Creating a Calm Grounded Environment
I love Patchouli! The smell evokes memories of my flower child days, when I wore long, handmade denim skirts and tie-dyed tees. I have struggled with low self-esteem and depression most of my adult life. My life journey has been to get to the root of my fears and, one by one, let them go. Creating emotional well-being encompasses many aspects, including the use of essential oils and maintaining energetic balance.
A woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. She goes where she will without pretense, and arrives at her destination to be herself and only herself. ~Maya Angelou
Patchouli oil is derived from a species of plant belonging to the mint family. The essential oil is steam-distilled from the leaves and flowers of the plant. It has many uses, not the least of which is in balancing our nervous system and emotional body.
According to Dr. Axe, patchouli is a natural antidepressant. Inhaling or diffusing the oil has a direct impact on our hormones, encouraging the release of serotonin and dopamine. This then creates a calming and grounding environment, easing anger, depression, and anxiety.
As someone who has struggled with depression for most of my adult life, discovering the benefits of essential oils, especially Patchouli, has been a lifesaver.
I recently came across an interesting study originally published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
Inhalation of patchouli oil effectively reduced stress levels and increased compassion satisfaction among emergency nurses, suggesting that patchouli oil inhalation may improve the professional quality of life for emergency nurses. (Study abstract published by Mary Ann Libert Publishing, Inc.)
Balancing the Root Chakra with Patchouli
This chakra point, situated at the base of the spine, is the foundation of our humanness. It is our connection to the Earth herself, to all that inhabit it, and to our ancestors.
The Root Chakra is the energetic and spiritual foundation for our body’s emotional and mental well-being. When in balance, we feel safe, secure, and connected. When unbalanced, we feel fearful, anxious, and insecure.
When our body perceives a threat, whether real or perceived, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, triggering a fight-or-flight response. This indicates that the Root Chakra is out of balance.
Patchouli’s rich, woody undertones remind us of our roots. Its calming properties offer relaxation, inviting us to come into the present moment and release anxiety. It is the perfect essential oil for balancing the Root Chakra.
Inhale by placing a drop into your hand, and gently massage it in a clockwise direction. Then, cup your hands and bring them to your nose, and inhale.
Diffuse any time, especially when you feel stressed. And at nighttime, patchouli is a natural solution for insomnia.
Apply to the Root Chakra, the Crown Chakra (top of the head), and the Heart Chakra (center of the chest), and gently massage the soles of the feet.
Additional Benefits and Uses
- Anti-inflammatory
- Strengthens the immune system
- Excellent for the skin
- Relieves bug bites
- Insecticidal
- Antifungal
- Antitoxic
- Stimulates the digestive system
- Base note for many perfumes
I’m glad I found patchouli when I was a young woman. At that time, I had no idea how wonderful an essential oil it is. I used it then because I liked the smell. I use it now for all the reasons listed above.
Life happens. You can let it run you over, or you can take the steering wheel—your choice. Be brave.
References
Young Living Essential Oils (YoungLiving)
Dr. Axe, co-founder of Ancient Nutrition (https://draxe.com/essential-oils/patchouli-oil/)
Byrdie http://Byrdie.com
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in November 2020, https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/acm.2020.0206
Eastern Body, Western Mind by Anodea Judith https://anodeajudith.com/
