Saturday, November 8, 2008

Patchouli Essential Oil

A plant native to India and Malaysia, Patchouli is known as "puchaput" coming from two hindustan words, 'patch' meaning 'green' and 'ilai' meaning 'leaf'. Its dried leaves were used to repel moths when transporting cashmere shawls to Victorian England, and the smell became a signature of authenticity, without which the shawls wouldn't sell in England.

Distilled from young leaves that are dried and fermented first, patchouli oil is like a fine wine, getting better with age. Its smell is a strong one, very rich, sweet and musky, and is used widely in perfume.

Antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory, patchouli oil is a magnificent tissue regenerator. Helping to stimulate new cell growth, it promotes speedier healing, and aids in the prevention of scars. Patchouli oil also cools down inflammation, insect bites, and fungal infections.

No comments: