Palmarosa (Latin name Cymbopogan martinii x motia) is a wild-growing, perennial grass that was originally found in Pakistan and northeastern India, close to the Himalayas. It is now also cultivated in Indonesia, Africa and Brazil. Palmarosa oil was traded between India and Persia and was then shipped to Constantinople (Istanbul). It became known as Turkish or Indian Geranium Oil.
While Palmarosa is in the same family as Citronella and Lemongrass, it has a much sweeter scent, similar to Geranium with a grassy, lemony undertone. Palmarosa is harvested commercially for the chemical component geraniol and is often used in the fragrance industry. Unfortunately, it is also used as an adulterant in Rose oil. Although as author Patricia Davis says," nobody with a sensitive nose would ever confuse the two."
Palmarosa is my favorite go-to essential oil for skin care. It is hydrating, balances sebum production and has antiseptic and antifungal properties.
Try Palmarosa for:
Acne
dermatitis
mature skin
wrinkles
dry skin on the face or body
minor skin irritations
athletes foot
natural deodorant.
Palmarosa is also useful for an upset stomach or sluggish digestion. (Just dilute it in a carrier oil and massage it on your abdomen).
It may also be helpful for:
respiratory support
sciatica pain
muscular or arthritic pain.
Emotionally, Palmarosa is very comforting; it helps to ease:
stress
anxiety
irritability and anger
grief
I like to use Palmarosa in the winter months (or cold season). I use it in room sprays as well as in my diffuser. It is a lightly scented, antibacterial essential oil that is child-friendly and appropriate to use around the elderly. *Palmarosa is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing when properly diluted before topical use.
My Blog is for information only & is not meant to replace Medical Advice.
Essential Oils are not for ingestion & should always be diluted before topical use.
References:
Battaglia Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. 2nd edition, The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia, 2003
Bowles, E. Joy The A to Z of essential oils, Baron’s educational services,2003
Butje, Andrea, The Heart of Aromatherapy: an easy-to-use guide for essential oils, Book Publisher Hay House, Inc. 2017
Davis, Patricia. Aromatherapy an A-Z. New revised edition, Vermilion, an imprint of Edbury Publishing, a Random House Company, 2005
Lawless. Julia. The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils Updated edition, Thorsons, 2002,2014