What Is Patchouli Essential Oil?
Patchouli essential oil is derived from the leaves of the bushy, perennial patchouli plant, which is a unique species of flowering, aromatic herb that is considered part of the mint family. The plant bears small, pale, pink-white flowers. It is considered to be Mother Earth’s most potent, plant-sourced scent.
What Does Patchouli Smell Like?
Extremely vibrant, musky, woody and sensual, some liken its aroma to a forest after a rainfall or the cloying sweetness of aged wine. Most agree that it has a dark, intense and enduring character because it is often combined with a plethora of other notes that in tandem create an endless variety of rich, complex accords. Some favorites include: fresh or deep citrus facets; lush vanilla and creamy sandalwood; floral accords of musky red rose or hauntingly intoxicating jasmine, both of which add depth and warmth to any formulation.
Where Does Patchouli Come From?
Thriving in warm and tropical climes, patchouli is native to the island region of Southeast Asia, The Malay Peninsula, New Guinea, the Philippines and Indonesia, which is the world’s largest producer of patchouli essential oil. The word, patchouli, derives from the Tamil language, with pachai, meaning green, and ellal, leaf. The Tamil culture flourished in India some 6,000 years ago.
How Is Patchouli Sourced?
The essential oil is derived from the leaves of the plant, which are air dried for several days before they are steam distilled. Leaves are hand-picked once thiy reach maturity, which usually occurs 4 to six weeks after transplanting.
The Use of Patchouli in Perfumery
Patchouli is deeply rooted in the aromatic essences of the ancient world, but it is also found in both classic and modern perfumes. Its distinct musky aroma is either loved or hated, and is rarely (if ever) tolerated somewhere in between. It is uniquely coveted because unlike other essential oils, its magnetic potency and linger time sharpens and mellows when it is exposed to air and light, and it is equally effective in both low and high amounts. Although patchouli tends to be more favored in masculine fragrances, it is also found in rich, bold feminine scents.
Historical Aspects
First appreciated as a fragrance that deterred insects and protected the precious cargo of merchants traveling along the ancient Silk Road for more than 1,500 years, patchouli leaves were often traded for gold, silk and spices. As the demands for European silk increased during the 19th and 19th centuries, the leaves were wrapped inside the fabrics, which protected them from moths laying their eggs inside along their arduous journey by boat from India to Indonesia. The scent was so addictive and inspiring that in Chinese culture it rendered a firm connection between patchouli, perfume and a powerful sense of elegance and luxury.
Common Uses And Benefits of Patchouli
Besides being a vital additive in fine perfumes, incense, insect repellents, and even industrial products like detergents, it also serves as a flavoring in foods and beverages. Most popular in aromatherapy practices, some describe the aroma of patchouli as grounding, calming and mood-elevating.
Our Diffuser Oiils That Contain Patchouli
