PATCHOULI - in combination with VETIVER, for children with ADHD or AUTISM

Patchouli essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and flowers of a medium sized (up to three foot high) leafy bush with small pinkish-white flowers. The plant is of the mint family and is native to the tropical regions of Asia. It is now widely grown in Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, West Africa, Vietnam and can be cultivated in the Americas. There are three primary species of the plant, cablin, heyneanus, and hortenis. Many essential oils come from the heyneanus which is a less effective oil. DoTerra uses the oil distilled from the cablin species that produces the best essential oil and has a noticeably different odor than the inferior oils.

Patchouli has been used by Asian cultures for centuries for its medicinal properties. Because of its properties it was used to fight infections, for digestive disorders, for skin care, and as an antidote for insect and even snake bites. In our modern era it became popular with the hippie generation during the ‘60s for, maybe other than truly medicinal purchases. Both Tisserand and Schnaubelt mention the pungent odor even likening it to the “smell of goats, musty attics and old coats”. This strong and persistent odor elicits both positive and negative responses. Some suggest its heavy, musty odor becomes an acquired taste and the odor has the unique property of “improving with age” like a fine wine.



Typical Applications

Patchouli, as with other oils, has a variety of properties leading to many uses. The heavy musky odor helps many control anxiety or fight depression. Aromatically it is also effective with breathing disorders. Because of its antibacterial properties it may be applied topically to wounds and has the added benefit of regeneration of skin tissue thereby reducing scarring. It may also be used topically for insect and snake bites. Further, for the skin, it is a great cleansing agent and has been suggested for acne, dermatitis, eczema and even hemorrhoids.

Dr. David Hill in discussing the properties of patchouli mentions it having more than 24 sesquiterpenes that allows this essential oil to cross the blood-brain barrier making it a very effective protector of the central nervous system. He also suggests it is effective, in combination with vetiver, for children with ADHD or autism and adults with Alzheimer’s or recovering from a stroke. His application suggestions are to apply a few drops to the roof of the mouth, the base of the skull, or the bottom of the feet or to simply breath the aroma of patchouli.