Patchouli {Pogostemon cablin or patchouli}
Patchouli or Patchouly
Ayurveda Characteristic and Uses
- Effect on doshas – Balances Vata and is also good for Pitta and Kapha
- Taste – Sweet, sour, pungent
- Energetics –
- Main Traditional Action: Diuretic, carminative, snake bites
- Other Traditional Uses: Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, helps skin infection, eczema, ache, swelling due to infection, and antidepressant.
Modern Research
Patchouli contains a number of sesquiterpene such as b-patchoulene, and a-guaiene and has been shown to have antioxidant and antibacterial effects. It has also been shown to have potential antidepressant activity and to have a protective effect on MPTP induced neurotoxicity and ROS scavenging potential in oxidant-induced cell death of human neuroglioma cells.