What Is Palmarosa Essential Oil – Health Benefits

Palmarosa (palm rose), also known as ginger grass, Indian geranium, rose, and rose grass, is a sweet-smelling grass native to India and Indochina. The botanical name for palmarosa is Cymbopogon martini and this plant is widely cultivated for its aromatic oil known as palmarosa oil.

Palmarosa, also known as Indian or Turkish geranium, rose, or motia, is a type of tropical grass native to India and is known for its rich supply of volatile oils. The herbaceous green grass shares similarities with lemongrass and citronella. There are two types of palmarosa from which the essential oil is obtained they are Sofia and motia, and they differ somewhat in their scent. The name “palmarosa” was given to the plant because of its fragrance similar to rose oil. In the past, Turks blended the oil with the more expensive rose oil. In fact, some dishonest wholesalers and retailers market oil of palmarosa as rose oil, which led to palmarosa oil’s bad reputation.

 

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. It is thin clear to pale yellow colored oil that has a fresh, floral, sweet, lemony, dry-geranium like scent with a hint of rose and is commonly blended with Geranium, Bergamot, Rosemary, Lime, Ylang-ylang, Rose, Lavender, Sandalwood, Orange, Amyris, Bay, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Clary sage, Clove, Coriander, Frankincense, Ginger, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lemon, Lemongrass, Mandarin, Oakmoss, Orange, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Linaloe wood, Lemon Myrtle, Honey Myrtle, Cypress, Inula and Spikenard essential oil. It has many therapeutic uses; it is most frequently used for skincare because of its moisturizing properties.

Palmarosa Essential Oil Facts

Palmarosa essential oil is derived from the Cymbopogon martini, a lemongrass plant that belongs to the family Gramineae. Also referred to as East Indian geranium, this grass is a native of India where it grows wild and free.

The plant has slender stems, fragrant leaves, and bears small flowers. Two varieties of this plant are the sources of essential oil. The grass is harvested before the flowers bloom because it is during this period that a higher yield of oil is extracted from the leaves. The grass is also added to dishes to make them flavorful, or to create an appealing scent that will make the food more appetizing.

For years, extracts of this grass have been used in the treatment of various illnesses such as stomach aches and other general pain. To this day, palmarosa essential oil is used in Chinese herbal medicine and Ayurveda to boost overall health and well-being.

Health Benefits of Palma Rosa Essential Oil

Palmarosa oil is well-known for its hydrating properties and can assist in preventing inflammation and quelling dehydration. It also balances the sebum or oil production of your skin, aids in the healing of cuts and bruises, and helps remedy acne breakouts.  This oil is widely used as a flavoring agent in the food and beverage industry, as well as in the soap, perfume, oil, and cosmetics industries. It also has many medicinal uses, which we will explore in greater detail below.

1. Help reduce Fever

The essential oil of Palma Rosa is capable of reducing fever because of its antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. Thus, whether the fever is due to either viral or bacterial infection, this oil can help you cool it down and soothe your system effectively.

2. 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 endure 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.

3. Wound Healing

The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of the oil will help prevent the spread of infection and sepsis, which would cause serious complications such as organ failure. A small wound is not to be ignored, and applying palmarosa essential oil on the surrounding skin will be enough to prevent infection.

4. Prevents Bacterial growth

The essential oil of Palmarosa is bactericidal in nature and prevents 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. Research on ‘Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils from Palmarosa, proved that the essential oil extracted from Palmarosa reflected the highest activity against both gram-negative bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and gram-positive bacteria like Escherichia coli. Staphylococcus aureus causes numerous infections like urinary tract infections, skin lesions, pneumonia, and meningitis. Escherichia coli are generally present in human intestines and cause food poisoning.

5. Cytophylactic

It is prophylactic in nature and 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 promotes the growth of the defensive cells of the body, it is considered a good way to strengthen the immune system.

6.  Fights against harmful organisms

As an effective bactericide and antiviral oil, Palmarosa essential oil helps in killing harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microbes. When applied topically after adding a few drops of Palmarosa oil to ointments, skincare creams, or lotions, this oil prevents the growth of dangerous viruses that protect themselves by developing a hard cyst around them. Viral infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and prolonged itching can also be treated effectively by applying this blend externally.

