Native to Asia, Patchouli is now grown in tropical areas around the globe.
Though several species of this perennial shrub are cultivated for the perfume
and scent industries, the species Pogostemon cablin is regarded as the species
producing the highest quality essential oil.
Before the leaves can be distilled, they must undergo a process that ruptures
their cell walls. Usually this done through controlled fermentation but drying
or steaming is also effective.
Patchouli is steam distilled from the leaves of the Pogostemon cablin.
Traditional Herbal Uses
Patchouli has been used in both the Near and Far East for centuries. The
ancient Chinese used patchouli to create perfumed inks while Indians and Arabs
used it as an insect repellent while shipping textiles and rugs to Europe.
According to a legend cited in the International Journal of Aromatherapy,
patchouli eventually came to be so strongly associated with Middle Eastern
textiles that new garments lacking that distinctive scent wouldn't sell as well
as their perfumed counterparts.
In more recent times, herbalists have embraced Patchouli for its many alleged
medicinal properties. Patchouli has high levels of pogostone, reported to be
anti-microbial. In skin care, patchouli is believed to be a powerful weapon
against skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Patchouli also is alleged to
have anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties.
In Chinese medicine, patchouli is said to be warming. It increases Qi and helps
with fatigue and abdominal problems.
Aromatherapy Uses
Aromatherapists regard patchouli as grounding, warming and relaxing. It is said
to help people "find themselves" and embrace their sensual and creative sides.
Blending With Other Essential Oils
Patchouli has a warm, woody scent that's slightly reminiscent of garden soil.
It leaves a dry, full sensation in the nose. It has an anchoring effect in an
essential oil blend and is best used as a perfume base. It blends well with many
other oils, especially the citrus oils, which tend to soften it nicely. Florals,
on the other hand, will deepen and enrich patchouli.
The use of essential oils (extracts or essences) from flowers, herbs, and
trees to promote health and well-being.
A system of caring for the body with botanical oils such as rose, lemon,
lavender (used to soothe cuts, bruises and insect bites), and peppermint.
These essential oils can be added to a bath, massaged through the skin,
inhaled directly, used with teas, or scented in a room. This therapy is
intended to relieve pain, care for the skin, and alleviate tension and
fatigue.
The use of fragrant, natural, botanical essential oils from plants, leaves,
bark, roots, seeds, resins and flowers as a healing art. Aromatherapy
refreshes and relaxes the skin while soothing the mind by helping to induce
a sense of well-being. Each individual essence is used to produce a
specific beneficial effect. Used in massage and facials.
The use of essential oils from aromatic plants to restore and enhance
health and beauty as defined by the American Aromatherapy Association.
Aromatherapy uses as its basic ingredients essential oils, which represent
the highest herbal energy. Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile
extracts retrieved from aromatic herbs, flowers, seeds and trees; they
contain hormone-like properties, vitamins, minerals and natural
antiseptics.
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