Palmarosa

Species name: Cymbopogon martini

Also known as: Palmarosa, Indian geranium, Turkish geranium, Indian rosha, rosha grass, motia.

Palmarosa, indigenous to India, is a wild grass that is related to lemon grass. The long slender stems are crowned with flowering tops and the scented leaves look like grass.

Growing up to nine feet tall it likes tropical climates.

Palmarosa oil is made from the dried grass, before it has a chance to go to seed, and extracted by steam distillation.

This essential oil has a rosy, sweet, floral scent. It is a very light yellow tinted oil, and has a thin water-like texture.

Home Remedies using Palmarosa Essential Oil

Palmarosa essential oil can be used in a diffuser, simmer pot, or steam baths, for aromatherapy.

It can be blended with other oils and carriers to produce good massage oil for aches and pains. It blends well with lavender, clove and patchouli.

It can be added to a bath, or a few drops can enhance cream and lotion bases for calm and clarity.

Benefits of Palmarosa Essential Oil

In the past this essential oil has been used as a false replacement for rose essential oil mainly due to the similarities in scent. Through time it has gained credit as something of its own.

This essential oil is calming. It has an uplifting, positive effect, and clears the mind. It is used to relieve exhaustion and as a tonic to balance out the nervous system. The scent is said to be helpful with PMS symptoms.

Good during periods of convalescence palmarosa oil lowers fevers and relieves muscle pain and stiffness. It has been found to speed the healing and recovery process. It cools the body and is also said to relieve anger and support the bodies need to sleep.

The oil promotes bile flow that aids digestion and improves food absorption. The plant itself is used as an ingredient in food preparation to help with indigestion.

The essential oil has anti-microbial properties that can kill germs and bacteria that are in the air. It also is effective at killing virus germs and for cleansing wounds. It can help with urinary tract infections and kidney infections. It has been used for athlete's foot and fungal infections on the skin.

Palmarosa oil when used topically is a good moisturizer and skin cell regrowth stimulant. It hydrates the skin helping to diminish acne scarring and wrinkles that appear with age.

Because of its pleasing scent it can be found as an ingredient in moisturizers, creams and cosmetics. Its spray can be used as an insect repellent and it can also be found as a flavoring for tobacco.

Side Effects of Palmarosa Essential Oil

Palmarosa oil has no real known side effects. 

A skin patch test should be performed before initial use.

If pregnant or breast feeding avoid use or consult with a doctor.

Please consult with a doctor before starting any kind of aromatherapy or topical application of essential oils.