Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) of the Lamiaceae family: benefits and effects, how to use it, and what to know about taking it long-term

Patchouli, also known as mountain fennel, water hemp leaf, and large-leaf mint, is a plant in the Lamiaceae family native to Guangdong, widely cultivated for its effects in relieving summer heat, stopping vomiting, and stopping diarrhea. Many people now like to steep it in water and drink it, so what are the benefits and effects of patchouli? How do you use it? Can it be taken long-term?

1. What are the benefits and effects of patchouli?

1. What are the benefits of patchouli?

Benefit one, removing dampness: patchouli has the effect of dispelling dampness and is suitable for patients with poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting. It is generally decocted with herbs such as banxia (Pinellia ternata) and cangzhu (Atractylodes lancea), which can achieve good results, but it should be taken under a doctor's instructions.

Benefit two, relieving summer heat: patchouli is warm in nature and has the effect of relieving summer heat, making it suitable for patients with wind-cold colds, chills, and fever. It is generally decocted with herbs such as banxia (Pinellia ternata) and zisu (Perilla frutescens), which can achieve good results.

Benefit three, stopping vomiting: patchouli is warm in nature and has the effect of stopping vomiting. It is suitable for patients with nausea and vomiting. It is generally decocted with banxia (Pinellia ternata), zhuru (Bambusa tuldoides), huanglian (Coptis chinensis), and others, which can achieve good results.

2. What are the effects of patchouli?

Effect one, aiding digestion: patchouli helps regulate gastrointestinal function, promote gastric juice secretion, and strengthen digestive power.

Effect two, antibacterial: patchouli decoction has relatively strong antifungal and antibacterial effects in test tubes.

Effect three, calming: patchouli helps with neurasthenia and strengthens the central nervous system; high doses have a stimulating effect, while low doses have a calming effect.

2. How do you use patchouli?

1. Patchouli tea

Ingredients: patchouli, fresh lotus leaf, fresh reed root, eupatorium

Steeping method: Wash and chop the patchouli, fresh lotus leaf, fresh reed root, and eupatorium, then put them in a pot, add water, and decoct. Once it has boiled down into a liquid, strain out the liquid and drink it. It is generally drunk once a day.

Effects: Drinking it over a long period can cool and relieve summer heat and quench thirst while promoting fluid production, making it very suitable for summer.

2. Patchouli porridge

Ingredients: patchouli powder, japonica rice

Method: Clean the japonica rice, put it in a pot with water, and cook it into porridge. When it is almost cooked, add an appropriate amount of patchouli powder, stir evenly, then simmer for another ten minutes before eating directly.

Effects: Eating it over a long period can cool and relieve summer heat, so it is most suitable for eating in summer.

3. Can patchouli be taken long-term?

Patchouli is a medicinal herb, so it is best not to take it long-term. Generally, about 3-10 g per dose is enough, and it should be taken under a doctor's guidance to avoid causing discomfort.

4. Does patchouli smell good?

Patchouli smells good. This is because it has a fresh fragrance of its own and is the source of the scent in many perfumes. At present, two-thirds of most high-end perfumes use patchouli as a fragrance source. It is not only intense but also long-lasting, so it is also used as an excellent fixative.