COMMON NAME: Patchouli, Puchaput, Patchouly

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Pogostemon cablin, P. patchouly, P. patchouli

FAMILY NAME: Lamiaceae (Mint)

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Tropical Asia, Philippines, Indonesia

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: India, Sumatra, Java, Malaysia, China, Brazil, Indonesia

HISTORY INFORMATION: Used in the East primarily as a preventive measure against disease. It is also used to treat colds, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal or menstrual pain, and snake bites. Arabs used it to repel fleas and lice from bedding.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Patchouli is a good example to show how oils can be paradoxical. It is both a sedative and a stimulant. Many oils can act like this. If you are overactive and take a large dosage, it can calm you. If you are depressed or exhausted, and take a small dosage, it can stimulate you. Patchouli is the scent associated with the flower children of the sixties. Often adulterated with gurjun balsam. For a pick-me-up or replace your morning coffee, smell for a few seconds to get you started. Magically used to create abundance or money.

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: A perennial herb growing up to 3ft high with large, fragrant, furry leaves producing purple fragrant flowers. Dried, this herb continues to produce a very strong odor.

PARTS PROCESSED: Leaves usually partially fermented.

PROCESSING METHODS: Steam distilled.

COLOR RANGE: Amber to dark orange.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Alcohol. Up to 40% patchouli alcohol, pogostol, bulnesol.

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Antibacterial, analgesic, antidepressant, antiemetic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antistress, antitoxic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, astringent (strong), calmative, carminative, cicatrizant, decongestant, deodorant, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, febrifuge, fixative, insect repellent, insecticide, laxative, nervine, parasiticide, regenerator, sedative (large amounts), stimulant (small amounts), stomachic, tonic. Used as a aphrodisiac. Used to stimulate the nerves, to prevent sleep, uplift moods, to induce euphoric conditions, repel insects, and to heal the skin.

MENTAL USES: I live at peace with myself and my world. I do what is needed knowing that others are there to do their part. I live in a supportive, working, cooperative community. I manifest what I want. I can have what I want.

EMOTIONAL USES: Feeling depressed, lonely, sad, grieving, exhausted, overactive, confused as to purpose in life and what one truly wants TO cooperative, uplifted, contented, revived, calmed, able to know what you want and manifest it

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that your material needs are not being met, and you are unclear or feel you can't have what you want. Patchouli will assist you in getting clear on what you need and support you in knowing you can have it. We cannot truly give or be of service to others if our needs are not met. A truly spiritual person knows that their needs will be met. It can also mean that you are too focused on being mental or spiritual. Patchouli will assist you in getting in touch with your sensual, feeling nature. It clears, calms or stimulates the emotional body leading to service of humanity. It is especially good for the throat chakra as it allows or empowers you to clearly see what you want and speak it so that you may manifest more easily in the world.

APPLICATIONS: Aroma lamp, bath, inhaler, light bulb ring, liquid candle, massage, mist spray, perfume.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: Nontoxic, cross reaction to cinnamon, juniper, and turpentine.