Palmarosa essential oil information

Palmarosa oil is extracted from Cymbopogon martini (also known

as Cymbopogon martinii var. martinii) of the Gramineae family
and is also known as East Indian and Turkish geranium, as well as
Indian rosha and motia.

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 Oil properties
 Origin of palmarosa oil
 Extraction
 Chemical composition
 Precautions
 Therapeutic properties
 Uses
 Summary
 Buying palmarosa oil from us

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This particular essential oil is fast becoming a firm favorite in

essential oil therapy and aromatherapy, as it has excellent skin
care properties and is also used to relieve stiff and sore muscles,
while calming the mind and uplifting and invigorating the spirits
and clearing muddled thinking.

Oil properties

Palmarosa oil has a sweet floral, with a hint of rose smell and is
pale yellow in color with a nearly watery viscosity.

Origin of palmarosa oil

It is a wild growing, herbaceous green and straw-colored grass,

with long slender stems, terminal flowering tops and fragrant
grassy leaves. It is harvested before the flowers appear and the
highest yield is obtained when the grass is fully dried - about one
week after it has been cut.

There are two varieties of grass from which the oil can be
extracted - motia and sofia. We find the sofia chemotype to be
far more active and pleasant smelling - and for this reason the oil
sold by us is from this chemotype.

Because palmarosa oil has a rose-like smell, it is often used by

unscrupulous essential oil wholesalers and retailers to adulterate
rose essential oil. Please note - we DO NOT adulterate any oils -
we only supply pure 100% natural essential oil.

It is often used as an ingredient of soaps, perfumes and cosmetics,

and is also used in the flavoring of tobacco.

Extraction

Palmarosa oil is extracted from the dried grass harvested before it

flowers by steam distillation. The yield is 1 - 1.5 %.

Chemical composition

The main chemical components of palmarosa oil are myrcene,

linalool, geraniol, geranyl acetate, dipentene and limonene.

Precautions

Palmarosa oil has no known contra indications and is considered

a non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing essential oil.

Therapeutic properties

The therapeutic properties of Palmarosa oil are antiseptic,

antiviral, bactericide, cytophylactic, digestive, febrifuge and
hydrating.

Uses
Palmarosa oil calms the mind, yet has an uplifting effect, while
clearing muddled thinking. It is used to counter physical and
nervous exhaustion, stress-related problems and nervousness.

It is most useful during convalescence and cools the body of

fever, while aiding the digestive system, helping to clear intestinal
infection, digestive atonia and anorexia nervosa. It is effective in
relieving sore, stiff muscles.

Palmarosa oil moisturizes the skin, while balancing the hydration

levels and stimulating cell regeneration. It balances production of
sebum, to keep the skin supple and elastic and is valuable for use
with acne, dermatitis, preventing scarring, rejuvenating and
regenerating the skin, as well as fighting minor skin infections, sore
tired feet and athlete's foot.

Summary

Palmarosa oil could be used with good effect on the skin, for
nervous and stress-related problems and for the digestive system.

 Burners and vaporizers

o In vapor therapy, palmarosa oil can help during
convalescence. It relieves fatigue, nervousness, exhaustion and
stress, while having an uplifting effect on the mind and clearing
muddled thoughts.
 Blended massage oil or in the bath
o In a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, palmarosa oil
can be used on convalescent patients, to fight exhaustion,
fatigue, nervousness, stress, bolstering the digestive system, while
boosting the health of the skin.
 Wash, lotions and creams and used neat
o Palmarosa oil can help clear up infections and prevent scarring
when added to the water used to wash the wound. When
included in creams and lotions, it has a moisturizing and
hydrating effect on the skin, which is great to fight wrinkles. It
also balances the natural secretion of sebum, which keeps the
skin supple and elastic.
o On cellular level, it helps with the formation of new tissue and for
that reason is great for rejuvenating and regenerating the skin. It
is most useful when fighting a dry skin and to sort out skin
infections. Some people find that they have great results when
applying palmarosa oil neat to the affected area of athlete's
foot - but please keep in mind that we do not advocate the use
of neat essential oils on the skin.

Palmarosa oil blends well with

 Although essential oils blend well with one another, Palmarosa oil
blends particularly well
with geranium,bergamot, rosemary, lime and ylang-ylang.

Palmarosa Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Cymbopogon martinii
Common Method Of Extraction: Steam distilled
Parts Used: Grass
Note Classification: Middle
Aroma: Sweet, floral, rosy, geranium-like
Largest Producing Countries: India and Brazil

Traditional Use: Primarily used in the fragrance industry, it is also known as an

insect repellant.

