Patchouli Leaf

Patchouli is a small bushy perennial shrub native to Southeast Asia, specifically Java and Sumatra. It grows up to 3 feet high and produces soft, fuzzy leaves and small white to light purple flowers. It is cultivated throughout tropical regions of Asia as well as West Africa. The leaves and aboveground plant are harvested, dried, and used for their strong fragrance in perfume and incense, and for their healing qualities in folk medicine. Patchouli is one of the rare aromatic scents that increases in quality with age. Histories and Stories of Patchouli When most people hear the name Patchouli, they usually think of its correlation with the 60‘s, hippies, and peace signs. But before Patchouli ever came to America it was used by many Southeast Asian countries, as well as throughout India and China. It was a very popular aromatic plant used in the perfume industry, in incense, as a fumigant, in traditional medicine, and in the textile industry. The unique, robust fragrance of Patchouli was