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Patchouli


Botanical: Pogostemon patchouli (PILL.)
Family: N.O. Labiatae
Plant Portion: Leaves and flowers
Extraction Method:Dried, fermented and then steam distilled.
Origin: East Indies, now can also be found in the West Indies and Paraguay
Description: Egg shaped leaves that appear opposite one another make up this widely used herb. It usually grows from two to three fat high and is harvested two or three times yearly depending on the local climate and growing conditions. Premium oil comes from product that is distilled close to to the fields where it is harvested.
Color: It has whitish flowers, tinged with purple
Historical Uses: Patchouli has always been used in perfumery and in patchouli soap. Quite popular in Asia, especially in India the earthy fragrance is offensive to some. This fragrance gained wild popularity in the sixties and was a badge of honor worn by the counter culture of that time.
Note: Bottom
History: Originally from India it was exported as crop to the West Indies and Paraguay. It's use has been widespread for centuries, mostly as an fragrance with few medicinal qualities. Primarily used as an agent to banish lethargy. Patchouli was placed between Indian cashmere shawls exported to England, to insure that the merchandise would not be infested with moths.
Shawls without the smell of patchouli could not be sold in England at this time.
Mixes with: bergamot, clary sage, geranium, lavender and myrrh