Essential Oil 50ml - Patchouli

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, musky-earthy aroma. 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 potpourri and sachets between clothing and linen for fragrance, as well as to keep away bed bugs and insects. The oil is said to have a balancing effect on emotions and create a loving atmosphere. When used in an oil burner, it eases anxiety and depression. Used in bath water, it is believed to help with skin and scalp complaints, fungal infections, fluid retention, break down cellulite and ease constipation. It has excellent tissue regenerating properties, speeds up healing and combats infections. Therefore, it helps with acne, eczema, sores, ulcers and athlete's foot.

It seems that patchouli was placed between Indian cashmere shawls before being shipped to Victorian England, to protect the merchandise from moths. Without this characteristic scent of dried patchouli leaves, the shawls could not be sold in England. In Europe and America, patchouli oil and incense were immensely popular in the 60s and 70s among hippies, as the smell of patchouli covered 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 snakebite.