Patchouli Oil

Patchouli essential oil comes from the patchouli plant, Pogostemon cablin, a bushy herb that is part of the mint family. The stems of the plant can reach two to three feet in height and bear tiny flowers that are pink and white in color. The patchouli plant also produces green leaves that are jagged along their edges.

In order to produce patchouli oil, the leaves and stems of the plant are harvested and allowed to dry out. They then undergo a distillation process to extract the essential oil. Steam distillation is used to extract patchouli essential oil from shade-dried leaves. 

Although patchouli is not the dominant fragrance in many of these products, it is widely used in the production of soaps, perfumes, detergents, cosmetics, and deodorants. Patchouli essential oil has pleasant musky notes that complement other fragrances, as well as strong fixative properties. It is also commonly used in aromatherapy and as a fragrance for incense and candles. In traditional medicine, the oil is used topically to treat fungal skin infections, dandruff, and eczema, as well as in rheumatism baths. The leaves can be made into a herbal tea to treat a variety of digestive ailments, and they can also be used to repel moths from clothing.

As Patchouli is easily recognized for its rich, musky sweet fragrance, Patchouli is regularly used in the perfume industry as well as in scented products such as laundry detergents and air fresheners.