Why Patchouli is back from the hippies era

Dear Paradise Indulger,
Do you know the story of patchouli?

When people think of the 60s hippie era, they smell patchouli. As the scent of the flower-child era, it is remembered fondly on 4/20, with the belief that it may have masked the scent of cannabis! Today, patchouli is a favored ingredient in perfumery.

Pop Culture Trivia
Madonna scented the package of her "Like A Prayer" album with patchouli oils. This is because she wanted to create an aroma of the 60s, florals and the church. 

Historical Trivia
The British and American youth in a post World War II and Vietnam War in the 70s felt politics was ruining the earth, and felt a connection to Mother Earth. As families returned post lockdown to the country, the environment seemed to be a safe space, which is why patchouli also became popular.

Natural Protectant
Funnily enough, patchouli was used to protect textiles before mothballs. Reason being, that moths, flies and many insects despise the scent, which makes it synonymous with luxury and quality. It was thus used for preserving textiles with women in the Victorian times too. 

Medicinal and Aromatherapy Benefits
In traditional medicine, patchouli was used to treat colds, headaches, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, insect and snake bites. In aromatherapy, by contrast, the oil version and scent can relieve depression, calm nerves and destress, curb appetite and to elevate sexual desire.

A Critic’s Memory
Perfume critic Luca Turin wrote: “The combination with patchouli feels like sitting at breakfast at the MGM Grand next to an aging hippie on her first margarita of the day - at 6 a.m.”