An Introduction to Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) – A Medicinal and Aromatic Plant: It’s Importance to Mankind

Authors

  • H. G. Ramya Student
  • V. Palanimuthu Research Engineer and Head, AICRP on PHT, UAS, Bangalore.
  • Singla Rachna

Keywords:

patchouli, aromatherapy, drying, steam distillation, essential oil, applications

Abstract

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) is a plant from Lamiaceae family, well known for its medicinal and aromatic properties.  Patchouli is grown for its essential oil.  Patchouli essential oil is mainly obtained by steam distillation of the shade dried leaves.  It is widely appreciated for its characteristic pleasant and long lasting woody, earthy, camphoraceous odour.  It is especially notable as the essential oil extracted is internationally important and valuable, principally for the aromatherapy, perfumery, cosmetics, incense stick production and food flavouring industries.  This review attempted to give an overview of the relationship between aromatherapy and essential oils, importance of patchouli, harvesting pattern of patchouli, basics behind drying and steam distillation of patchouli crop, as well as trends existing in the various markets for essential oil application and its importance to mankind.

 

Keywords: patchouli, aromatherapy, drying, steam distillation, essential oil, applications

Author Biographies

H. G. Ramya, Student

Ramya H G Department of Processing and Food Engineering, PAU, India. 2nd PhD

V. Palanimuthu, Research Engineer and Head, AICRP on PHT, UAS, Bangalore.

Research Engineer and Head,AICRP on PHT, UAS, Bangalore.

Singla Rachna

Assistant Professor

Department of Fruit Science

KVK, Patiala, Punjab, India

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Published

2013-07-01

Issue

Section

VI-Postharvest Technology and Process Engineering