Overview

Patchouli oil is the oil taken from the dried leaves, young leaves, and shoots of a plant called patchouli (Pogostemon cablin). It is used to make medicine.

People use patchouli oil as a mosquito repellent, for the common cold, cancer, headache, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

In foods and beverages, patchouli oil is used as a flavoring. In manufacturing, patchouli oil is used as a fragrance in perfumes and cosmetics.

How does it work ?

Patchouli oil might help fight certain kinds of bacterial and fungal infections. It might also reduce inflammation.

Patchouli oil might help fight certain kinds of bacterial and fungal infections. It might also reduce inflammation.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Mosquito repellent. Early research shows that applying patchouli oil to the skin can repel mosquitoes for about 2 hours. Applying patchouli oil in combination with turmeric oil and another oil might work for even longer.
  • Stress. Early research suggests that inhaling patchouli oil may reduce stress when used for 2 days. But it's unclear if it is helpful if used for more than 2 days.
  • Bad breath.
  • Cancer.
  • Common cold.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea.
  • Stomach pain.
  • Vomiting.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of patchouli oil for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Patchouli oil seems to be safe in food amounts. But there isn't enough information to know if it is safe when used in larger medicinal amounts or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough information to know if patchouli oil is safe when applied to the skin or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Patchouli oil seems to be safe in food amounts. But there isn't enough information to know if it is safe when used in larger medicinal amounts or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough information to know if patchouli oil is safe when applied to the skin or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if patchouli oil is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for PATCHOULI OIL overview.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of patchouli oil depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for patchouli oil. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.