Patchouli Incense
Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 8:19 pmThe Patchouli Plant: Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is a member of the mint family. It is a large (3 feet) perennial mint with a sturdy, hairy stem and large, fragrant, furry leaves, about four inches long and five inches across. It has whitish flowers tinged with purple.
Patchouli is renowned for its deep, earthy musky fragrance. Patchouli has a long history of use in the fields of medicine, perfumery, rituals, cosmetics and to scent clothes and textiles. Along with scenting textiles, patchouli acts as a deterrent to insects.
Patchouli grows in tropical climates. The plant originated in Southeast Asia, and is extensively cultivated in various Indonesian Islands, India, the Philippines, Malaysia, China, and South America.
The essence of patchouli remains a very popular scent and is a traditional ingredient in love potions. Patchouli oil is used extensively in the flavoring industry, and is an ingredient to be found in many foods and beverages.
Patchouli is also known as patchouly, tamala pattra in Sanskrit and guang huo xiang in chinese. Patchouli comes from the Hindustan word 'patch' meaning 'green' and 'ilai' meaning 'leaf. 'Patchouli is used in temples as an incense. It is said to assist in grounding and centering the mind prior to meditation. It is also produces a strong connection to the earth as such is an aid to connecting with the natural beauty of the our planet.
For the nervous system, patchouli incense helps to reduce tension, insomnia and anxiety. It is also know as uplifting fragrance that helps to soothe away everyday cares, and to bring about a sense of nourishment.
It was placed between Indian cashmere shawls en route to Victorian England to protect the merchandise from moths. Without the smell of Patchouli the shawls could not be sold.
The essential oil of patchouli is extracted by steam distillation of the leaves. The leaves need to be shade dried and partially fermented before distilling. The yield is 2-3%. Fresh patchouli essential oil has a sharp, green fragrance, and needs to age to develop the deeper, earthier aroma of a good patchouli oil. Patchouli essential oil should always be aged and will continue to improve the longer it sits. The colour of the oil will deepen from a light yellowish, pale red to a deep, dark amber upon aging, and the oil will become more and more viscous.
Patchouli essential oil is used as a topical remedy for skin problems such as acne, eczema, inflamed, cracked, chapped and irritated skin. It is known as a cell rejuvenator and helpful in healing wounds and scars. As an antifungal, patchouli oil has been used to treat athlete's foot. It is a general tonic and stimulant and helps the digestive system. It is also antimicrobial, antiseptic and helps relieve itching.
For the hair, patchouli oil has been used for dandruff and to aid oily hair. In the East Patchouli is used to place between linen to keep bedbugs away, in sachets and in potpourri.
It is Patchouli and Camphor that gives Indian ink its characteristic smell.Patchouli can assist with stress related conditions and anxiety; and is also helpful in cases of substance addictions.
The therapeutic properties of Patchouli are: anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicide, insecticide, sedative and tonic.
Patchouli is renowned for its deep, earthy musky fragrance. Patchouli has a long history of use in the fields of medicine, perfumery, rituals, cosmetics and to scent clothes and textiles. Along with scenting textiles, patchouli acts as a deterrent to insects.
Patchouli grows in tropical climates. The plant originated in Southeast Asia, and is extensively cultivated in various Indonesian Islands, India, the Philippines, Malaysia, China, and South America.
The essence of patchouli remains a very popular scent and is a traditional ingredient in love potions. Patchouli oil is used extensively in the flavoring industry, and is an ingredient to be found in many foods and beverages.
Patchouli is also known as patchouly, tamala pattra in Sanskrit and guang huo xiang in chinese. Patchouli comes from the Hindustan word 'patch' meaning 'green' and 'ilai' meaning 'leaf. 'Patchouli is used in temples as an incense. It is said to assist in grounding and centering the mind prior to meditation. It is also produces a strong connection to the earth as such is an aid to connecting with the natural beauty of the our planet.
For the nervous system, patchouli incense helps to reduce tension, insomnia and anxiety. It is also know as uplifting fragrance that helps to soothe away everyday cares, and to bring about a sense of nourishment.
It was placed between Indian cashmere shawls en route to Victorian England to protect the merchandise from moths. Without the smell of Patchouli the shawls could not be sold.
The essential oil of patchouli is extracted by steam distillation of the leaves. The leaves need to be shade dried and partially fermented before distilling. The yield is 2-3%. Fresh patchouli essential oil has a sharp, green fragrance, and needs to age to develop the deeper, earthier aroma of a good patchouli oil. Patchouli essential oil should always be aged and will continue to improve the longer it sits. The colour of the oil will deepen from a light yellowish, pale red to a deep, dark amber upon aging, and the oil will become more and more viscous.
Patchouli essential oil is used as a topical remedy for skin problems such as acne, eczema, inflamed, cracked, chapped and irritated skin. It is known as a cell rejuvenator and helpful in healing wounds and scars. As an antifungal, patchouli oil has been used to treat athlete's foot. It is a general tonic and stimulant and helps the digestive system. It is also antimicrobial, antiseptic and helps relieve itching.
For the hair, patchouli oil has been used for dandruff and to aid oily hair. In the East Patchouli is used to place between linen to keep bedbugs away, in sachets and in potpourri.
It is Patchouli and Camphor that gives Indian ink its characteristic smell.Patchouli can assist with stress related conditions and anxiety; and is also helpful in cases of substance addictions.
The therapeutic properties of Patchouli are: anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicide, insecticide, sedative and tonic.