Patchouli Leaf

In international trade, known as the patchouli oil patchouli oil (from the Tamilpatchai (green) and ellai (leaves), because oil is distilled from the leaves). The aroma of patchouli oil known as 'heavy' and 'strong' and has been used for centuries as fragrances (perfume) and materials incense or incense on the eastern tradition. Patchouli oil prices are among the highest when compared with other essential oils.

Wikipedia said: Patchouli[note 1] (/pəˈtʃuːli/; Pogostemon cablin), from Tamil paccuḷi,[1] is a species of plant from the family Lamiaceae, commonly called the "mint" or "deadnettle" family. The plant grows as a bushy perennial herb, with erect stems reaching around 75 centimetres (2.5 ft) in height and bearing small, pale pink-white flowers. It is native to tropical regions of Asia.[citation needed] It has many commercial uses and is now extensively cultivated in China, Indonesia, Japan, Cambodia, Myanmar, India, Maldives, Malaysia, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, Taiwan, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, South America and the Caribbean. Indonesia currently produces over 90% of the global volume of Patchouli oil (~1,600 Metric tons)

Perfume[edit]

Patchouli is used widely in modern perfumery,[10] by individuals who create their own scents [11] and in modern scented industrial products such as paper towels, laundry detergents and air fresheners. Two important components of its essential oil are patchoulol and norpatchoulenol.[11] Some of the highest qualities and variants of Patchouli Oil are produced by Van Aroma, a well renowned producer in Indonesia.

Insect repellent[edit]

One study suggests that patchouli oil may serve as an all-purpose insect repellent.[12] More specifically, the patchouli plant is claimed to be a potent repellent against the Formosan subterranean termite.[13]

Incense[edit]

Patchouli is an important ingredient in East Asian incense. Both patchouli oil and incense underwent a surge in popularity in the 1960s and 1970s in the US and Europe, mainly as a result of the hippie movement of those decades.[14]

Culinary[edit]

Patchouli leaves have been used to make a herbal tea. In some cultures, patchouli leaves are eaten as a vegetable or used as a seasoning. There are also several herbal medicines, both in Indonesia, as well as in China (TCM) that include dry, and ground Patchouli Leaves as one of the key ingredients.

Toys[edit]

In 1985 Mattel used patchouli oil in the plastic used to produce the action figure Stinkor in the Masters of the Universe line of toys.[15]