Patchouli

Patchouli (Patchouli) - common patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is an aromatic herb (semi-shrub) from the sedum family. It comes from India. But now it is also grown in China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. The name, originating from Tamil (a language still used in and around India), is a compound of the two words patchai = green and ellai = leaf. The plant grows to a height of 70 cm and has small light pink-white to violet flowers. Patchouli is a very unique perfume ingredient with a very strong aroma, which is either very adored or cursed by people. Patchouli used to be found in perfumes mainly as a fixer and fixer of scents, but recently, the unmistakable scent has come to the fore and perfumes are created in which patchouli is the dominant component.

How is patchouli obtained? The dark orange oil is obtained from dried, fermented leaves and shoots. The leaves are harvested by hand up to 3 times a year. Fermentation takes place in two stages. Similar to fine wine, the older the patchouli oil, the better and more expensive it is.

What does patchouli smell like? Patchouli is an exotic, green, sweet scent with distinct earthy, woody, spicy and slightly herbal and balsamic notes that accentuates the other ingredients in the perfume. However, patchouli is a scent of many forms and therefore smells different in each perfume.

Why is it? The aroma of patchouli depends on the specific species, on maturity, but also on the region from which it comes. A young fragrance is typically green and sweet, a more mature fragrance, on the other hand, acquires either fruity tones (Sadika's case) or musty woody or rusty iron tones. The distinctive and unique fragrance is an ideal companion for cold autumn and winter days.

What are the effects of patchouli? Thanks to its warm, strong, sweet and soothing earthy scent, patchouli serves as a natural antidepressant - to harmonize and balance the entire body. This is mainly used in alternative medicine or to induce a state of meditation. However, at the same time, this fragrance generally strengthens and stimulates the psyche - it gives strength to fight life's obstacles, supports creative thinking, relieves stress, nervousness and feelings of anxiety. Thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective effects, it also helps in the treatment of respiratory tract and skin problems. It deepens and maximizes mental as well as physical rest - its scent helps to clear the head of excess thoughts. But patchouli is also a strong aphrodisiac - it relieves the body of sexual anxiety, lack of concentration and, on the contrary, awakens hidden desires and needs to life. Last but not least, its distinctive scent is also used as an effective protection against moths.

How did patchouli come to us? Patchouli came to us in the 19th century along with caravans traveling from India. The distinctive scent protected valuable cashmere fabrics from moths. Its fragrance therefore guaranteed a mark of quality. Over time, customers became so accustomed to the smell of cashmere that they even demanded it as an ingredient in perfumes. Patchouli in the spiritual world means abundance and the earth element. In the past, the distinctive scent was also used for ceremonial religious purposes. In the 60s of the last century, patchouli scents were also "famous" by hippies, who believed that the distinctive smell would cover the smell of marijuana before police control.