Patchouli (also patchouly or pachouli) is a bushy herb of the mint family, with erect stems, reaching two or three feet (about 0.75 metre) in height and bearing small pale pink-white flowers. The word derives from the Tamil patchai (green), ellai (leaf).

Pogostemon cablin, P. commosum, P. hortensis, P. heyneasus and P. plectranthoides are all cultivated for their oils and all are known as 'patchouli' oil, but P. cablin is considered superior.

Patchouli oil color is dark brown, in some cases could be light brown though. It produced by steam distillation of the fresh or dried leaves.

Scent:
Rich, earthy, woody smoky, musty-sweet, heavy, strong spicy aroma with a nearly hidden fruity note.

Effects:
Uplifting, Antidepressant, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal, reduces fluid retention (diuretic).

Properties:
Patchouli oil is useful for fungal and bacterial infection; it helps for insect bites and could also be used as an insect repellant.

It has diuretic properties, it helps to remove excess water, therefore helpful for water retention, cellulite removal, constipation and overweight. It has a deodorizing action, and helps when feeling hot and bothered.

Patchouli oil helps to cool down inflammations and assists with wound healing, scars and sores; it gives relief from acne, eczema and scalp disorders.

It is very effective with inflamed or cracked skin due to its regenerative properties. It promotes cell rejuvenation, tightening of loose skin and heals wounds and sores, while sorting out rough, cracked skin. Acne, skin allergies and eczema may also respond well. It is a gentle oil and helpful with mature or aged skin. It aids in the resolution of problems associated with wrinkles and aging. It can be helpful with the re-growth of skin cells and scar tissue.

Patchouli oil also can assist with stress related conditions and anxiety; and is also helpful in cases of substance addictions.

Uses:
In Europe and the US, patchouli oil and incense underwent a surge in popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, mostly among devotees of the free love and hippie lifestyles, since the pungent smell of patchouli is alleged to cover the smell of burnt cannabis and body odor. It has also been used as a hair conditioner for dreadlocks. One study suggests Patchouli oil may serve as an outdoor insect repellent. In several Asian countries, such as Japan and Malaysia, Patchouli is also used as an antidote for poisonous snakebites.

The plant and oil have a number of claimed health benefits in herbal folk-lore, and its scent is used with the aim of inducing relaxation. Chinese medicine uses the herb to treat headaches, colds, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Patchouli is in widespread use in modern industry, despite its recent association with an alternative lifestyle. It is a popular component in perfumes, including more than half of perfumes for men. It has been used for centuries in perfumes and continues to be so today. Patchouli is also an important ingredient in East Asian incense. It is also used as a scent in products like paper towels, laundry detergents, and air fresheners. Two important components of the essential oil is patchoulol and norpatchoulenol.

During the 18th and 19th century silk traders from China travelling to the Middle East packed their silk cloth with dried patchouli leaves to prevent moths from laying their eggs on the cloth. Many historians speculate that this association with opulent eastern goods is why patchouli was considered by Europeans of that era to be a luxurious scent. This trend has continued to the present day in modern perfumery and hippiedom.

Origins:
The plant is native to tropical regions of Asia and is now extensively cultivated in Caribbean countries, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Philippines, West Africa and Vietnam.

Patchouli grows well in warm to tropical climates. It thrives in hot weather but not direct sunlight. If the plant withers due to lack of watering it will recover well and quickly once it has been watered. The seed-bearing flowers are very fragrant and bloom in late fall. The tiny seeds may be harvested for planting, but they are very delicate and easily crushed. Cuttings from the mother plant can also be rooted in water to produce further plants.

Contra-Indications:
Non-toxic, non-irritant. Undiluted Patchouli will clog your diffusor, so combine with Orange essential oil to diffuse.