Patchouli (also patchouly or pachouli) is a bushy herb of the mint family, with erect stems, reaching two or three feet in height and bearing small pale pink-white flowers. The plant is native to tropical regions of Asia and is now extensively cultivated in Caribbean countries, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Philippines, West Africa and Vietnam.
Known in the western world as that "Weird Hippy Smell", the scent of patchouli is heavy and strong. It has been used for centuries in perfumes and continues to be so today.
Extraction of the essential oil
Leaves are harvested several times a year, and where dried may be exported for distillation of the oil. Sources disagree over how to obtain the best quality oil. Some claim the highest quality oil is usually produced from fresh leaves, distilled close to the plantation, while others claim baling the dried leaves and allowing them to ferment a little is best
Uses
In Europe and the US, patchouli oil and incense underwent a surge in popularity in the 1960s and 1970s. It has also been used as a hair conditioner for dreadlocks. One study suggests Patchouli oil may serve as an outdoor insect repellent. In several Asian countries, such as Japan and Malaysia, Patchouli is also used as an antidote for venomous snakebites.
The plant and oil have a number of claimed health benefits in herbal folk-lore, and its scent is used with the aim of inducing relaxation. Chinese medicine uses the herb to treat headaches, colds, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Patchouli is also in widespread use in modern industry. It is a popular component in perfumes, including more than half of perfumes for men. Patchouli is also an important ingredient in East Asian incense. It is also used as a scent in products like paper towels, laundry detergents, and air fresheners.
During the 18th and 19th century silk traders from China traveling to the Middle East packed their silk cloth with dried patchouli leaves to prevent moths from laying their eggs on the cloth. Many historians speculate that this association with opulent eastern goods is why patchouli was considered by Europeans of that era to be a luxurious scent. It is said that Patchouli was used in the linen chests of Queen Victoria in this way
Cultivation
Patchouli grows well in warm to tropical climates. It thrives in hot weather but not direct sunlight. If the plant withers due to lack of watering it will recover well and quickly once it has been watered. The seed-bearing flowers are very fragrant and bloom in late fall. The tiny seeds may be harvested for planting, but they are very delicate and easily crushed. Cuttings from the mother plant can also be rooted in water to produce further plants.
It's said, You either Love it, or you hate it!! I truly love this scent!!!! It is very pricey, but we use it in the following soaps:
MUSKY ORANGE BLOSSOM=sensual, soothing patchouli with hint of orange
SOOTHING CITRUS=hint of lemon and patchouli with calendula petals
BURLY LAVENDER=soothing patchouli and relaxing lavenderPATCHOULI PATCH HEMP OIL SOAP- patchouli and exfoliate
SWEET EARTH HEMP OIL SOAP= patchouli with sweet orange
We tried to make some unique scents with the above, a scent for everyone. The latter two are mixed with hemp oil, a great combo!!!
Here are some other "things" I love too, try these recipes and see how you like them.
Blondie Brownies
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
3 eggs
1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
6 tablespoons peanut butter
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup peanut butter
3 cups confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup milk
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together 3/4 cup of butter, brown sugar and white sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and yolk one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and 6 tablespoons peanut butter. Blend in the sifted ingredients and stir in the chocolate chips. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely before frosting.
To make the frosting, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of butter and 1 cup peanut butter together in a medium bowl. Mix in the confectioners sugar until smooth, then gradually stir in milk until a spreadable consistency is reached. Cut, serve and enjoy!
Walnut Brownies
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup butter
6 tablespoons carob powder
1 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 egg white
1 cup chopped walnuts
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
Melt the butter or margarine over low heat. Pour into large mixing bowl and stir in carob powder, sugar, salt, flour, and vanilla. Mix in egg whites and walnuts. Spread the dough evenly into the baking pan.
Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10-15 minutes before cutting.
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Hey check out this new blog!! Leave questions or comments!!http://handymanstipforhome.blogspot.com/
October 16, 2008 Thursday
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