Patchouli, this fragrant herb, with soft, opposite, egg-shaped leaves and square stems, grows from 2 to 3 feet in height, giving out the peculiar, characteristic aroma of patchouli when rubbed. Its whitish flowers, tinged with purple, grow in both axillary and terminal spikes. The crop is cut two or three times a year, the leaves being dried and packed in bales and exported for distillation of the oil. The best oil is freshly distilled near the plantations. It is popular in production of perfume and soap, and it is widely-used both in Asia and India.

Essential Oil of Patchouli is thick, the colour being brownish-yellow tinted green. It contains coerulein, the vivid blue compound found in matricaria, wormwood and other oils. It deposits a solid, or stearoptene, patchouli alcohol, leaving cadinene. Its use is said to cause sometimes loss of appetite and sleep and nervous attacks. The Chinese, Japanese and Arabs believe it to possess prophylactic properties.

Botanical name: Pogostemon patchouli, Pogostemon cablin

Plant origin: Shrub

Extraction Method: Distillation

Aroma: Pungent, earthy

Odor Intensity: Medium

Evaporation: Base note

Medicinal properties: Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, fungicide, insecticide, cell regenerator, antidepressant, deodorant, sedative, tonic, astringent.

Safety precautions: use in moderation

Psycho-emotional benefits:

Depression, aphrodisiac, anxiety, nervous exhaustion, stress-related conditions, confusion, menopause, emotion coldest, lethargy.

Physical benefits:

Acne, dermatitis, dry skin, eczema, hemorrhoids, fungal infections, athlete’s foot, dandruff, wounds, insect repellant, loose skin,

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