Patchouli, Dark EO


Details

  • Botanical Name: Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth.
  • Origin: Indonesia
  • Process: Steam Distilled Essential Oil
  • Plant Part: Leaves
  • Cultivation: Conventional
  • Use: Aromatherapy / Natural Perfumery / Incense. Always dilute.
  • Note: Base Note, Outstanding Fixative
  • Aroma Families: Earthy, Woody, Musky
  • Aroma: Extremely rich, deep, earthy, sweet-herbaceous, somewhat spicy aroma, with ethereal, floral-sweet and wine-like top notes and a mellow, woody-balsamic body note. Known as one of the finest fixatives with outstanding tenacity.
  • Contraindications: Various cautions; please see Safety Considerations below.



Product Name SKU Price Qty
  1. Patchouli, Dark Sample (1 ml) 770-3
    $2.00
  2. Patchouli, Dark 15 ml (1/2 oz) * 770-016
    $7.75
  3. Patchouli, Dark 30 ml (1 oz) 770-030
    $9.50
  4. Patchouli, Dark 2 oz 770-9
    $15.25
  5. Patchouli, Dark 4 oz 770-10
    $24.75
  6. Patchouli, Dark 8 oz 770-11
    $45.25
  7. Patchouli, Dark 16 oz 770-12
    $84.75
  8. Patchouli, Dark 1 kg 770-25
    $169.00
  9. For larger sizes or quantities please contact us for pricing and availability.         
* Size includes orifice (drop) reducer

Overview

Patchouli, Dark Essential Oil

Our very fine Patchouli – Dark has an aroma that is extremely rich, deep, earthy, sweet-herbaceous, and somewhat spicy, with ethereal, floral-sweet and wine-like top notes and a mellow, woody-balsamic body note. Though characterized as an odd ball1 in perfumery circles, versatile Patchouli blends well with most other oils and is used as a base note to add richness, depth and character while its outstanding fixative qualities impart strength and allure. Patchouli essential oil is often specifically distilled using metal stills to ensure the warm, dark color in the final product. For those who prefer it, our Patchouli – Light is distilled using non-reactive, stainless steel vessels and is free of iron coloration.

Pogostemon cablin is one of only a few plants that benefit from drying and ‘curing’ of the leaves prior to distillation, resulting in a better quality, higher yield of oil than that from fresh plant material.2,3 Among its many benefits, Patchouli has a particular affinity for the skin, helping improve the appearance of tone, aging, fine lines and wrinkles, and dry skin and scalp.4

Patchouli is a misunderstood oil that has received an undeserved reputation in recent decades. Author Lizzie Ostrom comments in Perfume: A Century of Scents, "Patchouli oil was the perfume that pretended it wasn’t. Unlike those ‘stuffy’ Diors and Guerlains that were made from a long list of ingredients, this was a natural product, which meant untampered by humans (allegedly) and therefore authentic – straight from the Earth."5 She adds that Patchouli and other supposedly au naturel scents were a signature of the hippie generation of the 1960s. The Patchouli oils of the day, most of questionable origin and quality, were used to mask the odor of cannabis and to deliver an earthy, rebellious and sexy appeal. Lingering cultural associations still color the reaction of many to this richly-storied and complex oil.

An authentic and truly fine Patchouli oil has a rich and deeply mysterious fragrance that may not be appreciated by many who claim that they "do not like" its scent. Frankly, it is best to approach the aroma of Patchouli in diluted form, on a scent strip, or combined with other essential oils (especially florals), rather than at full strength or directly from the bottle. Keep in mind that when first distilled, Patchouli has a pungency that can be quite pronounced, however a good quality Patchouli oil mellows with age and, when properly stored for a prolonged period, deepens, becomes rich and alluring, developing long-lasting sultry effects – "that full, rich, and almost fruity note for which the best grades of patchouli oil are renowned and so highly esteemed by expert perfumers."6

Not sure which Patchouli to choose? Please see our Patchouli Samples (you can uncheck the ones you don’t want to receive). For a complete list of our Patchouli offerings, click here.

For information regarding the attributes of Patchouli essential oil, please see:

  • L’Aromathérapie Exactement, Pierre Franchomme and Dr. Daniel Pénoël, 1990, p. 391.
  • Essential Oils – A Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice, 2nd ed., Jennifer Peace Rhind, 2012, pp. 171-2, 290.
  • Aromatherapeutic Blending – Essential Oils in Synergy, Jennifer Peace Rhind, 2016, pp. 90, 102, 115, 130, 156, 181, 237-8.
  • The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, 3rd ed., Vol. I, Salvatore Battaglia, 2018, pp. 464-469.

