PATCHOULI - essential oil
Patchouli leaves were used well into the 1800's to protect fabrics from moths and other insects during transport and the distinguished scent of patchouli marked authenticity in traded fabric goods
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), is a bushy herb of the mint family. The plant is native to tropical regions of Asia, and is now extensively cultivated in in tropical regions all over the world. Patchouli grows well in warm to tropical climates. It thrives in hot weather but not direct sunlight. If the plant withers due to lack of water, it will recover well and quickly after rain or watering.
It was common place for oriental silk traders to pack the valuable silk that they were trading with dried patchouli leaves. Not only did the leaves prevent the mating of moths on the traders’ silk, but also hindered the moth from laying eggs on the precious silk as well. This practice, which had started as a means of protection for the silk, ended with patchouli being considered an affluent scent. Due to the fragrant nature of patchouli, much of the traded silk acquired its aroma during the long travel period and the distinguished scent of patchouli marked authenticity in traded fabric goods, although the majority of Europeans did not know what it was until the early 1800's.
Health benefits
• Antidepressant: sadness, loss, disappointment, tension, anxiety, anger
• Anti-inflammatory: arthritis, gout, fevers
• Anti-septic: wounds, ulcers
• Aphrodisiac
• Astringent: muscles, nerves, skin, gums
• Wound healing: scars
• Cytophylactic (stimulates generation of cells): red blood cells, skin cells
• Diuretic
• Anti-fungal: athlete's foot, respiratory
• Insect repellant: mosquitoes, ants, beg bugs, lice, fleas, flies, moths, termites
• Sedative: soothes inflammation, convulsions, coughs, epileptic seizures, allergies, insomnia
• Tonic: all systems (gastro-intestinal, liver - optimizes metabolic and digestive functions, endocrine secretions of hormones and enzymes, nervous, immune)
• Skin: eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, insect bites
Warning: The long lasting aroma of patchouli essential oil, though sweet, may be too strong and almost unpleasant to some people. Be cautious about using too much or smelling too strongly of it, as the aroma can be irritating to certain people.