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Overview: Patchouli oil is made from a plant called Pogostemon cablin. It is known for its distinct “musky” fragrance, which is commonly used in perfumes and soaps. Patchouli oil is also used in aromatherapy and applied to the skin for various purposes. Common side effects include redness and irritation. Before using patchouli oil, tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is patchouli oil used for?

Patchouli oil is used in aromatherapy and in products that are applied to the skin. It is also commonly added to perfumes and soaps as a source of fragrance. Small amounts of patchouli oil may be used as a flavoring agent.

Note: As a food flavoring, patchouli oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Learn more about GRAS status here. The FDA has not reviewed patchouli oil for safety and effectiveness for other uses. Learn more about essential oils and aromatherapy here.

How does patchouli oil work (mechanism of action)?

Patchouli oil comes from a plant called Pogostemon cablin. Patchouli oil is an essential oil. It is made by heating the leaves of the plant until certain chemicals, called volatile aromatic compounds, are released. These volatile aromatic compounds are used to make patchouli oil.

Due to its distinctive smell, patchouli oil is commonly used in aromatherapy and as a fragrance in soaps and perfumes. Its scent is often described as “musky,” which has led to interest in using it as a calming fragrance in aromatherapy. But it is unclear whether patchouli aromatherapy has any benefits for stress or mental health.

Patchouli oil is also commonly added to skin care products. In some cases, it is used to mask the smell of other ingredients. But some products claim that patchouli oil itself can help soothe irritated or dry skin and reduce wrinkles. The benefits of patchouli oil for any of these uses are poorly studied and not well defined.

Some of the chemicals in patchouli oil, including patchoulol and pogostone, may help repel certain insects, including mosquitoes. However, it is not clear how much patchouli oil is needed to have this effect. Some studies have used pure oil, while other studies have mixed large amounts of the oil into a cream. Most experts recommend using patchouli oil in combination with proven mosquito repellents.

Natural substances, such as patchouli oil, contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific patchouli oil product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store patchouli oil?

You should store patchouli oil according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of patchouli oil?

The most common side effects of applying patchouli oil to the skin are redness and irritation. These side effects may vary depending on how you use it or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of patchouli oil that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of patchouli oil?

While less common, the most serious side effects of patchouli oil are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Patchouli oil may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using patchouli oil and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin calledhives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Allergic Skin Reactions. Applying patchouli oil to the skin can cause allergic skin reactions (contact dermatitis) in some people. Stop using any product that contains patchouli oil and contact your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of contact dermatitis.

  • Rash
  • Itching or burning
  • Blistering

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use patchouli oil?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use patchouli oil.

  • Patchouli
  • Patchoulol
  • Patchouly
  • Pogostemon cablin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific patchouli oil products they stock.

What should I know about patchouli oil before using it?

Patchouli oil is available as aromatherapy, perfumes, and products that are applied to the skin. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep patchouli oil out of the reach of children.

Patchouli oil is for use on the skin only. Keep patchouli oil away from your eyes. If you get it in your eyes, wash them right away with water.

Pure patchouli oil can be irritating to your skin. Before placing patchouli oil on the skin, it should be mixed with another product. Most products recommend mixing one to four drops of patchouli oil into a small amount of oil, cream, lotion, or shampoo. Follow the instructions on the product label.

Natural substances, such as patchouli oil, contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific patchouli oil product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year it was harvested, and the way the oil was prepared. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

The FDA has not tested patchouli oil products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. There are no third-party organizations that test essential oils to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals.

What should I tell my health care provider before using patchouli oil?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also tell them if you have an upcoming surgery planned. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if this or other supplements are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Sensitive Skin. Patchouli oil can cause skin irritation and reactions, especially in people who have sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, talk to your health care provider before using patchouli oil.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how patchouli oil could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if patchouli oil passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. 

Interactions

Does patchouli oil interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between patchouli oil and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect patchouli oil.

Does patchouli oil interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between patchouli oil and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with patchouli oil is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using patchouli oil with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much patchouli oil?

If you or someone else has used too much patchouli oil, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Patchouli oil is intended for use on the skin or as aromatherapy. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to use patchouli oil safely.