Description:
Patchouli is native to tropical regions of Asia and extensively cultivated in tropical regions such as Brazil, Hawaii, South America, Caribbean, and Asian regions like India, Malaysia, Mauritius, China, Japan Maldives, Cambodia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

There are three species of Patchouli namely: Pogostemon Heyneanus, Pogostemon Hortensis, Pogostemon cablin. Commercially Pogostemon cablin species is cultivated for essential oil.

Extraction of patchouli essential oil is by steam distillation of the dried leaves and the essential oil yield is from 2.0 to 3.5%. The main constituents of Patchouli Essential Oil are Patchoulol, α-Patchoulene, β-Patchoulene, α-Bulnesene, α-Guaiene, Caryophyllene, Norpatchoulenol, Seychellene, and Pogostol.

This oil does not oxidize and deteriorate over time, on the other hand, it improves with age. The oil is useful for soaps, cosmetics, massage, aromatherapy, and home care products. The oil of patchouli is extensively used in the perfumery industry and for the treatment of dandruff, oily scalp, as well as skin irritations like dryness, acne, and eczema.

Cultivation and Harvesting:
Patchouli requires well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic (pH 6 to 7.5), rich in humus, nutrients, and deep loamy soil. The field is irrigated immediately after transplantation and always maintain sufficient moisture for the survival of the crop. Fertilizers and micronutrients are required to obtain the optimum yield of the oil. The first crop will be ready for harvesting within 3 to 4 months after transplanting. Subsequent harvests can be taken after every 3 to 4 months, depending upon the soil fertility, climate, and agro technological management practices. Properly drying the harvested crop for 2 to 3 days in the shade is essential to reduce the moisture content and to develop a characteristic patchouli aroma.

Odor profile:
Earthy and woody

Major Constituents:
Patchoulol, α-Bulnesene, α-Guaiene, Seychellen, Gamma-Patchoulene, a-Patchoulene, Camphene, Caryophyllene, Caryophyllene oxide, Elemene, Farnesol, Phellandrene, Limonene, Eucalyptol and Elemol.

Application:
~ Patchouli essential oil can be applied in case of Dermatitis, Acne, Athlete’s Foot, Chapped Skin, Eczema, Fatigue, Frigidity, Hair Care, Insect Repellent, Stress because of its anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, astringent, cicatrisant, cytophylactic, deodorant, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicide and sedative properties.

Aromatherapy:
In aromatherapy, the oil can be used through inhalation, diffusion, and massage for the treatment of various ailments.