| Patchouli oil has been used for centuries in perfumes, and is derived from an herb grown in the East and West Indies. It is a thick oil and dark orange in color. It has an earthy, sweet fragrance that is unique and improves with age. It is widely associated with hippies, although it is a very commonly used in such mainstream things as laundry detergents and about 1/3 of well-known perfumes.
This oil can be used externally to treat skin problems (acne, dry skin, eczema).
As an anti-fungal, it can be used topically to treat athlete's foot, and it can help with dandruff and oily hair.
When patchouli is burned in incenses it is said to aid divination and clairvoyance. Some believe that it attracts money and prosperity.
It can help with tension, anxiety, and sleeplessness with it's mood-lifting fragrance, and it also brings about a "sense of nourishment". Perhaps this is why it is also known as an aphrodisiac.
and a recipe:
Use this mixture to treat irritation and dry skin:
3 drops patchouli essential oil
3 drops rose oil
3 drops evening primrose oil
3 drops lavender oil
mix together with a tablespoon of almond or olive oil, apply to face before bed and wash away in the morning.
sources:
http://www.soulhealer.com/3909-0.htm
http://www.edenbotanicals.com/about_patchouli.html
http://www.chamomiletimes.com/articles/patchoulilove.htm
http://members.aol.com/hempmastertoff/patchouliparadise.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patchouli | 
