Patchouli Leaves 30 g – Pogostemon cablin from Indonesia

Patchouli leaves (Pogostemon cablin) from Indonesia, dried and cut for incense burning. Patchouli belongs to the mint family and is native to tropical Asia. Today, Indonesia is one of the most important growing regions for this exceptionally aromatic plant.

Its unmistakable fragrance is concentrated mainly in the leaves. After harvesting and drying, they gradually develop the deep, earthy character for which patchouli is known both as an incense plant and in perfumery.

From Asian trade to European perfumery

Patchouli has an interesting history in both fragrance and trade. Dried leaves were once transported together with valuable textiles from Asia. Their intense scent transferred to the fabrics and became so closely associated in Europe with imported Indian shawls and other high-quality textiles that it was at times even regarded as an indication of their Asian origin.

Patchouli later became an important raw material in Western perfumery. The essential oil obtained from the dried leaves is often used as a base note and fixative because of its long-lasting fragrance character. In the 1960s, the distinctive scent of patchouli also became closely associated with hippie and counterculture movements.

Fragrance profile

Patchouli has an intense, earthy and woody fragrance with warm, slightly spicy and characteristically musky nuances. When burned as incense, the leaves release a deep, dry-warm aroma with a subtle natural sweetness. The fragrance is highly distinctive and remains noticeable for a long time.

How to use for incense burning

Place a small amount of the cut patchouli leaves on fully glowing incense charcoal. As the dried leaves smoulder quickly and develop an intense fragrance, it is best to begin with a small quantity and add more if needed.

Patchouli can be burned on its own or combined with other herbs, aromatic woods and incense resins. Thanks to their strong and long-lasting aroma, the leaves are also suitable for creating your own fragrance blends and potpourris.

Always use a heat-resistant vessel when burning incense, ensure adequate ventilation and never leave glowing incense charcoal unattended.

Product details

• Name: Patchouli, patchouli leaves
• Botanical name: Pogostemon cablin
• Origin: Indonesia
• Plant part used: leaves
• Format: dried and cut
• Contents: 30 g
• Use: for incense burning, incense blends and potpourris
• Fragrance character: earthy, woody, warm, spicy and musky

As this is a natural product, the colour, shape and size of the plant material may vary.