An Introduction to Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) – A Medicinal and Aromatic Plant: It’s Importance to Mankind

Abstract

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) is a plant from Lamiaceae family, well known for its medicinal and aromatic properties.  Patchouli is grown for its essential oil.  Patchouli essential oil is mainly obtained by steam distillation of the shade dried leaves.  It is widely appreciated for its characteristic pleasant and long lasting woody, earthy, camphoraceous odour.  It is especially notable as the essential oil extracted is internationally important and valuable, principally for the aromatherapy, perfumery, cosmetics, incense stick production and food flavouring industries.  This review attempted to give an overview of the relationship between aromatherapy and essential oils, importance of patchouli, harvesting pattern of patchouli, basics behind drying and steam distillation of patchouli crop, as well as trends existing in the various markets for essential oil application and its importance to mankind.

Keywords: patchouli, aromatherapy, drying, steam distillation, essential oil, applications