Patchouli / Agastache

The aerial part of Pogostemon cablin (the patchouli of the pharmacopoeia, to be distinguished from the perfumer’s patchouli) or of Agastache rugosa, aromatic labiates grown in southern China.

Harvested in summer when the essential oils are at their peak, dried in the shade to preserve the volatile aromatics, it comes as tufts of quadrangular stems with entire leaves and small purplish flowers.

Its balsamic, mentholated scent is immediately recognisable.

The foremost herb of the summer season in the Chinese pharmacopoeia. Traditionally used to transform Dampness and release the surface when it is clogged by summer damp — constitutions of damp summer heat, when Dampness weighs on the median sphere and hampers transformation (Yun Hua).

Also valued for its aromatic action, which “wakes” a mired Earth Phase.

• Short decoction: 3 to 9 g, to be added at the end of cooking (10 minutes), as the essential oils are volatile
• Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San: “the powder that puts the correct Qi back in order”, a classic summer blend for summer Dampness with heaviness of the middle region
• Summer infusion: 5 to 8 g in a large cup, water at a simmer, 10 minutes covered

To be avoided in cases of deficient Yin with dryness or of settled heat from emptiness.

Otherwise a herb particularly suited to damp summers.