Patchouli is a herb from the Lamiacae family (along with lavender, peppermint, marjoram and may other herbs), and the genus Pogostemon. It is a beautiful oil, and the scent is quite deep, earthy and dark, and perhaps an oil that you wouldn’t necessarily use on its own. It is  great oil to blend with others, but you do need to get the proportions right.

I was stimulated to write this as one of my blog followers has started getting into oils and was quite surprised when she opened her first bottle of patchouli. She described it as musty which I think is quite apt – but don’t let that put you off. Patchouli’s strength is in its ability to bring a blend together as it is regarded as a base oil. If you have made a very light blend with essential oils of a simple molecular structure (like citrus oils), you may notice they evaporate quite quickly and “fly away”. A few drops of patchouli will round-out the blend and keep it closer to the earth.

Patchouli is a grounding herb which relates to the base and second chakra, and it is connected to the hippie movement of the sixties. Please see my article “World Peace, Hippies, Patchouli Oil and The Evolution of Human Consciousness” for more on patchouli and how it relates to the world in general.

It is an oil that is often used for skin disorders such as psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema. It also has skin regenerating properties so it’s great for use in face and body products too.

So let’s check out some recipes –

1. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

In a little dish mix these oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras – 3 drops of essential oils and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil – always patch test first!

“I am Connected”

When your head is in the clouds and you need to feel belonging –

Patchouli       1 drop

Rosewood     1 drop

Lemongrass   1 drop

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“Compassion”

The world needs your kindness and compassion –

Patchouli     1 drop

Rose 3%     4 drops   * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

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“(I’m Gonna Get) Get Sexy On Ya”

yep ……

Patchouli   1 drop

Ylang Ylang  1 drop

Orange         1 drop

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“Deep Sleep”

Sometimes you need a little help –

Patchouli    1 drop

Lavender    1 drop

Marjoram    1 drop

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“A Quiet Night with A Good Book”

Take some time out –

Patchouli    1 drop

Basil           1 drop

Petitgrain    1 drop

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2. Scent Your Space

In a traditional oil burner with a candle or a diffuser add 25 drops of oil

“Party, Dance”

Set the mood for a dance-off –

Rosewood         8 drops

Geranium           6 drops

Mandarin            7 drops

Patchouli            4 drops

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“Meeting of the Minds”

When you’re a bit nervous about meeting someone –

Cedarwood Virginian    6 drops

Lemon                        12 drops

Lime                             6 drops

Patchouli                       3 drops

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“Need.To.Stop.Procrastinating”

Bergamot        10 drops

Rosemary          4 drops

Juniper               6 drops

Patchouli            5 drops

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3.Nourishing Body Oil Blend

For a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil.

***** Always put the drops of essential oil into the bottle or dish first, then add the carrier oil. It gives the scents time to create a synergistic fusion.

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and  “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Lovin Myself Sick Today”

You are wonderful –

Patchouli    2 drops

Lavender    3 drops

Bergamot   3 drops

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“Soft Supple Skin”

Peru Balsam       3 drops

Palmarosa           3 drops

Patchouli             2 drops

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Happy blending and remember to use your intention when you are creating your formulas.See my article about intention.