Description
Patchouli is a bushy herb of the mint family, native to tropical Asia, with broad, furry leaves. Indonesia produces most of the world’s patchouli oil, grown by smallholders on plots of a hectare or less in Sulawesi, Sumatra and Java. Fresh leaves have almost no scent. Farmers pick the leafy tops by hand and spread them to dry in the shade for several days, turning them often, before selling them to village distillers. The oil is amber to dark brown and thick, with an earthy, sweet, woody scent. Its signature component is patchoulol.
Details
| Botanical name | Pogostemon cablin (patchouli) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Indonesia |
| Part used | Dried leaves |
| Extraction | Steam-distilled |
| Aroma | Earthy, sweet, woody |
| Ingredients | 100% Pogostemon cablin leaf oil |
Patchouli improves with age: the leaves must be dried and partly fermented before distillation, and the oil keeps deepening in storage for years.
How to use
- Perfume: use 1 to 2 drops as a long-lasting base note.
- Body oil: add 2 drops to a tablespoon (15ml) of carrier oil.
- Hair oil: add 1 drop to your hair oil for scent.
Essential oils are concentrated. Always dilute before use on skin, patch test first, keep away from eyes and out of reach of children, and do not take internally. If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your doctor before use.
FAQs
Why does patchouli get darker?
It deepens and darkens as it ages, which many perfumers prefer.
What does it blend with?
Rose, vetiver, sandalwood, bergamot and orange.
How long does the scent last?
It is a base note and lingers for hours on skin and fabric.
Freakymama72 –
A very very good oil …thank you