Patchouli is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is a bushy perennial herb that grows up to 75 centimeters in height and has erect stems bearing small, pale pink-white flowers. Patchouli is native to the island region of Southeast Asia, including Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Malay Peninsula, New Guinea, and the Philippines, and is also found in many parts of North East India. The plant is noted for its fragrant essential oil, which has many commercial uses and is extensively cultivated in tropical climates around the world, especially in Asia, Madagascar, South America, and the Caribbean.
Patchouli oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves of the patchouli plant. The leaves and stems of the plant are harvested and allowed to dry out before undergoing a distillation process to extract the essential oil. Patchouli oil has a characteristic scent that might be described as woody, sweet, and spicy, and is often used as a scent additive in products like perfumes, cosmetics, and incense. The oil has a variety of additional uses throughout the world, including treating skin conditions such as dermatitis, acne, or dry, cracked skin, and easing symptoms of conditions such as inflammation and pain. However, it is important to talk to a medical professional before consuming this essential oil. Patchouli oil is also used as a mosquito repellent, for the common cold, cancer, headache, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Patchouli essential oil is obtained from the shade-dried leaves by steam distillation. The oil is widely used in the manufacture of soaps, perfumes, detergents, cosmetics, and deodorants.
