Patchouli essential oil is obtained from the shade-dried leaves by steam distillation. The oil is widely used in the manufacture of soaps, perfumes, detergents, cosmetics, and deodorants. Patchouli essential oil has pleasing musky notes that augment other fragrances and has strong fixative properties. In traditional medicine, the oil is sometimes used topically to treat fungal skin infections, dandruff, and eczema and is used in baths for rheumatism. The leaves can be made into an herbal tea for a variety of digestive ailments and are used as a moth repellent for clothing.
