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How is patchouli oil produced from patchouli leaves?

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Patchouli essential oil is produced from the leaves of the patchouli plant (Pogostemon cablin), a member of the mint family.

To extract the oil, the leaves are first shade-dried. Once dried, the essential oil is obtained through the process of steam distillation. This resulting fragrant, brownish-yellow to brown oil is widely valued for its musky notes and fixative properties in perfumes, cosmetics, and incense.12