Pogostemon patchouli is a strongly aromatic, perennial tropical herb widely cultivated for its rich, earthy-scented essential oil that forms the backbone of patchouli fragrance used in perfumes, incense, and aromatherapy. Belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae), this plant develops soft, velvety, ovate leaves with softly toothed margins and prominent veins, releasing a deep, musky-sweet aroma immediately when crushed. It typically grows 2–4 feet tall, forming a bushy, spreading habit with square, slightly hairy stems and a dense canopy of foliage. Native to Southeast Asia, it thrives in warm, humid conditions with bright, filtered light and consistently moist, well-drained soils high in organic matter. The plant produces short spikes of small, pale pink to lavender tubular flowers when mature, although flowering is less common in cultivated plants grown primarily for foliage and oil production. Traditionally, Pogostemon patchouli has been valued not only for its fragrance but also for its calming, antifungal, antibacterial, and insect-repellent properties. The essential oil is obtained by steam-distilling dried leaves, yielding a dark, slightly viscous oil that deepens and improves with age and is prized for its long-lasting, grounding aroma that has been used for centuries in religious ceremonies, textile preservation, and holistic wellness practices.