Patchouli is often used by neopagan witches to tap into the energies of the Earth element. As a symbol of the nurturing power of minerals, plants and trees, the strong scent of patchouli oil is thought to reinforce spells for healing, wealth, protection, fertility and sexuality. Some witches consider patchouli the most powerful of all essential oils for spellcraft.
Because it is associated with the Earth and is thought to repel evil spirits and vengeful ghosts, patchouli powder is sometimes called "graveyard dirt". Both the dust and the essential oil come from the tropical patchouli plant, Pogostemon cablin.
The plant is also used to make perfumes, but patchouli-based blends are often considered "cheap" because the intense forest-like smell of patchouli tends to overwhelm the scents of all other ingredients and ruin the perfume's complexity.
