Patchouli Patchouli Pogostemon patchouli. The oil is derived from the leaf of the plant. The plant itself reminds me of the stinging nettle leaf. There are tiny lavender flowers blooming on a cone shaped head.
Patchouli is one of the few oils that improves with age.
You have to go a hard mile to convince ME of that, however, because I absolutely hate the smell of it. It has a very hot, oriental, musty odor. Patchouli was very popular during the 60 s, and now with all the retro things that are popular, Patchouli is making a comeback also. There was a crop failure last year, and the oil was in short supply, but things look better for this year. I am allergic to the scent, so the days I make that soap or bath salt are gruesome indeed.