A brief about Patchouli.

Patchouli , also called Pogostemon Cablin. Odour profile - Green, earthy, mossy, woody and sometimes medicinal.

My nose has always been drawn this fragrance in particular and it always surprises me in all the forms I've smelt it. To a lot of us PATCHOULI is an 

essential part of a perfume but to me it is also a perfume in itself. A whiff of it can alter my mood , with its sweet and herbaceous top it sets me in 

different type of trance, the camphorous mid which is a bit herbal still brings a smile on my face ,loosens my body and puts it in a state of rest and still and its woody, dry and earthy base makes me feel humble and grounded.

Patchouli, an aromatic herb which grows about 1 meter tall and has leaves nearly 5 meters wide and native to Philippines is of extreme importance to the world of perfumery. The essential oil of patchouli which is brownish in colour is extracted from its leaves. There is lot about Patchouli that we don't know yet or we weren't keen on knowing. It has a rich history and its uses have been evident dating back to AD 420 China, where it is said to have been used for medicinal purposes. Although it has been a native to Philippines it most of the oil i.e nearly 80% of it is produced in Indonesia.

India has also played a vital role in the evolution of Patchouli especially because the name Patchouli is known to be derived from ‘Pacchilai’ in Tamil ,here 'Pacchi'  (pacchai)  means  green and 'Ilai' means leaf]. It was also believed that this plant was indigenous to India which later was clarified that it was introduced in India around 1834. Patchouli has insect repellent qualities due to which dried leaves of patchouli or its powder was used in packing of the fabrics which were exported from India, the fabric contained its essence and that is how Patchouli Europe became familiar with Patchouli in around 1840. The French perfumers where in awe of this strong earthy and herbaceous essence and started using it after having found its original source. In 1942, TATA Oil Mills took efforts to introduce commercial cultivation of Patchouli in India which was not entirely successful and in 1962, the systematic cultivation of Patchouli was initiated by Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Bangalore and since then India also produces in regions of Tamil Nadu, 

Karnataka, Assam and West Bengal.

Patchouli essential oil is also know as the strongest essence extracted from the leaves of a plant. Its astounding how a simple leaf can bring such important character to any perfume it touches. In perfumery it has show its different qualities depending on the perfumers visions and need of the concoction. I've been in love with it since forever and have managed to collect a few Patchouli dominant perfumes and still looking for a lot more. A few are in the picture a lot them aren't in my possession right now.

Here’s a few of my favourites:-

Oriza Legrand - Horizon .

Christian Dior - Patchouli Imperial.

Nasomatto - Hindu Grass.

Molinard - Patchouli Intense.

Floris - Patchouli.

Givenchy - Gentleman 

Tauer - Patchflash

Ramon Monegal - Mon Patchouli. 

How do you like Patchouli? 

Any favorites? 

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