7. Digestive

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

8. Mood Enhancer

Leaves of this grass, when crushed and added to the bathwater release an intriguing perfume that uplifts spirits and soothes the tired body, mind, and soul. Palmarosa Oil is also known to have age-defying properties.

9. Antiseptic

Many people are familiar with the word “Septic”, but they do not seem to understand its seriousness, 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 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 prevents bacterial growth in the genito-urinary tracts and provides effective protection against septic.

10. Eliminates Free Radicals

The oil is enriched with compounds like flavonoids, polyphenols, and phenolic acids. It shows the great antioxidant property, which scavenges the damaging free radicals in our body.

11. Anti-Aging

Massaging the skin with a blend of palmarosa and coconut oil will not only moisturize the skin but also fights the aging signs like wrinkles.

12. Hydrating

This is one of the calming 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.

13. Calms the mind

Palmarosa essential oil has a gentle, misty, and lemony-rose fragrance that is comforting and calming to the mind and body. Adding 2 to 3 drops to your diffuser, air freshener, burner, vaporizer, linen, or to your pillows grant a feeling of pleasure, sense of security, adaptability to the existing situation, rekindles the aura, clarifies thoughts, and augments the trust in the sacred stream of life. Palmarosa oil also aids in treating nervousness, anger, anxiety, fear, possessiveness, jealousy, insomnia, and resentment.

14. Strengthens Hair

A mixture of Palmarosa and geranium oil helps in strengthening your tresses and imparts a shine to your hair.

15. Skin Dryness

Palmarosa oil is effective in decreasing the dryness of your skin making it smoother and softer. Gently massage the skin with the oil, which controls the secretion of sebum and hydrates the skin.

16. May Help Fight Viral Infections

Palmarosa oil curbs and inhibits the duplication of the virus and successfully eliminates it. Dealing with viruses is not an easy task and it is very different than killing bacteria. Viruses may develop a protective coating around themselves, called a cyst, which protects them from the extreme conditions of their surroundings, and is so tough that it can withstand 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 palmarosa oil can come to the rescue.

17. May Help Prevent Sepsis

Septic can occur in vulnerable internal organs such as the urinary tracts, urinary bladder, urethra, colon, and kidneys. It may 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 the 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 in them. When taken internally, palmarosa oil inhibits the bacterial growth in the genito-urinary tracts and provides effective protection against septic.

18. May Heal Wounds

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.

19. May Help Treat Dehydration

This is one of the soothing properties of palmarosa essential oil. It can help your body retain the moisture in the tissues and maintain the moisture balance throughout the 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.

20. Nourish

Rich in nutrients and moisture, Palmarosa Oil penetrates deep within the tissues to replenish skin cells. With a stronger and more nourished epidermis, Palmarosa Essential Oil works to lock in hydration and reignite your skin’s radiance.

21. Balance

Palmarosa Essential Oil works to balance the sebum production in the skin to help maintain oil levels. With its antibacterial properties, Palmarosa Oil is great for treating oily, acne-prone skin, alongside other Essential Oils such as Tea Tree Oil and Lavender Oil

22. Cell repair 

Surprising to many, Palmarosa essential oil is cytophylactic, which means it is capable of promoting cell growth and even helping to recycle cellular matter. That means it is an ideal anti-aging treatment but is also fantastic at wound and scar healing or repair. It is also considered ideal for the immune system. In addition to preventing scars and supporting wound healing, its natural antiseptic properties further enhance cell repair and prevent infection.

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 the Athlete’s Foot.

How to Make Palmarosa Oil

Like other plant oils, palmarosa oil is extracted from the plant through steam distillation. As the plant matures, its flowers darken and become red. The flowers are harvested just before they fully turn red, and are dried until the capillaries burst to release the plant’s volatile oils. Only then are the harvested plants steam distilled. This procedure produces an oil with a yellow color and fragrance similar to rose essential oil.

It is important to harvest the palmarosa plant at the appropriate time as this may affect quality. If gathered too soon or too late, not dried properly, or if distilled before the plant releases its essential oils, you may be looking at an inferior quality product.

