| Latin Name : | Pogostemon cablin |
| English Name : | Patchouli |
| French Name : | Patchouli |
| Family : | Lamiaceae |
| Origin : | India, Madagascar, Indonesia, Philippines |
History and Origin
Patchouli is a tropical plant that grows in Indonesia and the Philippines. Its name was given at the beginning of the 19th century and it originates from Tamil patch, which means “green”, and ilai, for “leave”. Fresh, it does not present the characteristic perfume that we know as patchouli. The plant has to go through a process of fermentation to develop its smell and then be distilled.
The reputation of patchouli is well established in perfumery. It is widely used, but often used as fractions (redistilled essences that are separated from their heavy phases) that present the advantage of a finer, less camphoric, aroma.
Superstitious people use patchouli to attract money and prosperity. It also enters in the crafting of talismans for fertility.