Essential Oil Patchouli

Botanical Name

Pogostemon cablin, Bentham

Benefits and Qualities

Patchouli essential oil, because of its antiseptic, tonic, and fever-fighting properties, is indicated to control fever, skin complaints, and circulatory problems that might lead to varicose veins and haemorrhoides. Claims of beneficial action against migraines are within reason.

Production

Essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation of the dried leaves of pogostemon cablin bentham. (Labieaes)

The Plant

Patchouli owes its name to the Tamil words "patch" and "ilai" which signify "green leaves." It originated in Malaysia and the Philippines. Over the centuries it was used to perfume cashmere shawls in order to add value. Victorian England saw a popularisation of its usage in the form of sachets, potpourris, and perfumes. But in the West of modern times, patchouli will long remain associated with that which the hippie movement might have understood best: a delightful opening of the senses.

Caution

Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Keep away from children.

Principes aromatiques

Patchoulol, alpha bulnesene, alpha-guaien

Parfume-Creation

Odour reminiscent of waxed wood; dry, heavy, camphoraceous, powdery; note mildly recalling cloves, slightly earthy and tobaccoy. Piquant and bitter flavour.

Description olfactive

Base note. Woody odour; herbaceous, aromatic, spicy.