Patchouli Plant

One oil that is linked to Hippies in 1960s is Patchouli oil. Patchouli oil used to be the choice of hippies. Hippies were using patchouli to masks the scent of Marijuana and simply exhibit earthy scent around them.  Unlike the other perfumes’ patchouli oil was choice of hippies for its authentic straight from the earth scent!

What is Patchouli?  Patchouli belongs to Mint family and exhibits unique earthy, musky signature scent. Botanical name for the plant is Pogostemon cablin. It is perennial herb with fragrant leaves, white flowers with purple marks. Oil extracted and distilled from the plant is popular for its applications. It is one of the most admired, desired plant of yogis and sages due to its calming, relaxing and unique fragrance.

Did you know European traders used to exchange Pathcouli for gold?!

Patchouli plant and its oil has several health benefits.

The chemical components of the plant contribute to patchouli oil’s peace-inducing effect. For this reason, it is also used in cosmetics, massage and in home purifying products. The chemicals found in Patchouli are: Patchoulol, α-Patchoulene, β-Patchoulene, α-Guaiene, Pogostol, Norpatchoulenol, Seychellene, and Caryophyllene. α-Guaiene is responsible for its spicy and earthy fragrance.

In traditional medicines and home remedies, it is an ingredient to treat inflammations of skin and scars. It was also used for protecting silk from moths.

Patchouli essential oil is commonly used in Aromatherapy, Industrial products, Insect repellant and in Perfumes

Health benefits of patchouli are as follows:

Patchouli essential oil combined with carrier oil such as sweet almond, jojoba oil is used for treating:

• Acne
• Athletes foot
• Dandruff
• Skin inflammation
• Eczema, dryness
• Healing burns and wounds
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• It is an astringent and stimulates nerve, muscle and skin constrictions.  It also helps in minimizing skin aging.
• Cure for hair loss
• Body odor
• Sedative for allergic reactions
• Essential oil is used in insect repellents, essences, diffuser, vaporizer and bath soaps.
• It is used in massage therapy, as an antidepressant, aphrodisiac and astringent.

Growing patchouli plant in the garden is good for other flowering plants and vegetables. It not only repels insects, also acts as an anti-fungal agent!

If you like patchouli try growing patchouli in your garden. Growing patchouli is easy. It can be grown as both indoor and outdoor plant. It grows well in partially shaded area.