Patchouli
Profile
| Latin Name | Pogostemon patchouli / Pogostemon cablin |
| Chinese Name | Huo Xiang |
| Family | Lamiaceae/Labiatae |
| Note | Base (it really is a base note, it stays around) |
| Aroma | <Strong>, Woody, Spicy, Musky |
| Color | Amber |
| Parts Distilled | Dried Fermented Leaves |
| Regions | Brazil, Burma, China, India, Indonesia, Paraguay, Philippines |
| Taste | Spicy |
| Nature | Slightly warming, slightly astringent |
| Affinity | LU/SP/ST |
| Major Chemical Constituents | Sesquiterpenes (40-50%), Sesquiterpenols (35-45%) |
| Skin Type | Mature, Cracked/Broken Skin |
| Dosage | 3-4% Warming/Uplifting; 6-10% Cooling/Sedating |
Used as a fixative in blends (see Fixatives).
TCM Categories
Functions
- Release the exterior and expel dampness; prevent wen-yi / pestilent qi
- Harmonize the Middle Heater, vomiting, nausea, lethargy, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, diarrhea
- Transform dampness for water retention
- Release pent-up emotions due to its alchemical distillation
Indications
Topical Applications
- Apply directly as an antifungal for athlete's foot, scar tissue
Other Applications
- Diffuse with Citronella to prevent the spreading of infections.
Specific Protocols
- 5% dilution with Patchouli over CV-17 or CV-15 to release pent-up emotions.
- Apply direct drop for emptiness of SP Luo (Gong Sun, SP-4) and to open the Chong Vessel.
- 4% dilution of Patchouli (40%), Bergamot (30%), and Cedarwood (30%) for the prevention of Wind-Cold for those with chronic susceptibility to upper respiratory tract conditions.
- 8% dilution of Patchouli (40%), Lavender (30%), and Eucalyptus radiata (30%) for Wind-Heat after onset.
Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antifungal
- Fumigant (diffuse)
- Nervine
- Tonic
- Vascular decongestant (e.g., hemorrhoids, varicose veins)
- Insect bites
Contraindications & Cautions
- None
- Though excessive use will result in nervousness and insomnia
Notes
- Bad rap as Hippie oil
- For lingering chronic wind cold damp; helps the SP & Lu get over it
- Good for children, especially for the Chronic Wind-Cold they catch at school from September to May; clears runny nose.
- Strong nervine
- Transforms the nature of our emotions; not just letting them go, there is a transformation component
- Turning the light and heat of our own process upon ourselves. Patchouli creates a sticky base for this, much like the fermentation it has undergone, allowing that transformation within ourselves.
- Good for any damp heat fermentation at the SP level.
- What could I have done differently?
- What more could I have done?
- For any mental or psychological damp
- Diffused to prevent the spread of an epidemic, but requires a top note such as lavender, orange, lemon, clove, or myrtle.
- Number one oil for the Chong Mai
Additional Comments
- Patchouli quality is generally poor because most is industrial grade.
- Fixative – stabilizing to other oils
From Class
- Huo Xiang (Agastache / patchouli): Fragrances for those left behind — grief, loss, sadness. (Yuen)
- Patchouli (Huo Xiang substitute) — Chong Mai: Patchouli is an important oil for Chong Mai, the blueprint that manifests the soul; changes connection to the deceased. (Yuen)
- Petitgrain or patchouli: Oil that resonates with LV-13 Zhangmen; apply a drop on the point. (Yuen)