Patchouli as an Herb

(Pogostemon cablin, P. patchouli)

Patchouli is used to treat dysentery, diarrhea, colds without fevers, vomiting, and nausea.

Its use is said to cause sometimes loss of appetite and sleep and nervous attacks. The Chinese, Japanese and Arabs believe it to possess prophylactic properties.

Medicinal Uses for Patchouli

The essential oil is used in aromatherapy to calm the nerves, and as an aphrodisiac. Too much of it can act as a sedative.

Patchouli is used in coarser perfumes and in 'White Rose' and 'Oriental' toilet soaps. Although the odor is objectionable to some, it is widely-used both in Asia and India. Sachets are made of the coarsely-powdered leaves.

Cosmetically Patchouli is used to rejuvenate mature skin and as a deodorant to mask body odors.

In addition, it is said to be of great service in epilepsy. Its narcotic properties cause it to be used in diarrhea and dysentery, neuralgia, and dysmenorrhoea.

Suggestion: Try growing this fragrant plant as a houseplant.

Patchouli: A Love Potion?

Patchouli is associated with both love and money and is often used to attract a rich mate. You can make your own richness enhancing perfume oil by adding 10 to 15 drops of patchouli oil, some cinnamon oil and vetiver to a 15 milliliter bottle, then filling the bottle with a scentless blending oil such as grapeseed or apricot kernel oil. Don't apply essential oils directly to your skin, as some of them are quite strong and can burn.

To make a light perfume spray, let handfuls of the dried herb steep in vodka for several weeks, then strain the alcohol off the herb. This scented alcohol, called a patchouli tincture, can be diluted with water to make a cologne spray and blended with other tinctures to create your own personalized scent.

Culinary

The East Indies once used patchouli as a flavoring herb in foods.

Cautions

Patchouli is believed to be safe.

Wild gathering: Avoid wild gathering. Some plants are endangered species. Please grow your own herbs in your own window boxes.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.