Dried Patchouli | Benefits and Drying Methods

Dried patchouli leaves are frequently employed in the creation of incense and perfumes, and also have spiritual and healing applications in practices such as meditation, Wicca, and witchcraft. They are often used for purification, cleansing, and healing purposes.

In this blog post, we will discuss various methods for drying patchouli leaves and highlight some of the top quality dried patchouli leaves available for purchase online.

Dried Patchouli

When first picked, patchouli leaves contain a lot of moisture. The leaves can be used fresh like this for making herbal teas or in other culinary uses as seasonings and flavorings, but to use specifically for their fragrance the leaves need to be dried.

Patchouli: Dried Leaves

The dried patchouli leaves are used in potpourri or ground into a powder for making incense either as incense sticks, incense cones and coils or just as powdered incense, burned on charcoal tablets in censers.

The powdered leaves are also used in herbal medicine treatments to treat common ailments and have long been a feature of Chinese medicinal recipes.

Below are some of the best dried patchouli leaf packs [*Amazon]:

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	Patchouli Herb – Dried Pogostemon cablin
	1 Oz Patchouli Leaf Cut Herb
	Herbs for Incense: Patchouli and Sage
	Herbs: Patchouli Dried Herb

Oil from Dried Patchouli

Dried patchouli is also used to make patchouli oil, which is extracted from the dried leaves by steam distillation.

Dried leaves are used rather than fresh leaves because the drying process breaks down the cell walls of the leaves allowing the steam to penetrate the leaves where the oils are stored.

Steam is forced through the dried leaves and into copper tubes where it condenses into oils and is collected in a container as patchouli oil.

Benefits of Patchouli 

The popularity of this plant is due to the multiple health benefits that users feel with its consumption in different forms. Let’s see them one by one:

Reduction in Mood Swings

If a person is suffering from stress or mood swings, consuming this plant in oil form improves mental health. It stimulates the development of dopamine and serotonin hormones in the brain. These hormones are related to happiness and make people feel good. So, patchouli oil acts as an antidepressant and makes life optimistic. 

Better Sleep Quality

Patchouli is associated with relaxation and ease of mind, so it assists in a better sleep routine. People who suffer from insomnia need to use patchouli incense to calm the room’s atmosphere. Along with aromatherapy, the massage of its oil is also beneficial in making the mind inactive for sleep. It regulates the sleep cycle with the production of neurotransmitters.

Resolving Sexual Dysfunction

Parchouyli has been in practice in treating multiple sexual issues like erectile dysfunction, impotence, etc. It regulates the production of sex hormones named oestrogen and testosterone which ultimately improve the libido and sexual activity. Such properties make its aroma best for preparing the body for intimacy. That is why, it is recommended to use it in the bedroom at night. 

Improved Gut Health

For bloating or digestion issues,  consuming patchouli oil works wonders and many scientific studies support this connection. It aids in the production of digestive enzymes and increases the decomposition rate of food. 

With a high metabolism, people don’t face bloating and are able to maintain their weight within a healthy range. It also treats constipation with better functioning of the intestines and helps the body absorb maximum nutrients. That is why its consumption results in energy and higher physical activity. 

Speedy Healing

The patchouli oil contains bioactive compounds that work as an antiseptic and fight against infections. That is, its oil is applied in a dilated form on the wounds to remove germs and prevent their growth. These properties shorten the healing time of the wound and reduce the chance of sepsis. 

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Because of the presence of a bio-active element named patchoulene, patchouli oil is best in providing relief from inflammation. People who are suffering from joint issues, such as arthritis, reduce the symptoms with the regular use of this oil. This oil is also effective in reducing muscle fatigue by improving blood flow.

Reduction in Respiratory Issues

People suffering from breathing issues, such as asthma, feel better by utilizing patchouli oil. This herbal product helps reduce chest congestion by eliminating mucus from the nasal and chest. That is why it’s effective for treating dry cough and bronchitis. 

Better Skin 

Patchouli oil is famous for smooth and soft skin. With regular application, it helps grow new skin cells, stimulates collagen production in the body, and reduces wrinkles or other signs of old age. Moreover, its antibacterial quality makes it an anti-acne agent and helps reduce pimples, blemishes, and other skin issues. 

Hair Growth

This is also effective in preventing hair loss by stimulating hair follicles, which aid in the growth of new hair. You need to massage the oil into the roots to get the desired results. This oil also makes the hair look smooth and shiny by controlling the extra production of sebum. With balanced sebum, your hair gets the required moisture and nourishment.

