Palmarosa is a species of grass in the lemon grass gnus best known by the common name palmarosa. Other common names include Indian geranium, ginger grass and rosha or rosha grass.
It is a wild growing, herbaceous green and straw-colored grass, with long slender stems, terminal flowering tops and fragrant grassy leaves. It is harvested before the flowers appear and the highest yield is obtained when the grass is fully dried - about one week after it has been cut. Palmarosa oil is extracted from the dried grass harvested before it flowers by steam distillation.
It has makes wonderful skin care oil when mixed with Sweet Almond. It is said to stimulate cellular regeneration and it moisturizes making it particularly good for mature skin care and acne. Has a calming yet uplifting effect on the emotions. Also said to be able to refresh and clarify the mind. Acts as a tonic to the digestive system and said to have a beneficial effect on pathogens in the intestinal flora. Could therefore be useful in dysentery and it also has a strengthening effect on stomach muscles. Stimulates the appetite and may be helpful to people suffering from anorexia nervosa. Restores water balance and stimulates natural secretion of sebum which is useful oil for dry skin.
Once known as Indian or Turkish Geranium oil it used to be shipped from Bombay to ports of the Red Sea and transported, partly by land, to Constantinople and Bulgaria, where the oil was often used for adulteration of Rose oil. Used as a fragrance ingredient in soaps and cosmetics. It’s used in traditional Indian medicine for fevers and infectious diseases.
Native to India, palmarosa oil has a rose-like scent, which makes it a popular ingredient in soaps, perfumes, and cosmetics. Palmarosa oil also has a variety of therapeutic uses, and is especially beneficial in skin care because of its moisturizing properties. It stimulates cell regeneration and regulates sebum production, giving it age-defying properties. Additionally, palmarosa oil is great for the digestive system, and was added to Indian curry dishes and West African meat dishes to kill bacteria and aid digestion. Aroma therapists love palmarosa for its skin conditioning properties, and its calming, floral scent.
The grass is harvested before it flowers, dried, and the oil is then extracted. Palmarosa can be found growing in the wild. It has green stems and flowering tops. Palmarosa oil is pale yellow and has a sweet, herbaceous aroma.
This essential oil is raising high in essential oil therapy and aromatherapy. It contains excellent skin care properties and is also used to relieve sore, tight muscles. It has calming effect on the mind, while it uplifts and invigorates the soul.
Benefit & Uses:
Palmarosa releases emotions of shut down, resentment and powerless that comes from keeping a closed heart or from mother issues. When we embrace the energy of a mother or mother earth we feel protected and nourished from within.
The essential oil of this plant, which contains the active compound, is valued for its scent and for a number of traditional medicinal and household uses. Palmarosa oil has been shown to be an effective insect repellent when applied to stored grain and beans, an antihelmintic against nematodes and an anti-fungal and mosquito repellent. Palmarosa oil, which has a scent similar to roses, is added to soaps and cosmetics.
Palmarosa oil moisturizes the skin, while balancing the hydration it stimulates cell regeneration. It balances production of sebum, to keep the skin supple and elastic and is valuable for use with acne, dermatitis, preventing scarring, rejuvenating the skin, as well as fighting minor skin infections. It is also useful for sore tired feet as well as athlete's foot. The oil calms the mind, and has an uplifting effect. It is used to combat physical and nervous exhaustion, stress-related problems and nervousness.
Aroma therapists use it for its antiviral, antiseptic and bactericidal qualities. Palmarosa oil is used in perfumery and is particularly suited for use in soaps.