Patchouli oil has a sweet musky scent and has long been reported to have a mild aphrodisiac effect. No scientific research has been published on this alleged effect. One Japanesee study from 2002 found that inhaling the scent of patchouli was relaxing and reduced sympathetic nerve activity by 40%; the sympathetic nervous system is the "fight or flight" reflex that is also activated by stress.

Patchouli has long been used in blending perfumes, and is used in about half of all men's perfumes and one quarter of women's perfumes. Patchouli's fragrance is quite persistent: Items sprayed with the essential oil can still have a strong fragrance decades later. Full strength patchouli generates an intense reaction in many people: some love it, others hate it. When blended with other perfume notes, it is agreeable to most people.

Perfumists have described patchouli as heavy, exotic, deep, rich, balsamic, herbaceous, and earthy. It mixes well with most other scents, although it's strength usually limits the amount put into a perfume.

Like sandalwood oil, patchouli oil improves over time - it is said to become more mellow, sweet, or well-tempered. It also darkens in color, from a greenish yellow to amber to brown.

Aromatherapists recommend patchouli for achieving clarity, relaxing, and meditating. Some herbalists use it for mild anxiety, or for people who dissociate from their senses and sensuality. Among aromatherapists, the aphrodisiac properties of this herb are without dispute. Some aromatherapists advise blending patchouli with geranium and bergamot oils for overcoming performance anxiety.

The essential oil is quite concentrated and should not ordinarily be taken internally; one ounce of essential oil is the product of several pounds of the herb. Patchouli has been used by millions with no problem, but (as with any perfume ingredient,) some individuals may be sensitive.

Patchouli is a common ingredient in incense, and many associate the smell with India and things Indian. Silk traders originally packed patchouli leaves with silk to repel moths, and for this reason, the wealthy from previous generations associated patchouli with luxury.

Like citronella and a few other plant oils, patchouli can repel mosquitos. A 2005 study found that applying pure patchouli oil (but not diluted oil) gave two hours of protection on the human forearm. PubMed PPMID: 16041723

Patchouli has traditionally been for skin irritations and minor infections, including acne, rashes, and dandruff (often caused by a fungal infection of the scalp). These antibiotic uses have been supported by several studies demonstrating antiseptic properties. (PubMed PMID: 12380738, PMID: 8893526 and PMID: 14615795)

Patchouli oil has also been shown to reduce vomitting. PMID: 10374246

The patchouli plant is easy to grow in most tropical climates, and the harvest of material for extracting the oil does not damage the shrub. Patchouli is a sustainable crop, making this perfume guilt-free.

The scientific name for this plant is Pogostemon cablin.