Palmarosa

Cymbopogon martinii

Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii) is a large herbaceous plant belonging, like citronella, to the Poaceae family. It is native to India and Nepal.
When crumpled, its long and narrow leaves release a fragrance similar to that of roses. Its flowers, arranged in plumes, are similar to those of geranium. Palmarosa has played an important role for thousands of years in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda), where its tonic and healing properties are appreciated.

Main aromatic molecules: Monoterpenols (geraniol, linalool), terpene esters (geranyl acetate).
Family: Poaceae.
Producing organs: Aerial parts.
Yield: 500 g to 1.250 kg of essential oil per 100 kg of plants
Equivalence: 1 ml → 31 drops (dosage calculated for a calibrated dropper European Pharmacopoeia).

Bath
Skin application
Oral route
Respiratory route

Main properties

Palmarosa essential oil is a powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antimycotic agent, making it an ally for respiratory ailments (rhinopharyngitis, sinusitis, otitis, bronchitis, angina, tracheitis, etc.), fungal infections and acne. It also has a stimulating and regenerating action on the cells, which accelerates healing (acne, wounds, scars, etc.) and helps with skin care (rosacea, dull, mixed or oily skin). It drains the lymph and fights against lymphatic oedema and cellulite. It acts on excessive perspiration thanks to its astringent property.

Find all the virtues and uses of essential oils in our tips section.

recipes

Deodorant
Using your fingertips, simply apply a few drops of essential oil of palmarosa to the soles of the feet and armpits, or to any other concerned area. From 15 years old

Libido
2 drops of essential oil of palmarosa for 10 drops of hazelnut plant oil. Massage the lower back with a few drops of essential oil of palmarosa, either pure or diluted in carrier oil. Diffuse a few drops of essential oil of palmarosa into the ambient air using a diffuser.

Fatigue of the child
Every morning, massage the child's stomach (clockwise) with 2 drops of palmarosa essential oil and 1 drop of linalool thyme essential oil, diluted in 1 teaspoon of water.
essential oil of linalool thyme, diluted in 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil
of jojoba vegetable oil, for 7 days. From 7 years old

Dry, damaged skin
Dilute 1 drop of palmarosa essential oil in 1 tablespoon of prickly pear or argan vegetable oil, and apply the mixture every day until improvement. From 7 years old

CULTIVATION AND PRODUCTION

Palmarosa is grown in India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Brazil, Madagascar and the Comoros. It has been distilled since the 18th century in India and Turkey.

FRAGRANCE

The odour of essential oil of palmarosa is soft and floral. It is reminiscent of rose, with notes of dry grass and pine.

EXTRACTION AND YIELD

Essential oil of palmarosa is obtained by steam distillation of fresh or dried leaves. Yield varies between 0.5% and 1.25%, i.e. five hundred grams to one kilogram of essential oil per hundred kilograms of plant.

CHEMICAL FORMULA

The dominant constituents of essential oil of Cymbopognon martinii are geraniol and geranyl acetate.

Precautions for use

As has been clearly understood in Indian traditional medicine, essential oil of palmarosa can facilitate delivery, though it should only be used when the birth is imminent.

Do not use in: pregnant or breast-feeding women, children under the age of six years, persons allergic to one of the components (aldehydes, geraniol, limonene, linalool), subjects with asthma without the advice of an allergologist before the first use.

Relatively uncommon until recently in Western phytotherapy, even though it unquestionably belongs to the healing plant category, palmarosa was long used virtually exclusively for fraudulent reasons. Indeed, its essential oil was sent over land to Western Europe from Bombay. On passing through Bulgaria, thanks to its soft and fine odour, similar to that of the queen of flowers, it was used to cut, and hence to counterfeit the local production of essential oil of roses (Rosa damascena), also called "Bulgarian roses", by introducing a much less expensive element. Times have fortunately changed, even though a few unscrupulous suppliers here and there are tempted by the substitution. We must therefore remain vigilant! For thousands of years, palmarosa has played an important role in Indian traditional medicine (Ayurveda), in which it is appreciated for its tonic and healing virtues.

AROMATHERAPIA

Extracts from the book 'Aromatherapia - All about essential oils', by Isabelle Pacchioni, watercolors by Patrick MORIN, Aroma Thera Editions . Extracts from the book '41 essential oils essential for treating yourself differently' and '48 essential oils which every home needs to be healthy' by Isabelle Delaleu and Isabelle Pacchioni, Publications of the Mandadori France group. Botanical illustrations by Agathe Haevermans.

The properties, benefits and method of use are given for information; they cannot in any case constitute or replace medical information that only health professionals can provide. For any use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes, please consult your GP or pharmacist.