• Patchouli
  • Patchouli

Patchouli

  • Scientific Name
    Pogostemon cablin
  • Family
    Lamiaceae
  • Origin
    Indonesia, Brazil, Paraguay, India, Sri Lankaetc.

CONTENTS

Plant description

Belonging to the Labitae family, Patchouli is a perennial herb growing up to 1 meters high. Its flower is mainly light purple and its green leaves grow dense and alternately. It has fine hair on both sides of its leaves, making it distinctive from other plants. The name patchouli, meaning green leaves, is said to have come from the Tamil words “patch”, standing for green, and “ilai”, standing for leaf.
This plant has been used for headaches, abdominal pain, and as antidotes to treat when bitten by insects or snakes. It’s initial origin was Indonesia, but it is also produced in Asia, Brazil, Paraguay, India and Sri Lanka today.

Essential oil composition

Patchouli

  • Patchouli

  • INCI
    POGOSTEMON CABLIN OIL
  • Parts of Plant Used
    Whole Plant
  • Extraction Method
    Steam Distillation
  • Extraction Rate
    3.5% (dried)
  • Notes
    Base
  • Aroma Family
    Herbal / Oriental

Patchouli Essential Oil Properties & Uses

About 3.5% Patchouli essential oil is derived through steam distillation from dried young leaves, and has a light yellow to brownish color. Its key components include woody-toned patchouli alcohol and guaiene, giving it a slightly viscous texture. The aroma is complex, featuring subtle notes of bitterness, ink, and damp earth, accompanied by a robust wet character and an exotic undertone. This scent is often described as reminiscent of a "closet" or "the natural essence of a field", evoking varied impressions. In blends, Patchouli essential oil synergizes harmoniously with sweet fragrances like Rose and Geranium. When paired with invigorating essences such as Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Laurel, it offers a soothing and refreshing blend. Due to its unique properties, Patchouli essential oil is frequently used as a base note, providing a long-lasting fragrance experience.

Essential oil composition

Essential oil composition

※An example of one batch production is shown here.

  • Patchouli alcohol　31.29%
  • δ-Guaiene　16.30%
  • α-Guaiene　 12.54%
  • Seychellene　7.01%
  • α-Patchoulene　6.05%
  • β-Caryophyllene　3.47%
  • Pogostol　2.44%
  • β-Patchoulene　2.35%
  • β-Elemene　1.23%
  • Other components　17.32%

Functions and Efficacies

IFRA

Patchouli：
No restrictions applied

※Only information for selected components are shown here.

References
Jennie Harding [Handbook of Essential Oil and Plant Oil] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2010.
Shinichiro Otsuki/Yukiko Ozaki [Scientific Name Etymology Dictionary of Herbs] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2009.
Jennie Harding [Illustrated Reference Book of Herbs] Sancho Publishing, 2012.
Freddy Ghozland/Xavier Fernandez [L’Herbier Parfume] Hara Publishing, 2013.
Kyohei Mikami [Comprehensive Guide to Essential Oils] Fragrance Journal, 2010.
Yuzuru Ogura [Dictionary of Plants] Tokyo-do Publishing, 1957.
Nobuo Ohashi [Dictionary of Medical Herbs] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2016.
Wanda Sellar [The directory of essential oils] Fragrance Journal, 1992.
Aroma Environment Association of Japan [AEAJ Aromatherapy Certification Official Textbook grade1&2] Sekaibunka, 1999.
Robert Tissearand [Essential Oil Safety] Fragrance Journal, 2018.
Ayako Berg [Aromatherapy Essential Oil Dictionary] Seibido Shuppan, 2022.
Azusa Annells [Enjoying Fragrance: An Illustrated Book of Aromas with Characteristics]Natsumesha CO.,LTD., 2023
(All written in or translated to Japanese.)
Supervisor
Yamamoto Perfumery co., ltd.

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