Smells Like Dirt...The Grounding Power of Patchouli for Stress Awareness Month

In a recent workshop geared toward supporting people through stress and burnout, I shared a pallet of essential oils known for their ability to ground, soothe, and calm. One of the oils I shared was patchouli. I described its properties and scent: grounding, earthy, deep, slightly sweet. And as we smelled it someone said --- "it smells like dirt".

And I had to agree. While "dirt" may not sound as lovely as floral or citrus; dirt, hay, those earthy smells certainly help ground us and guide us and can frankly be quite wonderful.

Patchouli is distilled from the leaves of Pogostemon cablin. It's used in perfumes and incense and became a signature scent for "hippies" in the 1960s era and has long served as a deodorant and insect repellent.

How did this scent become popular in the West? In "The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy" by Salvatore Battaglia notes our fascination with patchouli began in the first part of the 19th century. There was a tremendous amount of trade between countries of carpets, fabrics, clothes, and woven accessories. Course ground or crushed patchouli was packaged alongside these goods not for aesthetic purposes but for commercial purposes. What began as a way to deter insects from corrupting goods became a sign of authenticity.

Patchouli essential oil can be referred to as "light" or "dark" --- with the latter distilled in cast iron vats to create a

Aprils is Stress Awareness Month and invites us to pause and find ways to support our emotional well-being.

And I believe patchouli essential oil (Pogostemon cablin) is a powerful ally that can fly under the radar or has a "hippie" reputation that perhaps could use a rebrand. Its rich, earthy aroma, patchouli has long been valued in traditional practices for its centering and calming properties—and recent research is beginning to support what aromatherapists have long known.

A Soothing Scent for the Mind and Body

Aromatic inhalation of patchouli oil may help create a sense of balance and ease. In a study on humans, inhaling certain essential oils, including patchouli, was found to influence the autonomic nervous system—calming the body’s stress response by reducing sympathetic nervous activity (Haze et al., 2002). In simpler terms, it may help the body shift from “fight or flight” to “rest and restore.”

Emotional Balance, Naturally

A 2022 study found that patchouli oil (Tapak Tuan variety) was associated with increased dopamine levels in a rat model, suggesting potential mood-balancing effects (Astuti et al., 2022). While more research is needed in humans, this supports traditional use of patchouli for emotional grounding and uplift.

Restful Rhythms

Further supporting patchouli's relaxing potential, vapor inhalation of Microtoena patchouli oil was found to have sedative effects in animal studies (Ito & Ito, 2011). This may explain why many people find patchouli helpful in winding down after a long day or supporting rituals of rest and mindfulness.

Ways to Use Patchouli During Stress Awareness Month: Here a two aroma inhaler blend suggestions I shared during a recent workshop:

Grounding Blend 1:

7 drops lavender

7 drops orange

1 drops Patchouli

Grounding Blend 2:

7 drops Grapefruit

7 drops Orange

1-2 drops Patchouli

Add oils to the wick of an aroma inhaler, snap the plastic base into the bottom of the tube to seal your inhaler. To use: Uncap, inhale gently, and enjoy!Use it as needed throughout your day to ground and promote a feeling of relaxation or peace.

Whether you're navigating burnout, daily stress, or simply seeking more calm, patchouli’s grounding essence can offer a small yet powerful way to reconnect with yourself and the present moment.

Explore our calming blends or create your own. Let us know how we can support your self-care journey.

Aromatic blessings,

Tricia

Products made with care for people and the planet.

References:

• Astuti et al., (2022) Antidepressant-like Activity of Patchouli Oil var. Tapak Tuan (Pogostemon cablin Benth) via Elevated Dopamine Level: A Study Using Rat Model. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 15,5,608. doi: 10.3390/ph15050608. PMID: 35631434; PMCID: PMC9145128.

• Haze et al., (2002) Effects of fragrance inhalation on sympathetic activity in normal adults. Japanese Journal of Pharmacology 90, 247-253.

• Ito & Ito, (2011) Sedative effects of vapor inhalation of the essential oil of Microtoena patchouli and its related compounds. Journal of Natural Medicine 65, 2, 336-43.