A sachet /ˈsæʃeɪ/ is a small scented cloth bag filled with herbs, potpourri, or aromatic ingredients.[1]>.[2] "small perfumed bag," 1838, from Fr. sachet (12c.), dim. of sac (see sac). A reborrowing of a word that had been used 15c. in the sense "small bag, wallet." A sachet is also a small porous bag or packet containing a material intended to interact with its atmosphere; for example, desiccants are usually packed in sachets which are then placed in larger packages.[3]
During the Chinese Warring States period a scented sachet (xiangbao) was an ornament worn on the body and used to absorb sweat, repel insects and ward off evils. In medieval Europe the sachet was known as a "plague-bag".[4]
In various Indian cuisines, a "potli bag" is used to contain whole spices, so that they may be easily separated from the food after cooking. They are also used as fashion ornaments unto themselves.[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39]