Palmarosa Essential Oil from Natural Health Crafters

Palmarosa - Indian geranium, a valuable skin care essential oil.

Palmarosa Cymbopogon martinii var. Motia is a tall, aromatic grass belonging to the same family as lemongrass and citronella. It is native to India and Pakistan, but is now cultivated extensively in Madagascar, Indonesia, Brazil and the Comoros Islands. The plant is also closely related to sofia or gingergrass (Cymbopogon martinii var. Sofia), which grows best on damp, poorly drained soil in humid valleys or forests. The true palmarosa variety on the other hand prefers a well drained soil on sunny mountain slopes and forest clearings, and yields a finer quality essential oil.

The aromatic grasses are known as natures impersonators, for they contain aromatic molicules which resemble the fragrances of the more highly prized aromatics. The essential oil of palmarosa for example, is sometimes added to the more expensive geranium oil, whereas lemongrass is sometimes added to melissa (lemonbalm) oil to reduce the price.

In the 18th century, palmarosa oil was more commonly known as Indian geranium, or Turkish geranium oil. It was shipped from Bombay to Constantinople and Bulgaria, where it was often used to dilute the hugely more expensive rose oils. Although Indian plmarosa oil continues to be produced in large quantities, the softer more rosy scent of the oil produced in Madagascr is often preferred by connoisseurs of fragrance ingredients. Commercially, the oil is used as a fragrance in soaps, perfumes and cosmetics, as well as to flavour tobacco.

Production the essential oil of palmarosa is extracted by steam distillation of the fresh or dried grass. It is harvested before the flowers appear and the highest yield is from grass which is fully dried - about one week after it has been cut. The yield is 1 - 1.5 %. It is a pale yellow or olive yellow liquid with a sweet rosy scent, reminiscent of lemongrass and geranium. Ginger grass oil is generally regarded as inferior, havinga comparitivly harsh aroma with a spicy undertone. Sometimes the two grass types are distilled together, the palmarosa lending geranium like notes to the resulting oil.

Therapeutic uses In Ayerveda (the traditional medicine practiced in India) both the essential oil and dried grass of the palmarosa plant are used for healing. The oil is incorporated into ointments and massage oils for treating rheumatic aches and pains, sciatica and neuralgia, while a tea prepared from the dried grass is recommended for various types of fever, digestive problems and intestinal infections.

Palmarosa essential oil&rsquos most common application is for the treatment of skin problems and general skin care. Like lavender and neroli, it has a reputation for stimulating the growth of healthy skin cells and regulating sebum production, while its cooling, anti-inflamatory nature makes it helpful for dry eczema and other skin rashes. The oil also has a reputation for hydrating parched skin, hence its popularity in aromatherapy products designed for handcare, and for treating crêpey skin the neck. Many aromatherapists recommend palmarosa oil as part of the treatment for acne. This is because it contains a high proportion of geraniol, a natural bactericide witha gentle effect on the skin. Valuable for all types of treatment for the face, hands, feet, neck and lips

On the emotional level, the scent of palmarosa is generally perceived as calming, yet also uplifting. Although it blends well with a wide variety of other essential oils, the aroma of a fine quality palmarosa essential oil works just as well be itself. It makes a delightfully soothing bath or massage oil.

Adulteration

Gingergrass is a common adulertant as it grows wild, but has a lower geraniol content: turpentine, citronella and synthetic geraniol are often added. Palmarosa itself is often used as a substitute for geranium and rose oil.

GRAS

Palmarosa oil has GRAS status.