Patchouli Essential Oil

Latin Name: Pogostemon Cablin

Part of Plant Used: Dried Leaves

Origin: Indonesia

Part of Plant Used: Dried Leaves

Patchouli essential oil is extracted from the Pogostemon cablin plant of the mint family and has a rich sweet-herbaceous musky smell. The plant is native to Malaysia and India, where it is known as 'puchaput'. The word patchouli is derived from the Tamil 'pachchaiilai' meaning, simply, 'green leaf'. Patchouli oil is extracted from the young leaves, which are dried and fermented prior to steam distillation. This oil improves its fragrance and potency with age. It is highly valued in skin care, especially in healing.

In eastern countries, patchouli oil is used in potpourris and sachets between linen and clothes for fragrance, as well as to keep bed bugs and insects away. The oil is said to have a balancing effect on the emotions and creates a loving atmosphere. When used in an oil burner, it eases anxiety and depression. Used in bathwater, it is believed to help with skin and scalp complaints, fungal infections, fluid retention, break down cellulite and ease constipation. It has excellent tissue regeneration properties, which speed up healing and combat infections. Hence, it helps with acne, eczema, sores, ulcers and athlete's foot.

It appears that patchouli was placed between Indian cashmere shawls before being shipped to Victorian England, in order to protect the merchandise from moths. Without this characteristic smell of dried patchouli leaves, the shawls could not be sold in England. In Europe and America, patchouli oil and incense was immensely popular in the 60s and 70s among hippies, as the smell of patchouli would cover body odour and the smell of burnt cannabis. Patchouli was used as a hair conditioner for dreadlocks. In many Asian countries, patchouli is also used as an antidote to snake bites.