For information regarding the use of Patchouli in natural perfumery, please see:


Aromatic Profile: Extremely rich, deep, earthy, sweet-herbaceous, somewhat spicy aroma, with ethereal, floral-sweet and wine-like top notes and a mellow, woody-balsamic body note; very tenacious. Known as one of the finest fixatives with outstanding tenacity.


Appearance: Rich amber-colored, transparent, somewhat viscous mobile liquid.


Storage Suggestions: This oil will actually improve with age, that is, the aroma will become deeper, rounder and more refined over time when properly stored at a constant temperature below 65-70F degrees.


Use: Aromatherapy / Natural Perfumery / Incense.


Blending Suggestions: Dilute and add drop by drop to your blends until the desired effect is achieved.


Blends Well With: Amber Oil - Fossilized, Amyris, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Cassie, Cedarwood, Champaca, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Clove, Cocoa, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Jasmine, Labdanum, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Mandarin, Mimosa, Myrrh, Neroli, Oakmoss, Opopanax, Orange, Orris, Palmarosa, Rose, Sandalwood, Spikenard, Tangerine, Tonka Bean, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang. "A great fixative used in small doses in any blend or as a fundamental note in Ambers and heavy florals. Absolutely one of the most useful of all essential oils in perfumery. Goes with everything, including people who don’t like it."7


Safety Considerations: If you have a medical condition or are taking medication, please consult with a physician before use. Avoid use with blood clotting or other bleeding disorders.Dilute before using. A patch test should be performed before use for those with sensitive skin.


1 Lawless, Alec. Artisan Perfumery – or Being Led by the Nose, 2009, p. 83.

2 Guenther, Ernest. The Essential Oils, Vol. III, 1949, p. 562.

3 Rhind, Jennifer Peace. Fragrance and Wellbeing, 2014, p. 288.

4 Shutes, Jade and Christina Weaver. Aromatherapy for Bodyworkers, 2008, p. 320.

5 Ostrom, Lizzie. Perfume: A Century of Scents, 2016, p. 230.

6 Guenther, Ernest. The Essential Oils, Vol. III, 1949, p. 563.

7 Lawless, Alec. Artisan Perfumery or Being Led by the Nose, 2009, p. 84.

8 Tisserand, Robert and Rodney Young. Essential Oil Safety, 2nd ed., 2014, p. 382.


The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made by Eden Botanicals as to the medicinal value of any products from Eden Botanicals. The information presented here is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essential oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. If you have any questions, please call or email us for further information.

Patchouli, Courtesy of Jeanne Rose

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  • Patchouli, Courtesy of Jeanne Rose

Customer Reviews for Patchouli, Dark EO

Can barely smell it Review by
Rating
1
I wish I had gotten a sample first but all of the patchouli dark I have ever purchased from Eden Botanicals in the past has been excellent. Unfortunately this one is a dud. It has a very faint aroma. It must have taken some foing to find such a weak example of patchouli. Word of warning, always get a sample first.
(Posted on 1/11/2023)
Disappointed Review by
Rating
1
I am a fan of Patchouli and was curious, so I bought a sample to start out.
Honestly I was very disappointed with this oil, it wasn’t dark or rich and heady but rather light and uninspiring.
(Posted on 11/8/2022)
Love lt Review by
Rating
5
I AM A PATCHOULI ADDICT and this stuff is my favorite of any other brand!!! Love this!!!
(Posted on 11/15/2018)
Gorgeous, gorgeous, rich patchouli Review by
Rating
5
Great value for the price.
I was never a patchouli lover until I tried dark aged patchouli, and this one from Eden is one of the best.
It's part earthy and part woody but not overly pungent or "dirty". More complex and smooth than fresher patchouli. Quite addictive on its own and you don't need too much in blends because it can pack quite a punch if you add too much.
I blend it with vanilla notes for the ultimate comfort scent.
(Posted on 3/1/2018)
Stronger, richer, deeper, and different from previous lots Review by
Rating
4
This new lot#11 has a very rich, deep, decadent scent profile. I have 3 of the previous lots of dark patchouli to compare with and this new lot is both darker in color and longer lasting on a test strip. It’s impressively concentrated – an incredible value for a much loved oil.

Upon first sniff I did find the aroma of lot#11 a little unfamiliar, it was much sweeter than previous distillations, and much earthier than any other dark patchouli I own. Straight from the bottle it is downright pungent, but it gets smoother once it’s on a fragrance strip. I also tested it on my skin. Both tests reveal a sweet, dark, leathery, root-like note that reminds me a little of nagarmotha and patchouli absolute. After the dry down begins, it becomes more golden, dark, and almost powdery. An elegant dirt note that emerges that would be perfect for forest recreations, agarwood perfumes, and anything requiring a complex base note. Every time I smell lot#11 I get a different impression, so it might be the most dynamic patchouli I’ve ever come across.

