PATCHOULI, Pogostemon cablin

Latin name: Pogostemon cablin

Distilled part: branches

Origin: Indonesia

Properties: anti-inflammatory, haemostatic, insect repellent, lymph tonic, phlebotonic, cell regenerating

Indications: skin wounds, mosquito repellent, cracked skin, eczema, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, psoriasis, wrinkles, varicose veins

Contraindications: None at physiological doses.

For more information: see the newsletter written by Maurice Nicole below

POGOSTEMON CABLIN (PATCHOULI), THE HIPPIE SCENT WITH COUNTLESS BENEFITS!

Patchouli is a tropical plant native to the Philippines and Indonesia. Its name comes from the Tamil words “patch” (meaning “green”) and “ilai” (meaning “leaf”), which together form ‘patchleaf’ in English—a term that eventually became “patchouli.”

It was long used in Asia as a moth repellent. In Malaysia, China, and Japan, it was reputed to be effective against snake bites and venomous insect stings. In Arab countries, it was used to combat fevers and epidemics.

It was not truly discovered until the advent of modern perfumery, around 1840, in the Philippines, by Western botanists. Because it possesses remarkable fixative properties, patchouli essential oil quickly became an indispensable ingredient in perfumes and cosmetics: “Socking” by Schiaparelli, “Poison” by Yves Saint Laurent, etc.

Distillation of the flowering plant yields 2.5 to 3%. The leaves and flowering tops, once harvested, are dried and then lightly fermented before being distilled. The essential oil is brownish-yellow to greenish in color. Its strong, penetrating scent is very distinctive and leaves no one indifferent! Its composition is dominated by sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenols, including 30% patchoulol, which are “heavy” molecules that give it its thick, viscous consistency.

Studies have shown that patchoulol exhibits antiemetic (1), antispasmodic (2), and sedative (3) properties. Other studies have demonstrated its antifungal properties, particularly against Candida albicans (4). The essential oil has a solid reputation as a phlebotonic, used to treat varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and venous congestion, and as an anti-inflammatory, particularly for dermatitis. It has also proven to be an excellent antibacterial agent against bacteria involved in skin conditions such as acne. Finally, research has confirmed its effectiveness as a moth repellent.

On a psycho-energetic level, its aroma is musky, masculine, pungent, earthy, woody, powerful, and persistent. It possesses an oriental and sensual character reminiscent of both sandalwood and valerian or nard. It is ideal for daydreamers who feel detached from physical reality and have little interest in the material aspects of life. When lightly diffused or massaged onto the solar plexus, this essential oil will encourage openness to life’s pleasures.

Properties

• Phlebotonic and lymphotonic++++
• Astringent++++
• Skin anti-inflammatory and tissue regenerator++++
• Skin antibacterial+++
• Antifungal++++
• Moth repellent
• Antiemetic+++
• Antispasmodic+++
• Sedative+++

Indications

• Varicose veins, hemorrhoids, venous congestion
• Eczema, acne
• Bedsores, fissures
• Candidiasis, vaginitis, onychomycosis, athlete’s foot

Application examples

HEMORRHOIDS

• Pogostemon cablin 1 ml
• Mentha arvensis 1 ml
• Pelargonium x asperum 1ml
• Lantana camara davanonifera 1 ml
• Helichrysum italicum 1 ml
• St. John’s Wort oil (Hypericum perforatum) 10 ml
• Tamanu oil (Calophyllum inophyllum) 10 ml

Dosage: Apply to the affected area 3 times a day or more often as needed.

ATHLETE FEET

• Pogostemon Cablin 5 ml
• Cymbopogon martinii 5 ml
• Laurus nobilis 5 ml

Dosage: Apply to the affected area several times a day.

Contraindications: None known

Bibliography:

• Yang, Y., Kinoshita, K., Koyama, K. et al. (1999). Anti-emetic principles of Pogostemon cablin(Blanco) Benth. Phytomedicine, 6:89-93.
• Ichikawa, K., Kinoshita, T., Sankawa, U. (1989). The screening of Chinese crude drugs for CA2 + antagonist activity: Identification of active principles from the aerial part of Pogostemon cablin and The fruits of Prunus mume. Chemical & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 37:345-348.
• Ito, K., Ito, M. (2011). Sedative Effects of vapor inhalation of the essential oil ofMicrotoena Patchouli and its related compounds. Journal of Natural Medicine (in press).
• Depo, Yang, Danièle, Michel, Danièle, Mahajan, Harinome, Mian, Philippe, Poitry, Jean-Pierre, Chaumont & Joëlle Millet-Clerc, Acta Botanica Gallica, 143(1), 1996.

This Hunzaroma newsletter was written by Maurice Nicole, ND. A., Institute of Scientific Aromatherapy.