Patchouli Oil

Extraction of patchouli's essential oil s by steam distillation  of the dried leaves and twigs, requiring rupture of its cell wall by steam scalding, light fermentation, or drying. The main chemical component of patchouli oil is patchoulik, a sesquiterpene alcohol.

Leaves and twigs may be harvested several times a year. Some sources say the highest quality oil is produced from fresh, share dried biomass distilled close to where they are harvested; others say that boiling the dried leaves and fermenting them for a period of time is best.

Uses :

The heavy, strong, woody, and earthy scent of patchouli has been used for centuries in perfumes, and more recently in incense, insect repellents, chewing tobacco, and many alternative medicines.

Pogostemon cablin, P. heyneanus and P. plectranthoides are all cultivated for their essential oil. known as patchouli oil. Although there are some sub-varieties, the most common commercial varieties are native to the islands of Sumatra and Sulawesi in Indonesia.