Patchouli was a favored scent among the Woodstock hippie generation. This heavy, earthy scent comes from the leaves of both Pogestemon cablin and Pogestemon patchouli. A steam distillation process of the leaves produces patchouli essential oil. This oil, which becomes darker and more aromatic with age, is a common fixative in many perfumes. People tend to either love the scent of patchouli or hate it, but if you are an admirer of this exotic scent you can use patchouli essential oil alone or mixed with other ingredients for various applications.
Mix 15 drops of patchouli essential oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil, such as olive oil, to create aromatic massage oil.
Add 10 drops of patchouli essential oil to ½ cup of warm water and use as a facial wash. Use a washcloth to wash your face with the solution, followed by a rinse with plain water.
Dissolve 5 to 10 drops of patchouli essential oil, depending on how strong a scent you desire, to a cup of milk and add the mixture to your bathwater for a scented bath.
Fill a footbath with warm water and add 5 drops of patchouli essential oil to the water for a relaxing footbath solution.
Apply 6 drops of patchouli essential oil to a warm, damp washcloth for a scented body rub. After a shower, rub the washcloth over your body and let yourself air dry.
Add eight drops per ounce to your hair conditioner to help treat dandruff problems.