Patchouli Pogostemon cablin is a herb of the mint family, native to India. Its name comes from the Tamil- Patcha meaning green and elle meaning leaf. In India, its oil has been used for thousands of years as a perfume. The leaves and flowers have a spicy scent which some people cannot stand. It was made famous by the hippies in the 1960s and '70s. It is still used to make the essential oil which is a valuable base of many modern perumes.
The patchouli leaves have germicidal and insect repellant qualities. The dried leaves are kept between their silk sarees by Indian women, to repel moths. In ancient times, silk from China was wrapped in Patchouli leaves when it was delivered to Europe. The plant is easy to grow and propagate, as it can tolerate shade.
Patchouli is used in Ayurveda medicine as it is anti fungal anti bacterial.
Hi Aaron! The smell of Patchouli is also very strong. It is also a type of basil.
ReplyDeleteHeisann!
ReplyDeleteI like to learn more about the flowers of yours - I know too little about India ;:OD)
Have a nice week;:OD)
how can i grow patchouli - i love the fragrance and it is difficult to find the perfume here in pure form. I live in karachi, Pakistan. Is it possible to buy seeds somewhere or find a plant in a nursery. what would i ask for?
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