EARTH TONES

Part III

Patchouli

Patchouli, Pogostemon cablin, is a tall herb in the mint family indigenous to southeast and tropical Asia. The leaves are huge, furry and topped with tiny white and purple flowers.  Fermented leaves are steam distilled to produce a dark amber essential oil, thick and very earthy smelling.  A good patchouli essential oil will improve with age, bringing a rich herbaceous aroma from the depths of a musk scent.  Every layer of aroma has high odor intensity, mysterious and distinctive.  In the Orient, patchouli leaves are stripped and woven into carpet and fabric for its scent and as an insect repellent.

            In aromatherapy, patchouli benefits the nervous system as an antidepressant and aphrodisiac.  It also reduces stress and anxiety.  It is a scent diluted in small amounts; best combine with orange, floral and spicy aromas.  Allow the scent to grow to your liking.  Most women soften to its flavor when I tell them it reduces wrinkles and aging skin.  I did too!

Antidepressant Antianxiety blend

            In ¼ ounce of carrier oil add the following essential oils:

                        20 drops of Neroli

                        12 drops of Rose (absolute has the most aroma in this blend)

                          2 drops of Patchouli

                          1 drop of Cedarwood (Virginia cedarwood is best in this blend) optional

            Allow curing overnight.  Apply a few drops on the nape of the neck and massage gently.  You may also apply 1 drop to skin nearest the hairline above the ears.  The hair will allow the scent to lift slowly.  Reapply the blend again as needed, day or night.  Store in dark glass with a tight fitting cap. Refrigerate leftover blend.  This blend may be worn as a perfume.

            Patchouli also works well at the far end of the body for athlete’s foot and fungal infections.  Here is a potent blend for fungal growth.

Antifungal blend

            In 1 ounce of aloe gel or carrier oil, add the following essential oils:

                        2 drops of Patchouli

                        2 drops of Tea tree

                        1 drop of Oregano

            Allow curing 3 hours. Lightly massage on affected area twice daily.  Do a patch test if using on the groin area or any sensitive place before massaging the blend onto the entire area.  It may take at least 30 days before a cure occurs.  Store any leftover oil blend in a cool, dark place in dark glass with a tight fitting cap

Patchouli and rose are a classic combination for an ant aging formula and natural perfume.  Add a few drops of bergamot to add a lighter high (head) note.

Ant aging natural fragrance

In ½ ounce of jojoba oil add the following essential oils:

            15 drops of Bergamot

            22 drops of Rose

              1 drop of Patchouli

Allow to cure in dark glass with a tight fitting top 24 hours.  Adjust the blend by adding 1 drop of patchouli if desired, or 2 drops of rose or bergamot.  Add 1 drop at a time.  Allow to cure 3 more hours. Dot on clean, dry, facial skin and massage lightly until absorbed morning and night.  Refrigerate any leftover blend.

            Patchouli is beneficial for acne treatment.  Combine with Palmarosa, it is very effective for acne and scarring.

Antiagine natural fragrance

In ½ ounce of jojoba oil add the following essential oils:

            15 drops Bergamot

            22 drops of Rose

              1 drop of Patchouli

Allow to cure in dark glass with a tight fitting top 24 hours.  Adjust the blend by adding 1 drop of patchouli if desired, or 2 drops of rose or bergamot.  Add 1 drop at a time.  Allow to cure 3 more hours.  Dot on clean, dry, facial skin and massage lightly until absorbed morning and night.  Refrigerate any leftover blend.

            Patchouli is beneficial for acne treatment.  Combined with Palmarosa, it is very effective for acne and scarring.

Acne and acne scars

            In 1 ounce of aloe vera gel, add the following essential oils:

                        3 drops of Patchouli

                       15 drops of Palmarosa

                        1 drop Sandalwood

                        8 drops of Lavendula

            Allow to cure 3 hours in a dark glass bottle with a tight fitting cap.  Massage lightly on affected skin after cleansing morning and night.  Store leftover blend in the refrigerator. 

Cypress

            The Cypress tree, Cupressus sempervirens, is another grounding essential oil very connected to the earth.  An essential oil is produced from steam distillation of twigs and leaves,  The slightly yellow essential oil has a very resinous, warm balsamic aroma with a hint of a sweet ambergris scent.

            Psychologically, Cypress brings out the best practical nature, dispelling scattered thoughts and avoidance of every day details.  The aroma gets our heads out of the clouds and keeps reality in the present moment.  Cypress restores calmness and supports those who feel “stressed out” or overburdened.  It combines with clary sage and lavender to stop crying spells.

Crying Spells

            In ½ ounce of sesame oil, add the following essential oils:

                        5 drops of Cypress

                        20 drops of Lavendula

                        2 drops of Clary Sage

            Bottle in dark glass with a tight fitting cap.  If possible, cure 3  hours before application.  When needed immediately, turn the bottle 3 times to combine the oils.  Apply to the forehead, back of the neck and bottom of the feet.  Have the recipient rest in a quiet, cozy area.

            Note:  This blend can be released in an aroma lamp throughout a room.  Delete the sesame oil and only infuse the essential oils.

            Physically, Cypress strengthens weakened connective tissue through massage.  Cypress aids in reducing heavy bleeding, especially during menses and menopause.  In massage, it reduces heat flashes and may inhibit growth of ovarian cysts.

Bleeding and Heat flash Blend

            In 1 ounce of carrier oil, add the following essential oils:

                        10 drops of Cypress

                        2 drops of Clary sage

                        5 drops of Yarrow

            Bottle in dark glass with a tight fitting cap.  Allow to cure 3 hours.  Massage onto the pelvis and lower back 2 or 3 times daily to reduce symptoms.  Store leftover blend in a cool, dark place.

            Cypress reduces the appearance of spider and varicose veins.

Varicose Vein Application

            In 1 ounce of witch hazel or carrier oil, add the following essential oils:

                        5 drops of Cypress

                        3 drops of Yarrow

                        3 drops of Lemongrass

                        1 drop of Juniper

            Bottle in dark glass with a tight fitting top.  Allow to cure 3 hours.  Apply the blend around, but not directly on or under varicose veins.  Massage very lightly with upward strokes, always toward the heart.  Keep the legs elevated and comfortable.  A cold compress may be applied afterward.  Repeat as needed.

            $ for broken capillaries, a very light application may be applied directly on the area.  Repeat twice daily.

            Store left over blend in the refrigerator.

            Add Cypress to an aroma lamp to reduce spasmodic coughing and constantly draining sinuses.

Couch and Sinus Blend

            Combine 5 drops of Rosemary and 7 drops of Cypress in an aroma lamp and infuse into a room.          

            Cypress is beneficial for reducing excessive foot and body perspiration.  It works well in a footbath.

Foot and Body Perspiration Blend

            In 6 cups of warm water add the following essential oils:

                        8 drops of Cypress

                        2 drops of Sage

            Pour the water into a 2-quart container or foot bath.  Soak the feet 15 minutes.  Dry the feet with a clean towel.  This soak can be repeated daily for 7 to 10 days, or as needed to reduce perspiration.

            Note:  Some prescription drugs cause increased perspiration.  This blend will aid

In reducing symptoms.