Patchouli
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Patchouli light and dark Botanical binomial: Pogostemon patchouli Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae) Other names: P. patchouly var. suavis Country of Origin: Guatemala Part of plant used in production: Sun dried leaves and young shoots Methods of production: Steam distillation |
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| Description: |
A perennial herb growing up to 1 metre high with a sturdy, hairy stem, large, fragrant, furry leaves and white flowers. |
| Characteristics: |
Patchouli oil is a viscous dark orange or brown with a strong, earthy, sweet-herbaceous, woody-balsamic, long-lasting odour. |
| Properties: |
Antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, cicatrisant, cytophylactic, deodorant, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicidal, insecticidal, sedative. |
| Constituents: |
Patchouli alcohol (31-58%), ?-guaiene (10-15%), caryophyllene (2-4%), ?-bulnesene (2-4%), seychellene(6-9%), ?-patchouline (3-6%), ?-patchouline (1-5%), pogostol (0-3%). |
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Uses: |
Perfumery- including oriental bases, woody bases, fougeres and chypres. |
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Blends well with: |
Bergamot, black pepper, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, ginger, lavender, lemongrass, myrrh, neroli, rose, rosewood, sandalwood, and ylang-ylang. |
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Interesting Facts: |
Patchouli was a renown antidote to snake and insect bites in India and China. In the Victorian era, it was used to treat Indian carpets from deteriorating from insects and fungi. |
| Safety: |
A 10% dilution is recommended. Non-toxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritant. |