Patchouli belongs to the labiate family, of which there are more than 50 different species, for example, the Javanese and Indian patchouli, from which essential oils are produced. The plant has a solid stem and can grow up to one meter high. The fragrance profile is earthy, smoky, balsamic and intense.
Occurrence and cultivation of patchouli
When patchouli leaves are crushed, an intense odor is released. The eponymous oil is extracted from the leaves by steam distillation. The herbaceous plant patchouli originates from Asia and Africa and has a heavy and deep smell. Patchouli smells of earth, but at the same time a little sweet. The scent has something soothing and relaxing. The leaves of the perennial semi-shrub, which are about 10 centimeters long, are broad and furry, while the flowers, which grow in panicles, are ovate to round as well as white with reddish-purple spots. When the patchouli leaves are crushed, the intense odor is released. The oil of the same name is extracted from the leaves by steam distillation. It is viscous, brown-yellowish and gains aroma over the years. One kilogram of essential oil is produced from 33 kilograms of the dried patchouli leaves.
Effect and application
To obtain the oil, the leaves of the patchouli plant are dried and then distilled. The oil obtained is used, for example, in the production of perfumes, soaps and creams. Patchouli is one of the most important raw materials for fine perfumery. Thanks to the combination of patchouli as well as numerous different fragrance components, special creations are created. Patchouli fragrance harmonizes well with jasmine, rose, lemon and lavender. It is one of the most elegant accents. The scent of the oil dissipates only slowly. The perfumes as well as other products are given a special, unique touch. Especially to the erotic perfumes it gives a sensual, exotic and very mysterious touch. Patchouli is said to have an aphrodisiac effect. Due to the eroticizing effect, the fragrance was already very popular and widespread among the fine “madames” in France in the 19th century. Patchouli oil stimulates in small doses, however, the scent can have a numbing effect in high doses. In sexual terms, it is considered euphoric, stimulating and fires the imagination. However, not only people are perfumed with it, but also the laundry and living rooms can be sprayed. At the same time insects are kept away. The scent lasts for a long time. If a little oil is put on the clothes, it is possible that it can be perceived for weeks afterwards. After a long, hectic day, Patchouli soothes because of its earthy scent. It restores the zest for life. E
Emotions such as anger, rage and fury are reduced, nerves are strengthened and stress hormones and mood are balanced. Patchouli is considered a mood enhancer and is helpful in case of an exhaustion as well as a lack of strength. It gives courage, determination and energy to people with a lack of self-confidence. In sensual blends, it invites you to dream. The well-being is increased. In the lamp, patchouli combines well with tuberose, jasmine, champaca, tonka, rose, cinnamon and citrus scents. The fragrance also has a spiritual effect. Patchouli is considered a remedy for people who live too much in their own thoughts. The scent grounds and integrates the energies. It maintains contact with the self. Patchouli is one of the few oils that increase in quality over the years. As it matures and ages, it becomes fuller, better and more aromatic. Many people also use the scent to repel moths, bookworms or silverfish, for example.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
The use of essential oil for healing purposes has a long tradition in Chinese medicine. Here it is used especially for the treatment of various skin problems. Patchouli oil can reduce wrinkle binding, preserve skin elasticity and increase collagen levels. Collagen provides firmness, resilience and resistance in the skin. The essential oil is excellent as an anti-aging oil and helps the skin retain its elasticity and youthfulness longer.Patchouli is a popular ingredient in skin care mixtures due to its regenerating, wound-healing and antiseptic properties, for example, to treat wounds, acne, dermatitis, weeping eczema, abscesses, cracked skin or blemishes and accelerate the healing process. To relieve skin diseases, a bath additive can be prepared, which soothes the skin, reduces itching. For this purpose, eight drops of patchouli oil are added to 200 ml of whey liquid. For hair and scalp care, patchouli oil is equally suitable. In naturopathy, however, the oil is not only used for skin problems, but it is also effective for headaches, a nervous tension, exhaustion, lack of strength and even depression. The oil gives new hope and strength to those affected. The essential oil is popularly used in aromatherapy due to its nerve-strengthening, soothing and mood-enhancing effect. Here, the oil is dripped onto the outer palms of the hand and both palms are rubbed together. Subsequently, the scent is inhaled, i.e. the scent is inhaled deeply a few times. In this way, for example, nervousness, inner tension and depression can be fought. By releasing the happiness hormones such as serotonin, feelings of anxiety, anger, rage and sadness disappear. Patchouli is also known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties and is used for infections, indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, fungal diseases, pain. It is a real all-rounder. Source and more information about Patchouli: https://www.satureja.com/i/patchouli-aetherisches-oel-und-anwendung
