Sesel Sa! January - March 2015 Jan - March 2015 | Page 64

Patchouli If there ever was a plant that was synonymous to the islands, the Patchouli. There is even a lively tune that literally says that the Patchouli leaves are money. According to the local medicine man, Mr Ferdinand Vidot, a renowned herbalist of the Seychelles, the plant has many medicinal uses aside from its more common uses in the perfume industry. Patchouli is a species of plant from the genus Pogostemon in the mint family. It is a bushy herb with erect stems, reaching two or three feet in height and bearing small, pale pink-white flowers. The leaves contain esoteric oils which have been found to have many uses. Mr Vidot recounts that there was a time when the Seychelles would grow the Patchouli for export so he had ample amounts with which to experiment so as to come up with the perfect dosage for his clients. He advises that a tea be made from the leaves to treat such maladies as: Bad breath: Mr Vidot advises that one gargles the tea every morning. 60 SESEL SA! | JAN - MAR 2015 ISSUE NO. 6 (Pogostemon cablin ) Urinary issues: Mr Vidot says he always gives the dosage according to the size of the individual but the tea will “wash out” the infection. Modern medicine tells us that the plant is a diuretic and thus will increase the frequency of urination. He also uses the plant as a paste. The leaves are crushed in a mortar and pestle then used to coat wounds, boils or rashes. Mr Vidot explains that this will “suck out” the pus, prevent inflammation and “clean” the blood. Further tests on the Patchoul plants show that it is antiphlogistic, which means that it helps in reducing inflammation/fever. It is also antiseptic thus preventing sepsis, as well as being a cicatrisant which means it promotes scab formation and diminishes scars. Lastly, Patchouli is also a component in the elixir that Mr Vidot makes to help with bedroom matters. He swears that the couple that uses the elixir will never be tired of each other, which stands to reason as research into the plant’s aphrodisiac properties are being carried out.