Suggested uses of Palmarosa essential oil

• Mix a few drops of palmarosa oil to ointments and skin care creams to treat skin infections and help clean wounds to prevent them from being septic.
• Add 2 to 3 drops of this plant oil to your bath water or use it as a massage oil to prevent pain, spasms, convulsions, and skin problems.
• Massage your skin with 2 drops of palmarosa oil blended with coconut oil. Doing so will moisturize your skin and fight signs of aging like wrinkles.
• Oil of palmarosa can also help treat candida, shingles, rashes, acne, and blemishes.
• Add 2 to 3 drops of this oil to your diffuser, air freshener, vaporizer, or even a cloth. Its rosy fragrance will help comfort your mind and body. It may even treat nervousness, anxiety, and instill positivity.
• For acne, eczema, and fungal infections, mix 2-3 drops in 1 ounce of carrier oil. Use a cotton ball and swab on the affected area. Can also be used neat.
• To ease the discomfort of colds and flu, use 2-3 drops in a diffuser.
• To accelerate the healing of cuts and wounds, place 2-3 drops on a wet cotton ball and dab gently on the affected area. This method will also help alleviate scarring.
• For fatigue, nervousness, physical exhaustion, stress, and stress-related conditions, use 2-3 drops in a diffuser. Can also use 8-10 drops in a bath or 2-3 drops in 1 ounce of carrier oil and massage into the body.
• To cool a fever, use 2-3 drops in a cold compress. Can also use 8-10 drops in a bath.
• For intestinal infections, use 3-5 drops in a steam inhalation.
• To stimulate sebum production in dry or mature skin, use 2-3 drops in a carrier oil, and dab gently on the skin.
• Palmarosa can be applied topically, as a compress, in the bath, through direct inhalation, or diffuser.
• Add a few drops of palmarosa with lavender to your diffuser or direct palm inhalation to reduce stress and rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit.
• To support skin renewal from injured skin, add a drop of palmarosa to water when washing wounds.
• Add 3-4 drops to bathwater to promote balance and enhance relaxation.
• You can add 2 drops of Palmarosa essential oil in warm bathing water or blend it with jojoba oil and use it as a massage oil for inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
• Using it as an ointment after adding 2 to 3 drops of Palmarosa essential oil to your skin care cream or lotion, aids in mending your wounds as well as protecting them from being septic.
• You can use 2 to 3 drops of this oil in your bath for alleviating pain, spasms, convulsions, and other skin infections.
• Gently massaging your skin with 2 drops of Palmarosa essential oil and coconut oil will help in regulating the secretion of sebum, hydrating the skin, keeping it soft and supple, and fighting against wrinkles and other symptoms of aging.
• 2 drops of Palmarosa essential oil can drive in the magical remedy for your skin. You can use it as massage oil by blending it with jojoba oil or adding it to your bathtub or to your skin care cream and lotions for visible results.
• A mixture of 5 ml (1 tsp) soya oil and 5 drops palmarosa massaged into the shoulders, temple, sinus area, and behind the ears, can induce an almost instant feeling of well-being.
• Palmarosa is a wonderful remedy for skin conditions like acne because of its natural antiseptic constituents. Mix together 5 ml (1 tsp) almond or sunflower oil, a few drops of wheat germ oil, and 3 drops of palmarosa, and massage twice a day. This can also work wonders for old acne scars, wrinkles, and broken veins. Apply palmarosa essential oil neat to boils, using a cotton wool bud. Do this morning and night.
• For fatigue, nervousness, physical exhaustion, stress, and stress-related conditions, use 2-3 drops of Palmarosa essential oil in a diffuser. Can also use 8-10 drops in a bath or 2-3 drops in 1 ounce of carrier oil and massage into the body.
• To cool a fever, use 2-3 drops of Palmarosa essential oil in a cold compress. Can also use 8-10 drops in a bath.
• For intestinal infections, use 3-5 drops of Palmarosa essential oil in a steam inhalation.
• To stimulate sebum production in dry or mature skin, use 2-3 drops of Palmarosa essential oil in a carrier oil, and dab gently on the skin.

1. Augments Skin Health

Palmarosa essential oil is a great antibacterial and antiseptic agent to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and boils. It effectively kills off bacteria that is festering on your skin, thus inhibiting the formation and spread of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads that can inhibit a smoother complexion.

Furthermore, it is cytophylactic in nature which means it promotes cell regeneration and the growth of new tissues underneath the skin, thus helping to heal scars and dark spots obtained from these skin conditions and repairing the damages done to the body by aging. It also helps to delay the onset of aging and the formation of wrinkles, due to its antioxidant properties.