Properties: Antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, digestive, febrifuge,

nervine, stimulant, tonic

Benefits: Digestive upsets, fatigue, infections, insect repellant, scar tissue,

stress, uterine tonic, wrinkles. In a blend palmarosa may used as an aroma
alternative to rose or geranium oils.

Blends Well With: Amyris, bay, bergamot, cedarwood, chamomile, clary sage,
clove, coriander, frankincense, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, juniper, lemon,
lemongrass, mandarin, oakmoss, orange, patchouli, petitgrain, rose, rosemary,
sandalwood, ylang ylang

Of Interest: Geraniol is extracted from palmarosa oil which is considered a

natural source for the constituent.

Safety Data: Generally considered safe.

Back to Palmarosa Essential Oil

The health benefits of Palma Rosa Essential Oil can be attributed to its
properties as an antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, cytophylactic, digestive,
febrifuge and hydrating substance.

Palma Rosa is a grass whose botanical name is Cymbopogon Martini. It has

two varieties, also called chemotypes, Motia & Sofia, which differ slightly in
their aroma. Different producers give preference to different chemotypes
depending on the demand of the market.

Extraction of this essential oil is done by steam distillation of dried grass

which is harvested before flowering. The chief constituents of this oil are
geraniol, geranyl acetate, dipentene, linalool, limonene and myrcene. This
oil smells like rose oil, which is how it got the name Palma Rosa. This is also
why it is sometimes used in place of rose oil and is often adulterated with
rose oil, since it is cheaper.

This oil is widely used as a flavoring agent in the food and beverage
industry, as well as in soap, perfume, oil and cosmetics industries. It also has
many medicinal uses, which we will explore in greater detail below.

Health Benefits of Palma Rosa

Essential Oil
Antiseptic: Many people are very familiar with the word “Septic”, but they
do not seem to understand its gravity, as most of us have not experienced
it. It is a very painful situation caused due to an infection in wounds.
Wounds are highly prone to infections, since they are open and
unprotected. Septic also occurs in vulnerable internal organs such as the
urinary tracts, urinary bladder, urethra, colon, and kidneys. It does not only
trigger sudden, acute and nearly unbearable pain, but also results in cramps
and convulsions. Therefore, it is always advisable to take care of wounds
and any type of infection, specifically in the genito-urinary organs. This can
be accomplished with the help of this oil. When applied externally on
wounds, it protects them from infections and also kills the bacteria that
have already grown on them. When taken internally, Palma Rosa oil inhibits
the bacterial growth in the genito-urinary tracts and provides effective
protection against septic.

Antiviral: Dealing with viruses is not an easy task, and it is very different
than killing bacteria. Viruses develop a protective coating on them, called a
cyst, which protects them from the extreme conditions of their
surroundings, and is so tough that it can withstand almost anything. Viruses
remain dormant within their cyst until it finds a host, which is when the cyst
opens up and the virus comes out of its dormancy and starts multiplying. It
is at this stage that the Essential Oil of Palma Rosa curbs and inhibits the
duplication of the virus and successfully eliminates it.

Febrifuge: The essential oil of Palma Rosa is capable of reducing fever by

virtue of it antiviral, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Therefore,
whether the fever is due to either viral or bacterial infection, this oil can
help you cool it down and soothe your system.

Bactericide: The essential oil of Palma Rosa is bactericidal in nature and

inhibits bacterial growth by killing them. It is also good at curing internal
bacterial infections like colitis and those of the colon, stomach, urinary
bladder, prostate, urethra, urinary tracts, and kidneys. It also prevents
external bacterial infections on the skin, armpits, head, eyebrows, eyelids,
and ears.

Cytophylactic: Palma Rosa oil is cytophylactic in nature, which means that

it promotes the growth of cells and the recycling of cellular matter. Thus, it
helps repair the damages done to the body by aging, like natural wear and
tear, as well as from wounds and various other factors. It also aids in the
overall growth of the body. Since it also promotes growth of the defensive
cells of the body, it is considered a good way to strengthen the immune
system.

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Digestive: Aiding digestion is yet another beneficial property of this oil.
The secretion of digestive juices into the stomach is stimulated by this oil,
thereby promoting digestion. It also aids in the absorption of the nutrients
from food, making your digestive process more efficient.

