BellaOnline Forums Beauty and Self Fragrance Patchouli...love it? or hate it?

Patchouli is one of those fragrances that people either LOVE or HATE...there's not very many in-betweeners.

So, which are you? Do you love it or hate it?

I think it's on the strong side, but like everything in life there is a place for it. It wouldn't be good behind an elegant meal (too heavy) but it might be great when watching a movie about religion or something, drinking a heavy wine

Good point, Lisa.

Me...I happen to like it, but not as much by itself as when blended with other oils, like Cinnamon and Sandalwood.

Anyone else have an opinion on Patchouli? Feel free to chime in!

I love Patchouli. I particularly like it blended with Sandalwood, during my meditation sessions, or after cleansing my house; I find it grounding and clearing to burn it as incense as well.

How do you blend incense? It so happens that today I was going through one of my kitchen drawers that had all my incense in it and moved it all into another one to try to organize it. I mostly have long sticks and cones. Do you burn two side by side? Most are unlabeled and long since lost the packaging so it's sort of a random selection as to what one smells like

Candles are easier, I'm burning a vanilla candle right now

I'm not crazy about patchouli it gives me a headache for some strange reason. I took my kids to an aromotherapist who created blends for each of them and my daughters had patchouli in it. i had to have hers remixed without it, because it just made my head hurt. It's not that i dont like the smell, it just literally makes me feel bad, it's totally weird.

I have a hard time with it as a scent myself...

One of the best overheard lines from someone else's conversation I ever heard was on Haight St in San Francisco one day. As I walked by a group of three or four people sitting on the sidewalk, one man turned to the woman sitting next to him and said "oh sure! just dump patchouli all over everyone!" Guess they were having a bit of a rough day....

- Rae

You are right; you either love it or hate patchouli. I love it; my daughter hates it. She says that it smells like dirt. Many scents fade on me. Patchouli seems to last. I buy the oils. I also like the incense too. Oh well, to each his own. sincerely, moose

I have used Patchouli. In house cleaning and during meditation.Although quite strong, I use small amounts of the oil and blend with Sandalwood,it's ok.

I love it but not many people around me do. So I usually use the straight scent in the confines of my room.

When out and about, I usually mix the patchouli with vanilla and sandalwood. And I sometimes use patchouli as a base for regular perfumes that are flowery like Anna Sui.

I also discovered a wonderful scent at Bath & Body Works. Jasmine Vanilla is part of their aromatherapy line and I get so many compliments about it. It's jasmine and vanilla mixed with a base of sandalwood and patchouli.