015 study examined the toxicity of several commercially available essential oils to two species of mosquito. Patchouli oil was found to be the most toxic.

Patchouli oil can be applied topically and also used for aromatherapy.

On your skin

It is important to always follow the correct dilution instructions when using essential oils such as patchouli oil. According to the National Holistic Aromatherapy Association, most essential oil blends for dermal application should contain between 1 and 5 percent essential oil.

Essential oils used topically should be diluted in a carrier oil. There is a wide variety of transport lubricants, such as jojoba oil, almond oil and avocado oil.

If you are worried about a skin reaction, do a test before using patchouli oil on your skin. To do this, follow these three simple steps.