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An Overview on Patchouli Oil and Its Benefits
There are many reasons why Patchouli Oil has become such a popular choice. Some of the most common are its medical benefits, its active chemical components, its common blends with other oils, and its extraction method. However, there are also several issues to consider when purchasing or preparing it for use.
What is the Extraction method of Patchouli Oil?
Patchouli oil is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of Pogostemon cablin Benth. It is used in aromatherapy, perfumery, food flavoring manufacturing, and cosmetics.
Steam distillation is a conventional method for the extraction of plant extracts. However, it has limitations. During the process, thermal degradation of the bioactive components of the extracted oil occurs. The yield of the extract is low. The major components of the extract include patchouli alcohol, aldehydes, glycosides, and lignin. The classical smell of patchouli oil is due to the presence of patchouli alcohol.
Microwave air hydro distillation is an environmentally friendly technique that uses low energy and provides a fast extraction process. The process is able to reduce the time and cost involved in the extraction of plant oils. The results show that the physical properties of the patchouli oil obtained by the technique were improved.
The chemical components of the crude oil were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The spectroscopic position peaks were utilized for analyzing the bonding structures in the oil.
What are the Active Chemical Components of Patchouli Essential Oil?
Patchouli essential oil possesses several biological properties that are beneficial in various situations. These include antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antioxidant, insecticidal, and aphrodisiac properties. These properties are used in a variety of applications, including aromatherapy, soap making, cosmetics, detergents, and body lotions.
Patchouli oil is rich in sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, including a-patchoulene, b-patchoulene, and d-guaiene. The composition of patchouli oil varies depending on the region in which the plant was grown.
Patchouli plants are often used for treatment of respiratory diseases, fever, and a number of other ailments. Its medicinal properties have been investigated in several studies. Its antimicrobial and antifungal properties have also been studied.
Patchouli oil is effective against various pathogenic fungi, including athletes foot, candida albicans, and chlamydia. In addition, it inhibits the growth of Bacillus species, Streptococcus species, and Staphylococcus species. It has been used as an antimicrobial in preventing the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
Moreover, the patchouli herb inhibits the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, TNF-a, and IL-12. It has also been shown to protect the brain against the damage caused by hydrogen peroxide in human neuroglioma cells.
What are the Medical Applications of Patchouli Oil?
Patchouli oil has been used in medicine for centuries. It has been used to cure many different ailments, including infections. It has also been used in aromatherapy. It is known for its relaxing effect on the body. It can be diluted and applied on the skin.
In addition to its antibacterial properties, patchouli oil has antioxidant properties. It has been used to treat inflammations and rashes. In fact, it has been found to be more effective than other essential oils against certain species of bacteria.
Patchouli plants are commonly used in traditional medical practices in India. The root of the plant has strong anti-inflammatory properties. It is a widely used ingredient in soaps, cosmetics, and perfumes.
Common Blends of Patchouli with Other Oils
You can combine Patchouli Oil with many other essential oils to create a unique fragrance. These blends may include frankincense, sandalwood, and jasmine. The combination will create a spiritual scent, ideal for purifying your body and mind.
One of the most common combinations is Patchouli and Cedarwood. These two oils blend together to give a stimulating and grounding effect on your mood. They also help with respiratory problems.
Other essential oils to use with Patchouli include vanilla and bergamot. These two blends well with the sweet and woody undertones of patchouli. These blends are also popular for incense.
When creating an aromatherapy blend, you will need to know how much of each oil to use. Some essential oils are more volatile than others. That means you will need to dilute them before using them. This can be tricky.
In Conclusion
If you're going to use patchouli with other oils, you should try to get pure essential oils. Many essential oils have contaminants that limit their effectiveness. In addition, patchouli essential oil has a warm, spicy fragrance. It blends well with other essential oils. It can be used on the scalp and face. It is best to use a carrier oil before applying it. It can be absorbed into the bloodstream, so it should not be taken orally.