Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying the popularity of patchouli. In this blog, we'll be throwing a spotlight on one of nature's most intoxicating essential oils.
Where Does Patchouli Come From?
Patchouli oil is produced by steam distillation of either the dried or fresh leaves of the patchouli plant (Pogostemon Cablin), a shrubby perennial flowering herb of the mint family. The patchouli plant is native to tropical Asia, including Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Philippines, where it has been cultivated for centuries. Indonesia currently produces over 90% of the world’s patchouli oil.
Historical and Modern-Day Uses of Patchouli
While originating in Southeast Asia, patchouli made its way to the Middle East via the exotic silk route. Patchouli was used as an effective insect repellent against moths, flies and other insects, and so silk from China and paisley shawls from India were traditionally layered with patchouli leaves while in transit. In fact, many Europeans judged the authenticity of Indian shawls by the scent of patchouli. In the 19th Century, Frenchwomen wrapped themselves in these patchouli-scented shawls against the cold, and thus patchouli became desirable as a fragrance ingredient. Historians have thought that the association with exotic Eastern fabrics is why Europeans of that era considered patchouli to be such a luxurious scent.
In aromatherapy, patchouli is used to balance emotions. Inhaling patchouli oil has been found to stimulate the production of serotonin and dopamine, which in turn can reduce stress, tension and anxiety.
Patchouli is believed to have strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. In traditional medicine, patchouli oil is sometimes used topically to treat hair and skin conditions, such as dandruff, eczema, acne, scars and fungal skin infections.
Patchouli leaves can also be used to make a herbal tea, which is believed to have a variety of benefits on digestive health. In some cultures, the leaves are eaten as a vegetable or used as a seasoning.
Patchouli’s historic reputation of being an insect repellent is still in force today. In fact, it is one of the most used ingredients in mosquito sprays and insect repellent vaporisers.
Patchouli in Perfumery
Patchouli oil’s scent is rich, strong and deep. It is earthy, woody, sweet and musky, and often described as smelling sensual and intimate. It’s said to be one of the most powerful of plant-derived essences. Its rich, woodsy earthiness is such that it is surprising to think that the patchouli plant is a frilly green-leafed herb, rather than a wood or a root.
Patchouli oil became particularly popular in the 1960s and 1970s with the ‘hippy generation’, some of whom wore the essential oil neat on their skin as a natural perfume. This has led to it being referred to as ‘the scent of the 60s’. Today, it can be a bit of a ‘love it or hate it’ scent, eliciting a strong reaction in people one way or the other. Perhaps part of this divided reaction is due to people’s personal associations and memories with the scent.
In perfumery, patchouli is used widely and held in high regard. It gives a richness and sophistication to fragrances and provides an excellent grounding note. It also acts as a fixative of scents; for example, when used alongside rose, it extends and ‘fixes’ rose’s sweetness.
One of the remarkable qualities of Patchouli oil is its ability to combine harmoniously with many other oils and create a beautifully appealing scent, even for people who are not so enamored by patchouli oil itself. Here at Songbird, we use patchouli oil in our Connect Massage Wax, where it is blended with ylang ylang and palmarosa. Patchouli and ylang ylang in particular are both strong and bold scents individually. However, when combined, we feel they create a beautiful synergy where neither is dominant over the other. Meanwhile, palmarosa’s delicately sweet and floral notes lift the rich earthiness of patchouli and ylang ylang. The combination of these three oils has a warm, meditative and sensuous quality.
You can enjoy the benefits of patchouli oil in an oil burner or diffuser to scent your room, perhaps enjoying its relaxing aroma before bed. Alternatively, try diluting patchouli essential oil in a carrier oil (such as almond oil or jojoba oil) and massage it onto the skin to provide a rich and sensual natural perfume. If you’re not so much of a fan of patchouli’s scent, try combining it with other essential oils. You may be surprised by how much your perception of patchouli can change when it’s paired with other oils. As a starting point, it’s known to blend particularly well with ylang ylang, rose, jasmine, myrrh, tuberose, lavender and bergamot.
