Herb & supplement monograph

Patchouli Oil Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated June 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Patchouli Oil interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Patchouli Oil is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Patchouli Oil is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Patchouli Oil

0 medications have a known interaction with Patchouli Oil, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for Patchouli Oil. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Patchouli Oil combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Monograph

Patchouli Oil: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

Patchouli oil is an essential oil pressed from the leaves of the patchouli plant, used mainly for its strong, earthy scent in aromatherapy, skin products, and perfumes. Most claimed health benefits come from laboratory studies rather than solid human trials, so its real-world value remains unproven. Like all essential oils, it should be diluted before skin use and never swallowed unless directed by a qualified professional.

Scientific name
Pogostemon cablin
Family
Lamiaceae
Part used
Leaves (dried and steam-distilled essential oil)
Common forms
Essential oil, diluted oil blends, soaps, lotions, perfumes, incense
People commonly use it for
  • Aromatherapy and relaxation
  • Skin care
  • Insect repellent
  • Fragrance and perfume
  • Antimicrobial use
  • Mood support

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally considered safe for topical and aromatherapy use when diluted, but can irritate skin and should not be swallowed.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Patchouli oil is an essential oil made by steam-distilling the leaves of the patchouli plant (Pogostemon cablin), a bushy herb in the mint family. The plant is native to tropical Asia and is widely grown in countries such as Indonesia, India, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

The oil has a strong, earthy, musky scent that becomes richer as it ages. It has long been used in perfumes, incense, soaps, and skin products, and it is a familiar fragrance in many cultures. Today it is most commonly used in aromatherapy and personal care products rather than as something taken by mouth.

How it works

Patchouli oil contains many aromatic compounds. One of the main ones is patchoulol (also called patchouli alcohol), along with other terpene compounds that give the oil its scent and proposed effects.

In laboratory studies, these compounds have shown the ability to slow the growth of certain bacteria and fungi and to reduce markers of inflammation in cells or animals. The relaxing effect from aromatherapy is thought to come from the way scent signals travel through the nose to areas of the brain involved in mood.

Keep in mind that these mechanisms are mostly based on test-tube and animal research. They do not confirm that the oil produces the same effects in the human body when used in everyday ways.

Effectiveness

Does Patchouli Oil work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 2 uses evaluated
2 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Patchouli Oil, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 2 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Mosquito repellent
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Clinical research shows that applying patchouli oil 20% to the skin provides complete protection against mosquitos for 123 minutes. When added to a mixture of turmeric oil and Zanthoxylum limonella oil, complete protection lasted for 390 minutes, indicating synergistic activity.

Sources Ref 100669
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Stress
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research in nurses shows that inhalation of patchouli oil for 20 minutes once daily for 2 doses reduces self-reported stress scores and increases compassion satisfaction scores when compared with placebo inhalation. Inhalation of patchouli oil did not appear to affect self-reported burnout or markers of stress such as blood pressure and heart rate.

Sources Ref 104776

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

When diluted properly and used on the skin or in aromatherapy, patchouli oil is generally considered safe for most adults. Like any essential oil, it is very concentrated and should be diluted in a carrier oil (such as coconut or jojoba oil) before applying to skin.

Do not swallow patchouli oil. Essential oils can be toxic if taken by mouth. Keep it away from the eyes and out of reach of children and pets.

People with sensitive skin or a history of allergies should do a small patch test first. Those with asthma or breathing problems should be careful with strong scents, which can sometimes trigger symptoms.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable safety information for these groups. To be safe, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using patchouli oil unless their doctor approves.

Side effects

The most common problem is skin irritation or an allergic reaction, especially when the oil is used undiluted. Signs can include redness, itching, or a rash.

Breathing in strong fragrance may cause headache or nausea in sensitive people. Getting the oil in the eyes can cause stinging and irritation.

Serious harm is most likely if the oil is swallowed, which can lead to poisoning. If anyone accidentally drinks essential oil, contact a poison control center or seek medical help right away.

Dosing

There is no established standard dose for patchouli oil, and it is not meant to be taken by mouth. For topical use, it is typically diluted to a small percentage in a carrier oil before being applied to the skin.

For aromatherapy, a few drops may be added to a diffuser according to the product directions. Always follow the instructions on the specific product label, and check with a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure how to use it safely.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Patchouli Oil & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Patchouli Oil & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 2 references that drive our Patchouli Oil monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Das NG, Dhiman S, Talukdar PK, Rabha B, Goswami D, Veer V. Synergistic mosquito-repellent activity of Curcuma longa, Pogostemon heyneanus and Zanthoxylum limonella essential oils. J Infect Public Health. 2015 Jul-Aug;8(4):323-8. PubMed
  2. Shin YK, Lee SY, Lee JM, Kang P, Seol GH. Effects of short-term inhalation of patchouli oil on professional quality of life and stress levels in emergency nurses: A randomized controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2020 Nov;26(11):1032-1038. PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Patchouli Oil: Common Questions

What is Patchouli Oil used for, and does it work?
People use Patchouli Oil for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Patchouli Oil interact with prescription medications?
We do not currently list any known drug interactions for Patchouli Oil. This does not guarantee that none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist before combining it with your medications.
How are Patchouli Oil interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Patchouli Oil with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Patchouli Oil interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Patchouli Oil used for?
It is mostly used as a fragrance in perfumes, soaps, and incense, and in aromatherapy for relaxation. Some people also use it on the skin or as an insect repellent, though strong scientific proof for health benefits is lacking.
Can I take Patchouli Oil by mouth?
No. Essential oils like patchouli are very concentrated and can be harmful if swallowed. It is meant for topical or aromatherapy use only, unless a qualified professional directs otherwise.
Is Patchouli Oil safe to use during pregnancy?
Its safety in pregnancy has not been well studied, so it is best to avoid it unless your doctor says it is okay.
Does Patchouli Oil need to be diluted before applying to skin?
Yes. Applying undiluted essential oil can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction, so mix it with a carrier oil and do a small patch test first.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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