When we think of Patchouli, many of us remember the '60's and the sweet/pungent scent of patchouli incense and oil that sometimes became overwhelming. The smell of patchouli is unique and a little goes a long way! Patchouli comes in an essential oil that is a profound healer.
From a bush that grows in tropical regions, Patchouli oil is dark and rich and extracted from the leaves. It is used full strength to (very effectively!!) kill fungal infections of the toe and finger nails of humans. For this, it is economical. It is just as effective for infections of a horse's hooves (treating thrush or abscesses) but becomes cost prohibitive to use full strength. It can be added to hoof oils as a preventative.
For dogs, patchouli can be used in a carrier oil (olive or sunflower - never grapeseed since the dog might ingest the grape product by licking) - 5 drops essential oil to one ounce of carrier oil - for skin infections and eczema. At 10 drops per ounce it is a good oil for humans for treatment of eczema. This can be massaged into the scalp 20 minutes before shampooing.
Patchouli oil in small doses on the skin and diffused into the air is uplifting and cheerful. In large doses it actually becomes sedative.
To scent the air, put 10 drops essential oil of Patchouli (you can also add 10 drops essential oil of orange or bitter orange) to 8 ounces of water in a spray bottle with just a drop of liquid soap to help emulsify the oil into the water. Shake well each time before misting into the air.
The essential oil of Patchouli can be added to insect repellents for horses, dogs and people.When your fly or mosquito repellent is just not working very well, try some drops of patchouli oil! It is used in soaps and lotions to condition the skin and repel parasites.
Too much Patchouli oil will make you or your animal a "walking stick of incense" in warm weather, so be conservative in its use during the day. Night time is perfect for its use full strength on nail infections. It is effective added to deodorants in small doses.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Remember, all beings have their own individual metabolisms - some animals and people can be sensitive to essential oils, so start with very small amounts, to test for reactions. To remove essential oils from the skin, use a vegetable oil (like dissolves like). To clean up containers, rinse them with isopropyl alcohol.
We love Patchouli oil as a gentle healer and cheerful addition to our lives. You can find the essential oil at health food stores and herb shops.
