Perfectly Patchouli

Occasionally we’ll get customers asking for “hippie oil”. More often than not, they are actually asking for Patchouli essential oil.

What is now so closely associated with the 1960s and free love has been around for hundreds of years. Originating in India & Malaysia, this shrubby member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, has been used for a multitude of purposes: from use as an anti-depressant to treating dandruff & other inflammations. Patchouli made its way west when Napoleon brought traditional Indian shawls to Paris. Leaves were pressed between levels of fabric to deter moths from nesting.

Patchouli, literally meaning “green leaf”, carries a distinctive & earthy aroma. One common opinion is that it has a “grounding” effect on the emotions, hence its use for anxiety issues. Many sources claim that patchouli’s exotic fragrance as having aphrodisiac properties.

The most interesting fact about patchouli is that unlike most essential oils, patchouli actually improves with age, mellowing and becoming sweeter. A fine quality patchouli oil may seem weak at first sniff, as it takes several minutes for the full body of scent to unfold.

Our most popular patchouli items include Triloka’s Patchouli Garden incense and Way Out Wax's Patchouli Travel Tin.

Visit us for more information!