- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (Southeast Asia)
- Other names
- Patchouli
Asia · Herb · № 241
Pogostemon cablin
Herb · Asia
Patchouli
Pogostemon cablin
Traditionally attributed effects: inhibits sebum production, draws oil from the skin, fights acne bacteria; against dandruff.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Natural skin and hair care: Always dilute essential oil.
Preparation
External: seeds in patchouli cleanser for oily skin; essential oil in acne toner, dry shampoo and hair products against dandruff.
Use in traditions
Described in natural skin and hair care. In herbal magic associated with attracts money and love, fertility, connection with mother earth, money. In the 19th century patchouli oil was laid between Indian shawls and fabrics against moths; Europeans recognised 'genuine' Indian fabrics by the smell. In the 1960s it became the scent of the hippie movement. In Chinese medicine guang huo xiang is a remedy for nausea in summer; the leaf is grown mainly in Indonesia.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
Deep, earthy scent; used in care for oily skin and a flaky scalp.
Preparation and amount
External: patchouli seed or oil in a cleanser for oily skin, an acne toner, dry shampoo and hair treatment (see the recipes).
Caution: Always dilute essential oil.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Attracts money and love, fertility, connection with mother earth, money, lust, clairvoyance, divination, love, attraction.
Herbal magic and rituals
Attributed effects
In herbal magic associated with money, fertility and grounding.
Preparation and amount
Patchouli comes from Southeast Asia and India. In the nineteenth century traders laid the leaves among Indian shawls and fabrics against moths, and the scent became so familiar in Europe that it was taken as a mark of authenticity. In the 1960s patchouli became the scent of the hippie movement.