Whereas previous lots of this oil have smelled more soft, dry, and herbal (even described by some as “leafy” “minty” or “velvety”), lot#11 is deep dark patchouli in all its glory. I contacted Eden’s customer service regarding the aroma and as always, they were very helpful. They kindly informed me that lots#8, 9, & 10 had been extracted in spring and summer whereas lot#11 was extracted in winter. Rainfall is another factor possibly affecting the aroma. The top notes are damp and fresh and very much alive. Almost like you’re sniffing the soaked patchouli plants while they’re still rooted in the dirt – a strong, earthy, primal, complex, atmospheric scent.

Unfortunately a few of my formulas require a hefty dose of patchouli, and this new lot does change those aromas quite noticeably. Consistency is always an issue for creators of natural perfumes and products, and this is no exception. For those, like myself, looking for the familiar dry, mellow, herbal dark patchouli of the past few years, you might want to try some other patchoulis, or mix a few together. Lot#11 wasn’t really what I was looking for (a replacement for lots #8, 9, + 10 in my blends) but it has many desirable attributes that previous lots are missing. If you are able to use it in your work, I highly recommend you do so! You won’t find a deeper, stronger, or more complex dark patchouli around. That’s the magic of natural materials, they never stay stagnant!

I’ve tested this new lot on several people so far, and it doesn’t fool patchouli-haters as easily as lot #8, 9 or 10 did, but most people were quite pleased with its aroma once it entered the dry down phase. If you like dark patchouli and you’re craving a deeper, darker, earthier, more interesting scent profile, lot#11 is the perfect choice. Like all of Eden Botanicals’ oils, it is of the highest quality and would be a great asset to any perfumer or aromatherapist.
(Posted on 1/14/2018)
BEST Patcholi Ever! Review by
Rating
5
So thankful I found this Patcholi. It has been my signature scent for over 30 years and in the last year the one I was using would not stay on me. Not sure if it was my skin changing with age or the product changed. My husband would even ask why I didn’t wear it anymore
(Posted on 11/25/2017)
Wonderfully dark and rich Patchouli Review by
Rating
5
This Patchouli is wonderfully rich. I smell wet earth, crushed fresh mint leaves, a herbal accord reminding me of cut grass and leaves, and the whole has a scent progression that is just delicious to my nose. Every now and then a waft of the deep dark minty-patchoulli accord reaches my nostrils. This oil has a powerful grounding quality. I will soon try it in a combination with Hawai´ian Sandalwood. Thank you Eden Botanicals, your products are simply great!
(Posted on 4/27/2017)
I want to DRINK it! Review by
Rating
5
I am a die-hard Patchouli lover and I try to sneak it into all of my products! This is by far, the most gorgeous, velvety, deep, heavenly Patchouli I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. :o) Thank you, Eden Botanicals, for always striving to bring us the best! XO Lisa
(Posted on 12/19/2016)
Exelente fragancia Review by
Rating
5
Este es el tema principal en la fragancia masculina "Portobotanico pour homme eau de toilette" de mi marca de Perfumes en Colombia. Poderoso y con huella en el tiempo, tiene exelente fijacion. Gracias Eden!!
(Posted on 9/28/2016)
Dank and dank Review by
Rating
5
This is a wonderful patchouli, takes me back to my years on tour. The friends, the fun, the trips and most of all the music.
(Posted on 3/26/2016)
Intoxicating Review by
Rating
5
If I could drink it, I would. One of the most outstanding, mysterious and sensual Patchouli's I've ever worked with. Think of thick tapestries, Lithia Park in the heart of Spring, laughter that sounds like waterfalls..This is it. The review by "Meredith" sold me on it, with her comparison to ghost ship...right on. Absolutely like a Siren's song...you will want to go with her. Thank you Eden Botanicals.
(Posted on 2/22/2016)
Dear lord... (eyes roll back into the brains) Review by
Rating
5
This blend is SO darn gerd I could drink it! Heaven. And below are the reviews of my "Patchouli Pals" as I like to call my fellow chouli lovers. Who ever created this, my hats off to you... Seriously. You genius you. I'm going to get the sampler. We carry the Patchouli Dark at work already (hummina hummina hummina!) so I can vouch for that as well. Amazeballs! My Mom used to slather me in patchouli when we lived in Louisiana to keep away the swamp skeeters (that's MOSQUITO for the non-southerners). This is and always has been a smell of Mom, home, safety and comfort. Buy it. If you're disappointed, give it to me. Much love Eden, you've won me!
(Posted on 11/21/2015)
Brings Back Many Great Memories! Review by
Rating
5
This stuff is the real deal! I was wearing this scent in S.F. in the early 60s. My leather fringe jacket reeked of it, and probably still does, wherever that thing ended up. But this, my friends, is the best I have had since those long ago days. To those of you that I met at the Trips Festival, Human Be-In, Polo Fields, Avalon Ballroom, or Fillmore 1, I say HELLO! Glad ya made it! You know what real patchouli smells like. And, you, will love this one. It's dark, deep, musky scent, is the smell of peace, love, and freedom. Try it. At this price, get a gallon. You won't be sorry!
(Posted on 10/11/2015)
Great stuff! Smells wonderful! Review by
Rating
5
I have been a Patchouli wearer since the 70's!!!!! A lady friend at gym wears it and gave me a bottle frim your company. I had to write you. I am ordering more. You have sn excellent quality product. Thank you.
(Posted on 9/25/2015)
Wanted to love it, but not so much Review by
Rating
1
I was excited to receive this and couldn't wait to try it. I applied a small amount and it was so strong I thought I was going to be ill. So I toughed it out, allowing the oil to meld with my skin. After about 90 minutes I had to wash it off. This is possibly the most awful Patchouli I have ever experienced, it's far too strong and pungent, even after the dry down period. Even my husband commented on how bad it smelled. I'm sure it smells great on other folks but for me it was just GROSS!

