Patchouli - Love the Smell or Hate It

Patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli) is an ancient plant, known throughout the Old World for
centuries. It is best known as that ever popular incense scent of the 1960's in the Age of
Love in America, when the populace learned to either love it's scent, or hate it completely.
The oil derived from the plant leaves is often used as a scent fixative in perfumes and
fragrances, as well as to mask strong odors from chemical combinations. The odor
improves with age, so the older oil is generally preferred by manufacturers of perfumes.

Medicinal Uses of Patchouli

Patchouli leaves have been used to make an infusion to treat dysentery, diarrhea, colds
without fevers, vomiting, and nausea. Fresh leaves bruised and applied to burns aids in
healing. The essential oil is used externally to treat skin problems including dry and
chapped skin, fungal problems, and acne, and as an aphrodisiac. In aromatherapy it is used
to calm the nerves as well as to control appetite, to treat depression, stress, and lack of
sexual interest. It also has been used in deodorants, to mask perspiration; of course for this
application you will want to be sure you enjoy the scent. The oil as well as the leaf infusion
has been used externally to treat dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, and acne.
In parts of Arabia, China, and Japan, it was believed that applying patchouli oil before and
after sexual intercourse prevented venereal disease. This has not been proven nor studied,
although the actions of the oil would indicate that it could be useful in killing bacteria and
viruses, so I would not recommend this as a protective measure in today's society.
Patchouli's actions are typically classified as being carminative, diaphoretic, alterative,
astringent, anti-emetic, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory, and it has been shown to have
cell-regenerating abilities.
The dried leaves are valuable in repelling insects such as moths from stored textiles as well
as food pantries and bedding. Tuck the dried leaves between stored sheets, tablecloths, etc.,
under mattresses, and set among pantry shelves.
A quick and easy mixture for applying to the face to treat skin irritations and dry skin
contains 3 drops of patchouli essential oil, 3 drops of rose oil, 3 drops of evening primrose
oil, and 3 drops of lavender essential oil, mixed together in a tablespoon of almond or olive
oil. Blend well and apply to the face before bed, wash away in the morning.

Spiritual Uses of Patchouli

Patchouli is a powerful oil worn to attract the opposite sex either by itself or mixed with
other attracting essential oils. It is recognized as a sensual oil, calling love to the wearer as
well as showing love of Deity, and it is believed to ward off negativity and evil. Patchouli is
also burned in incenses to aid divination and clairvoyance, and is believed to attract money
and prosperity.
Growing Patchouli
Patchouli is a tender perennial, a native of Malaysia, that grows around 3 to 4 foot tall with
a bushy habit. The leaves are large and furry. Cold will kill it, so try growing it as a
houseplant if you enjoy its fragrance, giving you the added benefit of helping to repel insect
predators from your houseplants. Patchouli prefers average to rich soil and partial shade