White flowers, tinged with purple are characterisitic of patchouli
which grows in both axillary and terminal spikes. The crop is cut two
or three times a year. Patchouli leaves are dried and packed in bales
and exported for distillation of the oil. The best oil is freshly
distilled near the plantations.  It is used in coarser perfumes and
in 'White Rose' and 'Oriental' toilet soaps. Although the odor is
objectionable to some, it is widely-used both in Asia and India.

Sachets are made of the coarsely-powdered leaves, and before its
common use in Europe, genuine Indian shawls and Indian ink were
distinguished by the odor, which has the unusual quality of improving
with age. Hence the older oil is preferred by perfumers and used to
confer more lasting properties upon other scents.


Patchouli:
Botanical name: pogostemom cablin
Use: stimulates new cell growth, tightens tissues, speeds healing of
sores, wounds, reducing body odor, cools fever, and repels insects.
Calms nerves, lifts depression, reduces inflammation, fights
infection, stimulates sexual desire.
Perfume Note: Base
Blends well with: Chamomile, Lavender, Helichrysum, Geranium, Clary
Sage
Source: leaves
Production method: steam distillation
Aromatherapy benefits: pervasive, calming, enhancing
Aroma type: sweet, spicy, musty, earthy