Dark Patchouli Essential Oil Pogostemon cablin · Steam distilled · Leaves · Indonesia 2026 Summer Cabinet · Farmed 100% Pure & Natural, Non-GMO · Produced November 2011 · View the Verification Report Aromatic Character Ah, Patchouli—people seem to love it or hate it. This is the classic old-style dark Patchouli: deep, earthy and substantial, with old wood, balsam and the lightly musty character that longtime Patchouli lovers often seek. As the oil settles, a faint roasted note appears—almost coffee-like—beneath the darker woody body. It is warm, dry and wonderfully tenacious, less floral than many contemporary Patchoulis and unmistakable from the first breath. This is distinctly different from the dynamically matured Patchouli held in the Ananda Reserves. It is the more traditional dark expression: a documented 2011 oil retaining the old-wood, earthy-balsamic and lightly musty character associated with a true aged dark Patchouli. For those who have been waiting for this style of Patchouli to return, this is the material we brought into the Summer Cabinet. Best Used For Those who prefer the classic dark, earthy and slightly musty Patchouli profile Natural perfumery as a deep, persistent base note and fixative Grounding and sensual aromatic compositions Blends that feel too bright, thin or short-lived Properly diluted body oils, massage preparations and personal fragrances Regular formulators who want an aged Patchouli with documented production history About This Oil Patchouli is not one fixed aroma. There are distinctions between dark and slightly musty Patchouli, milder floral expressions, and oils that had developed a deeper sweetness. The differences are noticeable. Growing conditions, plant selection, harvest timing, leaf preparation, partial drying, fermentation, distillation and storage all shape the oil before age is even considered. Two Patchoulis of the same botanical species can therefore smell markedly different, even when both are authentic and properly distilled. This Indonesian lot carries a documented production date of November 1, 2011. It passed renewed supplier organoleptic review in January 2026, and the principal constituents shown on the current analysis summary remained within the supplier’s specifications. Age alone, however, does not prove quality. An older oil may become smoother and more integrated, or it may become tired through unsuitable storage. Chronological age and aromatic maturation are not interchangeable. The date tells us how old an oil is; the aroma tells us what happened during that time. This material has matured through elapsed time as a documented older lot. It did not undergo Ananda’s proprietary dynamic maturation process. We selected it because customers repeatedly asked for Patchouli to return and because this lot retains the recognizable character of a traditional aged dark expression. Which Aged Patchouli Should I Choose? Choose the 2011 Dark Patchouli if you want the classic profile: old wood, deep earth, balsam, a lightly musty undertone and a faint roasted or coffee-like nuance. It is especially well suited to regular perfumery and aromatic formulation where a traditional dark Patchouli is wanted. Choose Aged Dark Patchouli from the Ananda Reserves if you prefer a rounder, sweeter and more polished expression, with a smooth resinous body and distinctly sensual character. Only a handful of the Reserve material remain. Traditional Uses Patchouli’s association with textiles is one of the more unusual chapters in aromatic history. The leaves and oil were used with cloth traveling from Asia, traditionally in connection with protecting fabrics from moth damage. The aroma became so strongly associated with authentic imported textiles that European manufacturers later scented imitation goods with Patchouli to create the same impression of origin and quality. The Ananda Archives record Patchouli’s traditional place in skin, scalp and intimate aromatic preparations. It has long been regarded as warm and grounding in nature, particularly for those who feel excessively mental, restless or disconnected from the body. Its traditional sensual reputation follows the same logic. Patchouli was not regarded simply as an exciting aroma, but as one that helped re-establish a slower, more embodied connection to physical presence and intimacy. The archives also preserve Patchouli’s ceremonial association with prosperity and abundance. These energetic and ceremonial uses belong to the plant’s historical lineage and are not presented as medical claims. Applications *Drawn from the work of Eric R. Cêch, founder of The Ananda Apothecary, whose research and teachings we continue to restore and steward. About Eric and the Ananda legacy → Natural Perfumery Patchouli is one of natural perfumery’s classic base notes and fixatives. It slows the apparent disappearance of more volatile materials and helps carry a composition through its later drydown. Begin with one drop in a working concentrate or trial accord. Evaluate the complete drydown before adding more; Patchouli can quickly dominate a composition. This 2011 material is particularly suited to dark woods, incense accords, amber-style fragrances, earthy florals and traditional chypre-inspired structures. Inhalation and Diffusion Begin with one drop alone or as part of a larger aromatic blend. Its aroma is persistent, and considerably less is required than with a light citrus or floral oil. Diffuse intermittently in a well-ventilated room. Allow scent-sensitive individuals and animals to leave the area. Topical Use For general adult body oils or personal fragrances, begin conservatively. Apply