How to Use it: Apply 2-3 drops of palmarosa oil that is diluted with a carrier oil (such as coconut and jojoba oil) onto a cotton ball or swab and proceed to dab it onto the affected areas or massage on your face to counter signs of aging.

2. Prevents Infections from Forming

Since it is a bactericide as established above, it also helps to inhibit bacterial growth by killing them on wounds, cuts, fungal conditions, and scrapes. If you suffered an accident and have incurred an injury, just apply palmarosa essential oil to prevent complications and infections from setting in. This essentially helps to prevent the wounds from becoming septic or by incurring tetanus if the injury is made from a sharp, iron object.

How to Use it: To treat skin infections externally, apply 2-3 drops of palmarosa oil and dilute it with a carrier oil. Proceed to gently rub it on the affected areas until the skin heals and the scars fade away.

For a restorative foot soak to get rid of fungal infections, you can try blending 6 drops of palmarosa, 3 drops of lemongrass, 3 drops of patchouli, and 2 drops of tea tree essential oils and pour this mix into a tub of warm water to soak your troubled foot inside.

To prevent gastrointestinal infections and other types of infections within, you can add about 2-3 drops of the oil in steam inhalation and breathe in gently and slowly. You can also consider adding a drop of the oil into a glass of water or to a cup of tea and taking it internally but be sure to consult your doctor for professional medical advice before proceeding to ingest it.

Helps to Cure Fevers

With its febrifuge attributes, palmarosa essential oil effectively helps to alleviate fevers, thus serving as a potent, all-natural alternative remedy to the various drug-prescribed fever medications out there on the market!

Furthermore, coupled with its antiviral and antibacterial properties, it definitely helps to kill off the viruses and bacteria that are causing such fevers in the first place. Thus, it soothes and calms down the bodily systems and helps to alleviate the fevers in the process.

How to Use it: You can distill 2-3 drops of the oil in a diffuser or vaporizer and proceed to gently breathe in the wafts emanating out. Alternatively, you can also add about 5-6 drops of the oil in a tub of warm, bathing water and soak for a few minutes. It will help to induce sweating, which thus brings down our body temperature and helps to relieve the fever spell.

Augments Digestion Process

Being a stomachic, palmarosa oil is also an effective agent to aid your digestive processes. It is able to facilitate the timely and proper secretion of digestive enzymes and bile, thus promoting the proper digestion and breakdown of the food.

It also stimulates the absorption of the nutrients from the food into the bloodstream, allowing it to travel to the different parts of the body efficiently and in a fast manner. As such, this prevents a whole host of problems such as indigestion, acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea, and many more as it supports the health of your digestive system.

How to Use it: By diluting it with a carrier oil in a 1:1 ratio, simply massage diluted palmarosa oil onto your abdominal areas.

Emotional Support

The essential oil of palmarosa is also great for aromatherapy treatments since it is able to battle against depression, feelings of self-doubt, and low self-esteem to uplift your emotional spirits! It also serves to mentally rejuvenate and revitalize your mental senses as it alleviates fatigue, tension, stress, and anxiety to provide mental clarity and to refresh your mind.

How to Use it: Simply diffuse palmarosa oil into a diffuser or vaporizer and let the aromatic, rosy wafts engulf you as you breathe in the goodness. You can also add lavender oil to the diffuser. Alternatively, you can add about 4-5 drops of palmarosa oil into a tub of warm, bathing water to relax and soothe your tense nerves.

Palmarosa Essential Oil

There is no sufficient data on the suitable dosage of palmarosa essential oil for the treatment of health disorders. Before use, the essential oil should be diluted in a carrier oil, or with other essential oils such as ylang-ylang, lime, bergamot, geranium, rosemary, clary sage, and lavender. Higher doses are not recommended.

Side Effects of Palmarosa Essential Oil

Palmarosa essential oil is generally safe for use for most adults as it has no known contraindications. It is classified as a non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing essential oil. This essential oil is generally for external use only.  It is best to seek the doctor’s advice before using the oil in case you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Palmarosa essential oil is conveniently available online. Look for 100% pure and natural essential oil to be assured of its superior quality and effectiveness.

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