Hydrating: This is one of the soothing properties of Palma Rosa essential

oil. It helps your body retain the moisture in the tissues and maintains the
moisture balance throughout your body. Therefore, this can relieve
inflammation and certain other symptoms of dehydration, and is
particularly good for the skin. It keeps the skin soft, moist, and looking
young.

Other Benefits: When used in aromatherapy treatments, Palma Rosa oil

relaxes the muscles and nerves, fights depression, fatigue, anxiety, anger
and nervousness, while also having an uplifting effect on the mind.
Furthermore, it helps cure sores, cracks on the skin and Athlete’s Foot.

A Few Words of Caution: This oil is considered completely safe, since it is

a non-irritant, non-sensitizing and non-toxic substance.

Blending: The essential oils of geranium, bergamot, rosemary, lime and

ylang-ylang blend very well with the essential oil of Palm Rosa.

Back to List of Essential Oils

26

Palmarosa essential oil is steam distilled from the wild-growing grass of the same
name. It has a delicate floral, rose-like scent that is thought to act as a soothing
tonic for the heart and the nervous system. Palmarosa essential oil also calms the
mind and supports deep sleep making it an excellent addition to your evening skin
care ritual.

Palmarosa essential oil also has incredible benefits for the skin. Its gentle, non-
irritating antibacterial and antimicrobial action makes it particularly valuable for
those suffering from acne (like me!) Even more impressive, palmarosa has
rejuvenating properties that stimulate cell regeneration, which helps to heal and
even prevent scarring. It also balances sebum production! Needless to say,
palmarosa essential oil is a win-win-win for acne-prone skin. (It also has excellent
hydrating properties that benefit dry skin as well!)
Here are a few of my favorites that contain this miraculous essential oil -

Sodashi Rejuvenating Serum - This powerfully nourishing, velvet-like serum

breathes life into dull, aging skin. Trust me when I say that Sodashi knows how to
make skin glow. If you have dry skin in need of intense hydration, I highly
recommend this serum.

La Bella Figura Decouverte Under Eye Repair Serum - Wrinkles don't stand a
chance with this nutrient-dense eye serum. And puffiness? Yeah, this serum
addresses that as well. I particularly enjoy applying a thick layer right before bed
so that my skin can soak in the goodness throughout the night! (Palmarosa
essential oil is also found in La Bella Figura's power-packed Daily Elements
Defense Oil.)

Black Chicken Love Your Face Serum - I have been obsessed with this line ever
since I first stumbled across it and this serum is still at the top of my wish list. It
contains 11 therapeutic oils to replenish, plump, and dew-ify. But let's face it, I
was sold at the name Black Chicken.

Jiva Apoha Amma (Mother) Oil - Quality doesn't get any higher than Jiva Apoha.
This blend features essential oils of sandalwood, palmarosa, and Indian white
jasmine to nurture, soothe, and uplift. Amazing. Needless to say, I won't rest until
I've tried every single Jiva Apoha blend, this one included.

Palmarosa Essential Oil Profile

Palmarosa essential oil (Cymbopogon martinii var martinii) is obtained
from a sweet-scented grass found growing wild throughout India,
especially to the northeast of Bombay and toward the Himalaya
Mountains, Nepal and Pakistan. Palmarosa grass is native to Southeast
Asia and has been used in medicine and also as an effective insect
repellent throughout this region for thousands of years.

