Patchouli Oil Products

Patchouli is a perennial bushy herb or shrubs with strong large stems and aromatic furry leaves. Its aromatic oils can be found in various parts of the plant, including leaves, stalks, branches, and roots. Patchouli is best grown in area up to 400 meter above the sea level and requires constant quantity of rainfall, 2500 to 3500 mm per year. The ideal temperature is 22° to 28 °C, with plenty of sunlight, and with humidity greater than 70.

The majority of essential oil in patchouli exists in the leaves cells and hairs of patchouli leaves. Patchouli leaves gives off the characteristic patchouli odor when rubbed. The distillation of dried patchouli leaves produces viscous light yellow to dark brown patchouli oil.

Patchouli has been extensively cultivated for its essential oil for over 100 years. It is a labor intensive process and requires large plantation areas. A typical farmer owns about 0.25 hectares of land, to produce about 20-30 liter of patchouli oil in a year. Previously an exporter of dry patchouli leaves, Indonesia begin its own distillation in 1920. Currently Indonesia is the world largest supplier of patchouli, supplying more than 80% of the world market.
Patchouli leaves can be harvested several times in a year. After drying, the leaves are steam distilled to produce patchouli oil. The main patchouli production areas in Indonesia are the provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, Bengkulu, Lampung and Java.

Traditionally, patchouli used as moisturizer and perfume by rubbing the leaves directly to the skin. It can also be used as deodorant and itch relief from bug and mosquito bites. As antiseptic, patchouli leaves are grounded up and applied to the skin. In cosmetics, patchouli oil is used as perfume ingredients because of its fixative properties and compatibility with other essential oils. Patchouli oil has relaxing, antiseptic, anti-depressant and sedative properties. As topical, oil can be used to treat cuts, allergies, abscess, and eczema. It also known to regenerate skin cells, tones and tightens rough skins.

Out of 70 types of essential oils traded worldwide, about 40 are produced in Indonesia. However, only a small number are commercially produced, for example; patchouli, nutmeg, lavender, citronella, clove, and eucalyptus.