In ancient times, patchouli already had a long history of medicinal use, specifically for treating snake bites and insect stings. Its essential oil is obtained by distilling the tender leaves and can treat scalp and hair problems and help with cell regeneration. Patchouli essential oil is obtained by distilling the tender leaves; before distillation, the leaves must first be dried and fermented. It has a heavy, earthy scent and is an oil much like wine - the longer it ages, the better it smells. Patchouli essential oil is an excellent fixative and an indispensable raw material in the perfume industry. In aromatherapy, adding one drop of patchouli essential oil to a blended essential oil can make the fragrance last longer.
The Scent of Patchouli Essential Oil
Before distillation, the raw material must undergo drying and fermentation. Because the camphor-like fragrance is very intense, the amount of spice used each time must be strictly controlled. The unique spicy and resinous notes in the spice become more pronounced over time, making it the most long-lasting of all known spices. It first drew the attention of Europeans in the nineteenth century, when shawls brought by Indian merchants carried this scent, and it quickly became a fashionable fragrance. One third of fine perfumes use it.
A dark amber, viscous liquid with an earthy musk scent and lasting fragrance. After the rather pungent top notes fade, the scent becomes sweeter, and it grows sweeter the longer it sits.
The fragrance has an invigorating and stimulating effect, which is why it has long been reputed as an aphrodisiac.
With its earthy feel plus a sweet spicy note, patchouli essential oil is like good wine - the longer it ages, the better its effects and scent. Its rather earthy aroma gives a grounded and balanced feeling and can be used as a perfume.