Patchouli East Indian
Essential Oil
Description: The viscous, orangey-amber oil is extracted from the leaves of a two-to-three foot perennial bush with purple-tinged white flowers, native to tropical Asia.
Color & Consistency: Greenish-brown to dark reddish-brown, medium-to-thick liquid.
Strength of Aroma: Medium.
Common Uses: Patchouli is recognized by aromatherapists as being effective for combating nervous disorders, helping with dandruff, sores, acne, and skin irritations. The specific properties include use as an antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-emetic, antimicrobal, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antitoxic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant, digestive, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicidal, nerving, prophylactic, stimulating and tonic agent. In the perfumery industry, it is interesting to note that Patchouli improves with age, and that the aged product is what is preferred over freshly harvested. In aromatherapy, Patchouli is an excellent fixative that can help extend other, more expensive oils.
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Note: Base.
Blends well with: Patchouli blends well with sandalwood, bergamot, cedarwood, rose, sweet orange, cassia, myrrh, ylang ylang, opopanax, and clary sage.
Aromatic Scent: Patchouli has a pungent, powerful, mossy, musty, warm, earthy aroma with fresh fruit-like tones.
History: The oil is thought to improve with age, and is used with camphor to give India ink its characteristic odor. In the 19th century, the fragrance was used to scent fabrics manufactured in India for export to Europe. A tropical member of the mint family, grown in the East and West Indies. Leaves are harvested several times a year, dried, and exported for distillation of the oil, although the highest quality oil is usually produced from fresh leaves, distilled close to the plantation.
Cautions: None known. |