Response from the oil room:

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with one of our patchouli essential oils. Please be aware that patchouli (and any essential oil) is extremely concentrated. We do not dilute any of our essential oils (except some of our precious oils that we offer undiluted and at 5 or 10%).
As such, the patchouli oil you have has to be diluted to somewhere between 15 - 20 percent with either a carrier oil such as jojoba or perfumer's alcohol to be used as a perfume (for other applications, it needs to be diluted even more). Yes, it is extremely strong and pungent when not diluted, so your reaction is not surprising.

You may want to dilute the patchouli by taking a clean toothpick and dip just the end of it to transfer a drop or two of the patchouli to a container with 1 ml (25-30 drops) of a carrier oil or perfumer's alcohol to evaluate the aroma in dilution and to apply it to your skin. You may have an entirely different reaction to it.

Thanks again for contacting us - we hope you'll let us know if this is helpful.
(Posted on 9/14/2015)
deLightfully darK!! Review by
Rating
5
The aroma is sOoo DARK, and deliciously aged! The MOST mature and BEAUTIFUL patchouli, reminiscent of Istanbul and Nazareth...straight from the bottle, ancient and enticing, no other Patchouli will do- Eden's is superior!.•*
(Posted on 8/28/2015)
A smell of depth, damp and darkness Review by
Rating
5
A touch of bitter smoke, blended with wood. Add in a damp note for flavor. You're left with the scent of a ghost ship, waterlogged in port with a hint of smoke from it's death so long ago. This is not your typical hippie 'sandalwood and patchouli' scent profile. Definitely going to order more!
(Posted on 8/13/2015)
DEEP RICH SULTRY Review by
Rating
5
This is so deep and sultry. It really has staying power as well.
Just from opening & sniffing the bottle the scent was on
me for hours. Ordered a second bottle as it ages well.
BTW ...Stellar customer service which is an added bonus !

(Posted on 4/7/2015)
Outstanding Patchouli Review by
Rating
5
This dark patchouli is like a poem; complex and beautiful.
(Posted on 1/27/2015)
Love Review by
Rating
5
I love patchouli. I have more patchouli in my personal collection than I will ever use, from different suppliers and different parts of the world. I love trying new kinds and noticing the slight differences between them. I just really love patchouli. But, this one, this dark patchouli, is my favorite, my go-to, and the one I most use when making blends for others (I smiled when I read the part in prb's review where the woman angrily said she knew what patchouli smelled like!). This is a really smooth patchouli that even non-patchouli-lovers can appreciate, but patchouli-lovers with covet.
(Posted on 3/22/2013)
NON STOP COMPLIMENTS Review by
Rating
5
I started wearing only Patchouli Dark as my every day fragrance - nothing needs to be added since it is so lovely, mysterious, and deep with no aging on my end!
I get compliments by the basketful - no joke! in fact, at my work place, which is in a large arena type room, people will comment that they knew i was there because they could smell me! people in stores, in restaurants, everywhere seek me out to tell me they love my scent... and patchouli lovers always remark what a lovely patchouli it is! Others just remark on my "perfume". One co-worker wanted to know the name of my perfume so she could buy it and i explained over and over what type and where i bought it and that is was patchouli dark and nothing else...she was furious and told me she KNEW what patchouli smelled like and this was different!
LOVE THIS STUFF!
(Posted on 2/24/2013)
Delicious Review by
Rating
5
I found this patchouli exceptionally rich musky and delicious. It is so nice it can be used on is own.
(Posted on 2/18/2013)