Patchouli as a plant is a member of the mint family. There are several species but P. cablin is the preferred essential oil species. It is native to Asia and grown in the Caribbean countries. The small flowers are held on stalks, resembling somewhat the floral stalks of the coral bells (Huechera sp.).
As an essential oil the scent of patchouli appeals to some, but not to others. I don’t think of it as a minty scent, but rather a spicey or woodsy scent. This is perhaps why it makes a good oil to use in an aftershave splash. Patchouli has been used in women’s perfumes for many centuries.
Traditional usage suggests it helps with depression, irritability, anger, low self-esteem, poor sex drive, scars, and acne. Susan Curtis, in ‘Essential Oils’ notes patchouli as having anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties.
The dry, woody, earthy scent of Patchouli became extremely popular during the 1960′s and 70′s. It is associated with the Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) and signals the energy(ies) of lust, money, and protection.
I have the Patchouli cablin essential oil on hand. A .5 oz. bottle is 14.99. I am searching for the plant though I can find only one reference to it as an ornamental or medicinal plant in my garden library.
According to M. Grieve in ‘A Modern Herbal’, 1931, with P. cablin referred to as P. patchouli, the best oil is distilled near the plantation where it is grown, and because the scent improves with age is often used by Indians in the making of their shawls.
Tags: M. Grieve's 'A Modern Herbal', Susan Curtis 'Essential Oils'
