The Pogostemon cablin or Patchouli

The Patchouli hails from the mint family of herbs. It is bushy with erect stems and reaches to around 2.5 ft in height. Cultivated extensively in the tropical Asian regions, it has a heavy scent and has been abundantly used in the production of perfumes. The plant does not require direct sunlight and thrives well in hot climates. Rain and watering make it recover quickly. In TCM or Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is one of the classical herbal formulas.

Patchouli fact: Patchouli is actually the dried aerial part of the plant.

The oldest branch of the shrub is stout and round while the younger ones are a little square and dense with pubescence. When rubbed the plant emits a unique aroma. The flowers are purple in colour. This multiple-branched herbaceous shrub has several medicinal applications and is the source of a popular essential oil. The oil is usually steam-distilled and extracted from the young leaves and fermented prior to the distillation process. The oil tends to improve with age.

Uses of the patchouli

• Perfume: Extensively used in modern industrial products such as laundry detergents

• A potent insect repellent

• East Asian incense – surged in popularity during the 1960s

• Herbal tea making

• Plastic toys

Health benefits of the Patchouli

• Antidepressant: Works as an antidepressant with aromatherapy

• Astringent: Soothes contractions of the nerves and muscles

• Deodorant: Eliminates body odour

• Diuretic: Removes the toxins out of the body by enhancing the frequency of urination

• Cytophylactic: Stimulates the growth of new and healthy cells in the body

• Antiphlogistic: Clears inflammation and irritations that result in a fever and even relieves the fever

• Aphrodisiac: Treats impotency

Benefits for hair

• Long used in Asian medicine Patchouli can treat both hair and skin problems:

• (a). Cures dermatitis, eczema, chapped and dry skin

• (b). Helps oily scalp and successfully addresses dandruff