patchouli oil

Patchouli oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves of the aromatic flowering plant Pogostemon cablin, which belongs to the mint family. Native to tropical Asia, this shrubby perennial plant, growing up to a meter tall, has large, fragrant leaves and small, pale flowers.1

The essential oil is extracted from the shade-dried leaves through steam distillation. It is a fragrant, brownish-yellow to brown oil widely used in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, detergents, and deodorants due to its pleasing musky notes and strong fixative properties. Patchouli oil is also utilized in aromatherapy, as a fragrance for incense and candles, and in traditional medicine for various skin conditions and digestive ailments. The leaves themselves can be used as an herbal tea or as a moth repellent.12