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Patchouli - Pogostemon
cablin syn. P. Patchouli
A
genus of 40 species of herbs resembling Balm or
Nettle in appearance, with oval shaped serated leaves
and whorls of white to light-purple flowers. The
leaves are aromatic and the plant, which is a perennial,
can grow up to 3 ft. Traditionally the crop would
be cut two or three times a year, the leaves gathered
and either steam distilled to obtain the essential
oil, or dried. The essential oil has an earthy quality
and is rather thick and dark brown, often with a
green tinge. The active principles are mainly patchoulene
(which is similar in structure to azulene which
is anti-inflammatory), patchoulol and norpatchoulol.
Patchouli
is widely used in Asia and India. Genuine Indian
shawls and Indian Ink is distinguished by the odour
of Patchouli, but it wasn't until the beginning
of the 19th Century that it became popular in the
West : Paisley weavers of Scotland made shawls to
Indian designs which were then exported to Europe
and further afield. The fabric was impregnated with
the Patchouli fragrance (like the shawls worn by
Indian women) and without this odour it was apparently
impossible to sell them!
In
traditional Asian medicine Patchouli is largely
used for its aphrodisiac, antidepressant and antiseptic
properties. In China and Japan Patchouli has a long
history of use as a stimulant, tonic, febrifuge,
antiseptic, insecticide and for treating snake-bites
and the stings of posinous insects. It has also
been used as a perfume for centuries (in the East).
In Western Aromatherapy Patchouli is commonly used
for skin complaints, where it is found to have a
regenerative effect on skin tone and can help remedy
eczema, cracked skin, acne and scar tissue. It is
also highly effective as a remedy for anxiety, depression
and stress-related conditions - all of which may
also be the cause of some of the skin complaints
mentioned previously. Patchouli is also a useful
remedy for PMS, water retention and cellulite -
try a few drops of Patchouli and Geranium essential oils diluted in 10-20mls carrier oil (sweet
almond is a good all-round carrier oil) and use
as a massage oil or add to bath water.
In
folklore and magic Patchouli is associated with
prosperity, abundance and money. |
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