Palmarosa belongs to the Poaceae (Gramineae) plant family and is very

similar in appearance to both lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), and
citronella (Cymbopogon nardus), which are close relatives of palmarosa.
However, despite their similarities all three species produce quite
different essential oils with unique chemistry profiles and therapeutic
properties.
General description
Palmarosa is a perennial aromatic grass with stiff, upright, yellow or
yellow-green stems supported by a small but penetrating root system.
When growing wild, the long and narrow-lanceolate leaves of this plant
may attain 2.5 to 3.0 metres in height, forming rounded clumps
measuring up to a metre across.
The essential oil content of the bright-green leaves varies along their
length, with the very highest concentration of essential oil being found in
the tops of the leaves which release a fresh, grassy rose-like aroma when
crushed between the fingers. In India, the grass begins to bud during the
latter part of August and flowers appear during October. Wild specimens
may survive for 10 or 15 years, whereas plants cultivated for the
extraction of essential oil remain productive around 6 to 10 years.
Palmarosa is now cultivated for the production of essential oil in Africa,
Brazil, Comores, Indonesia, Java, Madagascar and the Seychelle islands,
although India currently remains the largest single producer.
Traditional uses
In Ayurvedic medicine palmarosa is known as ‘Rohisha’, and both grass
and roots are made into a decoction and taken internally to treat
bronchitis, coughs and respiratory disorders, colitis, dyspepsia, fevers
and jaundice. Externally, palmarosa grass is used in poultices to bring
relief to lumbago, neuralgia, rheumatism, sciatica and spasms. The fresh
crushed fragrant leaves are also added to bathwater to release the
uplifting and intriguing perfume which soothes both tired mind and
aching body.
It is unknown when or where the essential oil was first extracted from the
plant, but when palmarosa essential oil eventually did reach Europe it
was employed for its fragrance and skin enhancing properties in a wide
range of soaps and cosmetics, and for many years it was also used as a
flavouring in tobacco.
Harvesting and extraction
Indian palmarosa essential oil is mostly derived from wild plants growing
in the forest regions which are harvested by hand in the traditional way.
On the managed plantations harvesting may be conducted by hand or
with a modern mechanical system that can cut, chop and load the plant
ready for transportation directly to the stills.
The grass is cut around 6 to 9 centimetres from the ground and
sometimes allowed to dry in the shade for up to 6 days to reduce its bulk
for transportation. Palmarosa essential oil is extracted by hydro or steam
distillation which produces a pale straw or olive coloured oil with a
distinctive sweet, rosy-floral odour with subtle fruity, spicy and woody
nuances. A good quality palmarosa oil is almost a perfume in itself, but
the fragrance may be quite variable from origin to origin.
Aromatherapy uses
Palmarosa essential oil is a powerful antimicrobial that can out-perform
tea tree as an antifungal, making it perfect to treat athlete’s foot and
other stubborn fungal infections. The powerful anti-viral properties of
palmarosa could also mean it is your best line of natural defence against
Swine Flu, especially when blended with other antiviral oils such as Anise
star (Illicium verum) and Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica).
Used in skincare, essential oil of palmarosa simply excels at keeping a
healthy complexion. It balances sebum production, stimulates cellular
regeneration, encourages elasticity, moisturises dry and mature skin,
plus it effectively combats acne, dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. All
this, at a fraction of the cost of rose oil!
Used in massage palmarosa essential oil eases the pain associated with
arthritis, rheumatism and general muscular aches, as well as cramps and
gastric conditions. Due to its calming yet uplifting properties, palmarosa
is valuable when treating emotional conditions such as anxiety, nervous
exhaustion and stress.
Palmarosa oil is a middle note that blends well with basil, bergamot,
cedarwood atlas and virginian, fennel, frankincense, geranium, lavender,
lemongrass, linaloe wood, lemon, mandarin, neroli, orange, pine, rose,
ylang ylang.

PALMAROSA

Plant/Part: Grass/Leaves (Source: India)

Latin Name: Cymbopogon Martini

Family: Gramineae

Extraction: Steam Distillation

AROMA: Sweet, floral slightly dry with a hint of

rose.

PROPERTIES: Light, lovely floral aroma which is

uplifting. Makes a wonderful skin care oil when
mixed with Sweet Almond. It is said to stimulate
cellular regeneration and it moisturises making it
particularly good for mature skin care and acne. Has
a calming yet uplifting effect on the emotions. Also said to be able to refresh and clarify
the mind. Acts as a tonic to the digestive system and said to have a beneficial effect on
pathogens in the intestinal flora. Could therefore be useful in dysentery and it also has a
strengthening effect on stomach muscles. Stimulates the appetite and may be helpful to
people suffering from anorexia nervosa. Restores water balance and stimulates natural
secretion of sebum which is a useful oil for dry skin. It also helps in skin regrowth by
aiding cell regeneration.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: High in Geraniol, with Citronellal, Citral, Farnesol,

Limonene, Dipentene, citral, Geranyl acetate,

MAJOR PROPERTIES: Antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, cicatrisant,

digestive, febrifuge, hydrating, stimulant (circulatory and digestive), tonic.

BLENDS: Geranium, Orange, Citronella.

Digestive: antiseptic, stimulates and aids digestion, improves appetite, restores healthy
intestinal flora; used for anorexia, digestive atonia and intestinal infections

Circulatory: stimulates circulation.

Skin/hair: antiseptic, moisturizes the skin, stimulates

the regeneration of skin cells, regulates the production
of sebum, soothesinflammation, discourages wrinkles,
helps wounds and sores to heal. according to roberta
wilson, "with regular application, it can fade old acne
scars". used for dermatitis, minor skin infections,
scars, broken capillaries.

