Patchouli leaves have been used to make an infusion to treat dysentery, diarrhea, colds without fevers, vomiting, and nausea. Fresh leaves bruised and applied to burns aid in healing. The essential oil is used externally to treat skin problems including dry and chapped skin, fungal problems, and acne, and as an aphrodisiac. In aromatherapy it is used to calm the nerves as well as to control appetite, to treat depression, stress, and lack of sexual interest. It also has been used in deodorants, to mask perspiration; of course for this application you will want to be sure you enjoy the scent. The oil as well as the leaf infusion has been used externally to treat dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, and acne.
In parts of Arabia, China, and Japan, it was believed that applying patchouli oil before and after sexual intercourse prevented venereal disease. This has not been proven nor studied, although the actions of the oil would indicate that it could be useful in killing bacteria and viruses, but I would not recommend this as a protective measure in today's society.
Patchouli's actions are typically classified as being carminative, diaphoretic, alterative, astringent, anti-emetic, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory, and it has been shown to have cell-regenerating abilities.
The dried leaves are valuable in repelling insects such as moths from stored textiles as well as food pantries and bedding. Tuck the dried leaves between stored bed and table linens, under mattresses, and set among pantry shelves.
A quick and easy mixture for applying to the face to treat skin irritations and dry skin contains 3 drops of patchouli essential oil, 3 drops of rose oil, 3 drops of evening primrose oil, and 3 drops of lavender essential oil, mixed together in a tablespoon of almond or olive oil. Blend well and apply to the face before bed, wash away in the morning.
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