sparingly to intact skin and patch test the completed preparation before broader use. Massage and Intimate Aromatic Preparations Used at low dilution, Patchouli gives massage and anointing oils a warm, settled and sensual character. It is particularly well suited to evening preparations and blends intended to feel grounding rather than bright or stimulating. Archive Blending Notes The Ananda Archives preserve several simple Patchouli accords from Eric R. Cêch's* original writing: Patchouli and Rosemary 3 parts Patchouli to 1 part Rosemary Cineole. A strongly contrasting combination of deep earthiness and fresh aromatic lift. Coriander, Patchouli and Bergamot 3 parts Coriander, 2 parts Patchouli and 1 part Bergamot. A brighter treatment of the dark Patchouli base, with warmth and movement through the centre of the blend. Geranium, Patchouli and Bergamot Equal parts Geranium, Patchouli and Bergamot. A simple floral-earthy accord traditionally described in the archive as helping one feel more comfortable in the body. These ratios describe aromatic concentrates. Dilute the completed blend appropriately before topical use. Cultivation and Sourcing This farm-cultivated Indonesian material was steam distilled from the dried leaves of Pogostemon cablin. In traditional Patchouli production, the harvested leaves are commonly partially dried and may be allowed to ferment before distillation. This process changes the plant material, helps release the oil during distillation and contributes to the character of the finished aroma. The exact drying and fermentation protocol used for this 2011 lot is not stated in the current batch documentation. What is documented is the Indonesian botanical origin, farmed cultivation, dried leaves, steam distillation and November 2011 production date. Harvest timing, drying duration, fermentation, still design and the manner of distillation are among the reasons Patchouli oils can smell quite different before aging or maturation even begins. Product Details Botanical name: Pogostemon cablin Common name: Dark Patchouli Country of origin: Indonesia Plant part: Leaves Extraction: Steam distilled Cultivation: Farmed Aromatic note: Base Aromatic character: Old wood, earthy balsam, dark, lightly musty, persistent Appearance: Brown-orange liquid Lot: 26Q2APA Production date: November 1, 2011 Current analysis date: January 22, 2026 Current documentation valid until: January 22, 2027 Supplier shelf-life guidance: Two years from opening when stored appropriately Ingredient: 100% Pogostemon cablin essential oil Batch Composition The current supplier analysis summary reports the following principal constituents: Patchoulol: 31.93% Bulnesene / delta-guaiene: 17.28% Beta-patchoulene: 2.58% Each reported value falls within the specification range shown on the current Certificate of Analysis. These are selected principal constituents rather than a complete chromatographic composition. They help establish the identity and current analytical condition of this particular lot, but they do not by themselves determine its full aroma, storage history or quality tier. A GC–MS report can confirm that an oil is chemically consistent with Patchouli. It cannot tell us whether the aroma is beautiful, tired, harsh, balanced or useful in a finished composition. That still requires direct organoleptic evaluation. Pairs Well With Bergamot FCF Essential Oil Bergamot brings a bright citrus-floral opening to the dark Patchouli base. The contrast makes the Patchouli feel clearer and more dimensional without weakening its depth. Indian Sandalwood Essential Oil Sandalwood smooths the old-wood and balsamic facets, giving the complete blend a longer, quieter and more refined drydown. Frankincense Carterii CO₂ Extract Carterii introduces citrus, soft conifer and rich balsamic notes. It opens the composition while retaining its warmth and resinous substance. Patchouli also blends especially well with Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Coriander, all Frankincense varieties, Ginger, Jasmine, Lavender, Mandarin, Melissa, Myrrh, Neroli, Orange, Rose, Rosemary, Vetiver and Ylang Ylang. Notes and Cautions For external aromatic and properly diluted topical use only. Do not ingest. The current safety documentation identifies an aspiration hazard if the material is swallowed and enters the airways. May cause skin or eye irritation and may cause an allergic skin reaction. Patch test diluted preparations before broader use. Discontinue use if irritation or sensitization develops. Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes, open wounds and broken skin. Individuals with asthma or pronounced fragrance sensitivity should begin with minimal aromatic exposure. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been adequately established. Consult an appropriately qualified professional before use. Keep away from heat, sparks and open flame. Avoid release into drains, soil and waterways. Store tightly closed in a cool, dark place. Further Study van Beek and Joulain: The Essential Oil of Patchouli, Pogostemon cablin—A Review — A technical review of Patchouli cultivation, harvesting, leaf treatment, distillation, chemistry, sensory qualities, adulteration and toxicological considerations. Hussin et al.: Quantitative and Physical Evaluation of Patchouli Essential Oils — A comparison of Patchouli oils produced from differently treated plant material and commercial sources, including discussion of Patchouli alcohol and the effects of raw-material treatment and storage on oil quality. The information provided on this page has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.