Properties and composition
This essential oil is extracted from the fermented leaves of the tropical patchouli shrub and appears as a reddish or greenish-brown viscous liquid with a characteristic woody camphor odor.
The chemical composition consists of a number of components, including benzaldehyde, patchoulol, nonpatchoulol and eugenol. The latter is often used in perfumery to compose compositions. Indications:
- unhealthy complexion;
- peeling;
- dryness, small wrinkles;
- lack of tone, the first signs of skin aging;
- excess greasiness;
- acne, minor violations of the integrity of the skin, cracks, scratches.
Contraindications:
- individual intolerance;
- pregnancy;
- gastritis and peptic ulcer (when taken orally).
How and why patchouli essential oil is extracted: a story with a tart aroma
In India, Malaysia, China, and Japan, the deep, bitter scent of patchouli has long been used to scent clothes and living spaces. People believed that it attracted good luck, wealth and prosperity to the house. In addition, it was believed that this smell helps to establish harmonious intimate relationships in a married couple.
The humble patchouli shrub has become a favorite among Hindus.
But time does not stand still, and now, in order to be convinced of all these wonderful qualities, it is not at all necessary to go to distant lands - you just need to go to the pharmacy and buy patchouli essential oil.
The process of extracting it is quite complicated: first, the young leaves of the bush are dried, and then fermented and the raw material is exposed to steam. As a result of production, a light, flowing, transparent liquid with a reddish-yellowish tint is obtained.
It contains up to 45% patchoulene, 40% patchoulop and a number of other chemical compounds.
All the efforts to produce patchouli oil pay off with interest, because the result is a product with amazing properties.
Benefit
Patchouli oil perfectly tidies the skin of the face. Thanks to its soft but effective effect, peeling disappears, smoothness and elasticity appear. The color becomes better and the tone is evened out. Wrinkles are less noticeable, the skin looks hydrated, more toned, and its tone returns. The product stimulates the process of cell regeneration, so your face remains fresh and youthful longer.
In addition, it also has healing properties. If your skin has minor damage (cracks, scratches, wounds), the drug will help get rid of them faster. It also works well when you want to clear up pimples or treat acne faster.
The product will bring a lot of benefits to oily skin due to its ability to influence the functioning of the sebaceous glands, normalizing it. If you use patchouli oil regularly, sebum production will decrease over time and associated problems will go away.
Harm
Patchouli oil, when used externally as part of home cosmetics, is practically incapable of causing harm. An exception is cases of individual intolerance. Some people may experience headaches, an unpleasant feeling of heaviness, dizziness, a burning sensation in the eyes, an allergic cough and a runny nose while using the product. This happens rarely, but if you show signs of an allergy to this product, it is better to stop using it. Fortunately, there are many other healthy oils on sale that can replace it.
Problems may also arise if you use it in extreme heat. When the outside temperature is above +30 degrees, it is better to refrain from using this remedy - against the background of the heat, it can cause dizziness, even if you usually do not complain about this.
It is also not recommended to get too carried away with essential oils and use several strong products at the same time. You can overload your skin and instead of the expected positive effect, you will get irritation, redness and rashes.
What is the difference between imported and Russian patchouli oil?
There is no particular difference in the quality of products between different conscientious manufacturers
There is a wide range of natural aromatic oils on the market, and choosing a quality product from them is not easy. Buyers, tempted by the affordable price of domestic products, are faced with the question - what is the difference between imported and Russian patchouli oil?
Only natural essential oil has a full range of wonderful properties. Low quality and adulterated extracts will have a similar odor but minimal of these healing properties. The color and thickness will also be appropriate. Therefore, it is better to give preference to imported products.
One of its optimal representatives in terms of quality and price ratio is the Swiss company Vivasan.
Methods of application
There are many ways to use patchouli oil to benefit your beauty. It is not used in its pure form, but is added as one of the components to various mixtures, which are then applied to the face in masks. In combination with other natural ingredients, it has an extremely beneficial effect on the skin of the face, especially on the delicate area around the eyes.
It also works well in cases where a few drops are added to a portion of shampoo or cream. The oil enriches your regular skin care products and makes them more nourishing. With it, your skin is always better hydrated and looks more well-groomed.
For face
Patchouli oil helps smooth out fine wrinkles and even out skin tone. It will make minor blemishes, such as acne marks or flaking, disappear from your face. There are many recipes for masks and other homemade skincare products using oil, but you can simply add it to your regular face cream and apply it at night.
Just a few drops are enough to improve the nutritional properties of your daily cosmetics. It has a beneficial effect on the skin, tightens pores, and scars and scars, if you have them, will become smaller after use. It will also make age spots invisible.
For the skin around the eyes
In the area around the eyes, our skin is especially delicate and it is not worth overloading it with oils and heavy fatty creams. It swells easily, so if you apply the wrong product at night, you may find unpleasant consequences on your face in the morning.
Patchouli oil, however, can be used to care for the area around the eyes. It works especially well on tired, dry skin that needs hydration and tone restoration. Below I will give the recipe.
Recipes
- To care for the skin around the eyes, you can make the following mix of oils: one drop of patchouli, three of lavender, seven of jojoba. Mix everything well, apply to the skin under the eyes and leave there for twenty minutes. Then carefully wipe off any remaining residue that has not been absorbed with a soft cloth or paper handkerchief.
- If you want to achieve a lifting effect at home, make an oil mask from patchouli and sweet grapes. It is recommended to smear a mixture of sesame oil and patchouli on severely flaky and damaged skin. The result will not appear immediately, several sessions will be required. This mask can be safely applied a couple of times a day; according to reviews, the results are good.