Elimination of Bad Smells

This plant also masks bad body odour with its musky fragrance, prevents bacteria growth, and makes a person feel fresh. That is why many detergents and soaps contain this plant as an ingredient for freshness and pleasant aroma.

Other Benefits

Other than health benefits, this plant protects clothes from moths. In ancient times, its leaves were used for this purpose, storing expensive apparel safely. Because of its strong odour, applying its oil on your body keeps mosquitoes, ants, midges, moths, flies, and fleas away. It has strong insecticide qualities, and many mosquito sprays and insect repellents contain it.

How to Dry Patchouli Leaves

To get the best yield of essential oils from the patchouli leaves, they need to be dried to remove any water and moisture, and then the oil can be extracted from the dried leaves by steam distillation.

Care has to be taken not to expose the leaves to excessive temperatures during the drying process which should be done at around 40 degrees C to 45 deg.C.

Shade Drying

The most common method of drying patchouli leaves is shade drying, over the course of two days in well-ventilated rooms. The leaves are spread out in thin layers over a hard surface or on a screen raised off the floor to allow good air circulation.

During the drying process the leaves are regularly turned over to allow even drying and to prevent the leaves fermenting while they still retain moisture.

This is the traditional method of drying patchouli leaves that has been used over the centuries but it can sometimes be difficult in humid conditions during the monsoon season.

Mechanical Drying

Mechanical dryers are sometimes used where they are available. The patchouli leaves are placed in a drying chamber and hot air is forced through the chamber by blowers.

This method is a lot faster, drying the leaves in about five hours and it is easier to control the drying temperature.

In fact, drying by forced hot air blowers produces more oil content from the leaves and does not adversely affect the quality of the oil’s aroma.

However, most growers prefer the method of shade drying because that is traditional for them and has a lower cost in terms of investment in equipment.

Home Drying

If you have your own patchouli bush you can dry the leaves yourself. There are two main methods of drying plants at home. Firstly by using a similar method to the patchouli growers.

Spread a single layer of fresh cut leaves on a screen, making sure the screen is supported off the ground to allow airflow under and around the leaves.

This should be done in a shaded, well ventilated space, like a car garage for example, in a warm temperature, but not hot. Keep checking them and turning them over, and the leaves should dry out in five to seven days.

The second method is the same as is often used for drying plants and herbs. Cut off whole branches of leaves and tie them together in a bunch by the stems, then hang them in a warm dry room, with a good airflow all around them and they will dry out in about seven days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was the primary use of patchouli in history?

In the 1800s, patchouli was used in Asia to safeguard fine fabrics like silk from moths. The dried leaves of this plant were kept inside the folds of the clothing to keep the insects away. 

Q: Are indoor places suitable for patchouli growth?

Yes, this plant needs indirect light for optimal growth, as direct sunlight can dry the leaves. You can call it an indoor plant as it needs moderate temperature only. In winter, shady places are great for providing stable warmth and protecting against frost. In fall or spring, low temperature in the evening is also dangerous for their growth. 

Q: What causes patchouli plant yellowing?

Different factors lead to the yellowing of this sensitive plant. These are the following:

• Over-watering the plant
• Under watering the pant
• Direct sunlight
• Unstable temperature ( too high or too low)

Q: Is patchouli suitable for oral intake?

Yes, this plant is used as a flavouring in the form of oil. Moreover, its dried leaves are used to make herbal tea. Its usage is associated with many health benefits. 

Q: What are suitable conditions for patchouli plantation?

The following are the suitable conditions for optimal growth of this plant:

• Rich and moist soil
• Humid weather conditions
• Moderate temperature
• Indirect bright light
• Regular watering

Parting Words

The aroma of dried patchouli is sweet and earthy, which makes it a popular choice among perfumers looking to create a desirable scent.

In aromatherapy, patchouli is often used to soothe the senses and alleviate stress. It is commonly used as a base note in combination with other essential oils.

Patchouli leaves have also been utilized as a traditional medicine for centuries in Asian countries.  Many studies support its role in improving physical health, as it has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

Indian and Chinese traditional medicine use it to treat symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. It also aids in having better libido and treating sexual issues. 

In conclusion, I hope this post on dried patchouli has been informative and helpful to you.

If you have any questions or comments about drying or using dried patchouli, please feel free to leave a comment below, and I will do my best to provide answers.