Emotions/mind: soothes nervous exhaustion,

relieves stress. Calms and uplifts the emotions while
refreshing the mind and clarifying thoughts.

It is a wild growing, herbaceous green and straw-

colored grass, with long slender stems, terminal
flowering tops and fragrant grassy leaves. It is
harvested before the flowers appear and the highest
yield is obtained when the grass is fully dried - about
one week after it has been cut. Palmarosa oil is
extracted from the dried grass harvested before it
flowers by steam distillation. The yield is 1 - 1.5 %.

Once known as Indian or Turkish Geranium oil it used to be shipped from Bombay to
ports of the Red Sea and transported, partly by land, to Constantinople and Bulgaria,
where the oil was often used for adulteration of Rose oil. Used as a fragrance ingredient
in soaps and cosmetics. Used in traditional Indian medicine for fevers and infectious
diseases.

Palmarosa (Cymbopogon Martini) is a scented grass of the same family

as LEMONGRASS(Cymbopogon Citratus) and CITRONELLA (Cymbopogon Nardus). The
whole family might well be regarded as nature's copycats, for they all contain a number
of elements which are found in rarer and more costly plants and which give them their
characteristic odour, and are often used to adulterate the essential oils of these in
commerce. Where the last two mimic the scent of lemon, Palmarosa contains a high
proportion of geraniol and has a gentle perfume somewhere between that
of GERANIUM and ROSE, and is found as an adulterant in rose oil.

In its own right, Palmarosa is a valuable SKIN CARE oil, especially when used in dilution
with ALMOND OIL (SWEET) . It is a hydrating and stimulating oil, and helps to re-
establish the balance of sebum production. Like Lavender and Neroli, Palmarosa
stimulates cellular regeneration. Its use in skin treatments is enhanced by the fact that
Palmarosa is also very antiseptic, and so useful for many minor skin infections.

Palmarosa oil calms the mind, yet has an uplifting effect, while clearing muddled
thinking. It is used to counter physical and nervous exhaustion, stress-related problems
and nervousness. It is most useful during convalescence and cools the body of fever,
while aiding the digestive system, helping to clear intestinal infection, digestive atonia
and anorexia nervosa. It is effective in relieving sore, stiff muscles. Stress, nervous
tension. Poor circulation. Bronchitis, otitis, sinusitis. Digestive atonia, intestinal
infections, poor appetite. Cystitis, vaginitis. Acne, athlete's foot, broken capillaries,
dermatitis, dry skin, inflamed skin, insect repellent, scalp conditioner, scars, minor skin
infections.

It is said to help stimulate and hydrate the

skin while balancing the production of
SEBUM. Palmarosa may help to boost
cellular regeneration in the skin (not unlike
Neroli and Lavender) which may help
smooth wrinkles and may even tone up
crepey skin on the neck . Valuable for all
types of treatment for the face, hands,
feet, neck and lips.

Palmarosa oil could be used with good

effect on the skin, for nervous and stress-
related problems and for the digestive
system.

 Burners and vaporizers

o In vapor therapy, palmarosa oil can help during convalescence. It relieves
fatigue, nervousness, exhaustion and stress, while having an uplifting
effect on the mind and clearing muddled thoughts.
 Blended massage oil or in the bath
o In a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, palmarosa oil can be used
on convalescent patients, to fight exhaustion, fatigue, nervousness, stress,
bolstering the digestive system, while boosting the health of the skin.
 Wash, lotions and creams and used neat
o Palmarosa oil can help clear up infections and prevent scarring when
added to the water used to wash the wound. When included in creams and
lotions, it has a moisturizing and hydrating effect on the skin, which is
great to fight wrinkles. It also balances the natural secretion of sebum,
which keeps the skin supple and elastic.
o On cellular level, it helps with the formation of new tissue and for that
reason is great for rejuvenating and regenerating the skin. It is most
useful when fighting a dry skin and to sort out skin infections. Some
people find that they have great results when applying palmarosa oil neat
to the affected area of athlete's foot - but please keep in mind that we do
not advocate the use of neat essential oils on the skin.
There are two varieties of grass from which the oil can be extracted - motia and sofia. It
is often used as an ingredient of soaps, perfumes and cosmetics, and is also used in the
flavoring of tobacco.

Palmarosa oil has no known contra indications and is considered a non-toxic, non-irritant
and non-sensitizing essential oil.