Patchouli oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves of the patchouli plant, a type of aromatic herb. In order to produce patchouli oil, the leaves and stems of the plant are harvested and allowed to dry out. They then undergo a distillation process to extract the essential oil.

Patchouli oil has a characteristic scent that might be described as woody, sweet, and spicy. Because of this, it’s often used as a scent additive in products like perfumes, cosmetics, and incense.

Patchouli oil has a variety of additional uses throughout the world. Some of these include:

treating skin conditions such as dermatitis, acne, or dry, cracked skin
easing symptoms of conditions like colds, headaches, and stomach upset
relieving depression
providing feelings of relaxation and helping to ease stress or anxiety
helping with oily hair or dandruff
controlling appetite
using as an insecticide, antifungal, or antibacterial agent
using as an additive in low concentrations to flavor foods like candies, baked goods, and beverages