- To make your skin look fresher and tighter, make a mask based on almond oil (10 ml), adding a few drops of chamomile and patchouli. Use this mix two to three times a week, the rejuvenation effect is guaranteed. It is recommended to apply this, like any other oil mask, in the evening, when you are not in a hurry and are preparing for a night's rest.
For acne
If you have acne and want to get rid of them as quickly as possible, patchouli will help you with this. In addition to the main ingredient, you will need five grams of white and blue clay, as well as calendula extract (15 drops).
Take a convenient container, wipe it dry and mix two types of clay there first, then add calendula extract and patchouli essential oil to them, mix everything well. If you do not have ulcers on your face, you can steam your skin with a hot towel before applying the mask. Otherwise, just wash your face using a mild toner.
Apply the mask with massage movements and leave for about twenty minutes, and then rinse with cool water. You need to repeat this procedure once every two days for two weeks, and the acne will certainly recede.
For rejuvenation
Another home remedy for skin rejuvenation is a milk-based mask. Here, in addition to patchouli oil, you will also need a little turmeric, a tablespoon of milk and five grams of henna. The milk should be hot. Henna is poured with it and left for thirty minutes to infuse. Then patchouli and turmeric (a couple of pinches) are added to the mixture. Before application, the skin must be thoroughly cleansed using any method suitable for you.
The mask is applied in a thick layer and left for forty minutes. You can wash it off with cool water or, even better, rosehip decoction. Afterwards, the skin needs to be thoroughly moisturized. For example, natural cocoa butter is suitable for this.
The procedure will have an excellent healing effect. The skin will become toned, fine wrinkles will be less noticeable, and the oval of the face will become clearer.
For dryness
Magic patchouli oil will also help dry skin. To do this, mix a banana mask. Mash the fruit into a puree, add 15 grams of fresh homemade sour cream and a few drops of patchouli essential oil. Gently wipe your face with micellar water, then apply a thick layer of your aromatic mask and leave for 15 minutes. The main thing is don’t try to lick it off!
The remaining composition will need to be wiped off with a soft paper towel; there is no need to wash your face after this. This mask is very useful and will also give your skin a wonderful, delicious smell.
For oily skin
Masks based on patchouli oil are suitable for people with oily skin. It can successfully reduce the activity of the sebaceous glands if you smear this mask on your face regularly, twice or thrice a month, and do not forget about daily basic care.
The recipe is as follows: mix lemon and patchouli oils with egg whites beaten until thick foam and liquid honey (10 grams). Apply this mixture to previously cleansed and steamed skin and leave for thirty minutes. Then you will need to wash your face with chilled calendula infusion.
Aromatherapy with patchouli oil
Scientists have long proven that many neurological, mental, digestive and hormonal processes are associated with the sense of smell. This is why aromatherapy is so widely used in Eastern medicine. Today this practice has become widespread in everyday life. Essential oils, incense sticks and candles can be easily purchased at any pharmacy or specialty stores.
Patchouli oil has an aroma that suits everyone. It either immediately captivates with its smell, or disgusts, but certainly does not leave anyone indifferent. Those who prefer oriental exoticism, heavy woody and earthy notes will like it. Patchouli is often the main component of men's perfume.
Aromatherapy is widely used in Eastern medicine
Aromatherapy with patchouli oil will help eliminate anxiety, stress and depression, and restore good mood. The smell of this plant invigorates, gives strength and determination. At the same time, it is useful to inhale ether vapors before going to bed; this will relieve insomnia and put you in a calm mood. Aromatherapy is another effective way to awaken sensuality and increase libido. If the date is at home, aromatizing the room with patchouli oil will help set yourself and your partner in the right mood.
Aromatherapy options:
- aroma pendant - add 2-3 drops of the extract inside the pendant and wear it on you throughout the day;
- aroma combing - apply 6 drops of oil to a wooden comb and comb your hair for 5-6 minutes;
- aroma lamp - add ether to the water poured into the aroma lamp at the rate of 3 drops per 15 square meters. m. premises; You can repeat the procedure every day;
- spraying - add 400 ml of water with 3 drops of ethereal extract dissolved in it into a spray bottle;
- aromatic evaporation - add 1-2 drops of oil to a small saucer filled with water, place the container on the windowsill or in any convenient place, the evaporation will saturate the air with the aroma of patchouli.
The simplest method of aromatherapy is as follows: apply 1-2 drops of essential oil to a handkerchief or piece of cloth and inhale the oil vapor for several minutes until a feeling of cheerfulness appears when you are depressed or until you feel calm when you are nervous.
One way to carry out aromatherapy indoors is to spray aromatic water using a spray bottle.
Patchouli oil not only helps in eliminating ailments, but also successfully fights moths, flies, mosquitoes and bedbugs. To do this, just add 4 drops of ether to 500 ml of water, pour the liquid into a container with a spray bottle and spray it in a room or car once every 2 days.
Since ancient times, there has been a belief that the scent of patchouli attracts good luck and financial well-being. If previously it was enough to keep the dried stems of this plant at home, today the method of attracting wealth has changed a little. Lubricate the inside of the wallet with oil (2-3 drops) or carefully apply the ether to a credit card. It is believed that the smell of patchouli will soon attract money, valuable finds and winnings to the owner of these things.
All methods of aromatherapy with patchouli essential oil show their effectiveness after the first use.
Efficiency and result
Patchouli oil really works. This is evidenced by numerous reviews. Products based on patchouli oil provide an excellent lifting effect. After using them, the skin becomes more toned and fresh. If there were problems with excess sebum secretion, they will go away over time. The tone is evened out and minor defects disappear.
The only thing you need to remember is that patchouli oil is an active component, and it should not be added to cosmetics in too large quantities so as not to provoke allergies or irritation.
Another advantage of this product is that its price is low. You can buy a small 10 ml bottle of patchouli oil for 100 rubles or more (depending on the manufacturer and container volume).