

Gifting couldn't be easier
Add a gift message to be emailed to when their parcel arrives, or at a time of your choice.
Earthy, deep, and sensual patchouli’s still got the reputation as having a hippie aura and is known as ‘the scent of the 60s’. Surprisingly patchouli isn’t a wood, or a root: it’s actually a delicate frilly green-leafed, purple-flowered member of the mint family, called pogostemon patchouli.
The name comes from the old Tamil words patchai (‘green’) and ellai (‘leaf’). These green fragile-looking leaves naturally produce a slightly sweet, nonchalantly spicy, weirdly smoky, cedarish and powerful scent.
It all started from Patchouli being a fantastic insect repellent, effective against flies moths and other bugs.
In the 19th Century a paisley shawl was the ultimate status symbol for a Parisian women. The shawls were shipped from India layered with patchouli leaves to keep them fresh and bug free in transit. As the ladies swathed themselves in these patchouli-scented shawls the Parisian Perfume houses were quick to embrace the scent and turn it into a desirable and sort after fragrance.
A unisex fragrance and a year round bestselling scent at French Soaps the biggest decision is what to buy?
Read more below
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is a fragrant herb from the mint family, native to tropical Asia. With its deep, musky, and earthy scent, it has become a staple in perfumery, aromatherapy, and natural skincare. But behind its unique fragrance lies a rich history and a range of benefits that make patchouli truly timeless.
Patchouli has been used for centuries in India, China, and Southeast Asia, both as a perfume and in traditional medicine. In Ayurveda, patchouli leaves were used to treat skin conditions, inflammation, and emotional imbalances. Its antiseptic and insect-repellent properties made it a practical addition to homes and temples alike.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, patchouli played a surprising role in global trade. Silk merchants from India would pack their fabrics with dried patchouli leaves to repel moths during the journey to Europe. European buyers associated the exotic scent with authentic Eastern silks, making patchouli a symbol of luxury and status.
In the 1960s and 70s, patchouli became the signature scent of the hippie counterculture. Its earthy aroma resonated with the era’s values of natural living, spirituality, and self-expression. It was used in perfumes, incense, and handmade body care products—securing its place in pop culture history.
Today, patchouli is prized in high-end perfumery as a base note that adds warmth and complexity. It's used in fragrances by brands like Chanel, Tom Ford, and Dior.
Patchouli reduces stress and promotes relaxation. It’s ideal for meditation and grounding rituals.
The scent helps ease anxiety and uplift emotional states, acting as a natural antidepressant.
Its strong aroma makes it a popular ingredient in natural bug repellents and outdoor skincare. Be Careful to buy proper Patchouli oil though, a 'parfum' won't have the same impact.
Often associated with the root chakra, patchouli symbolizes grounding, stability, and abundance in spiritual traditions.
We love using patchouli in our handmade soaps because it:
Patchouli is more than a scent—it's a cultural symbol, a healing herb, and a sensory experience. Whether you’re drawn to its ancient traditions or its timeless elegance, patchouli continues to ground us in nature and lift our spirits.
Love the grounding scent of patchouli? Discover our handmade soaps crafted with pure essential oils and natural ingredients.
©️ French Soaps UK 2024
If you would like help shopping this article, or have further product or ingredient questions then please contact us and we will be happy to help. E. bonjour@frenchsoaps.co.uk T. 01423 803080
Telephone or Whats App: 01423 803080
Email: bonjour@frenchsoaps.co.uk
Social: @FrenchsoapsUK
Address: Unit 14 Ousegill Business Park, Carr Side Road, Great Ouseburn, North Yorkshire, YO26 9AE
Sign up for our newsletter and get all the latest news, offers and more delivered straight to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time. By 'submitting' you are agreeing to our T&C's and Privacy Policy.
Gifting couldn't be easier
Add a gift message to be emailed to when their parcel arrives, or at a time of your choice.