Palmarosa Oil, Essential Oil of Palmarosa
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Keywords- Essential Oils, Palmarosa, earthyflavorance.biz
Kingdom Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class Liliopsida – Monocotyledons
Subclass Commelinidae
Order Cyperales
Family Poaceae – Grass family
Genus Cymbopogon Spreng. – lemon grass
Species Cymbopogon martinii (Roxb.) J.F. Watson – rosha grass
General - Palmarosa is a wild-growing herbaceous plant with long slender stems and terminal flowering tops; the grassy leaves are very fragrant. The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the fresh or dried grass. Palmarosa, or "Indian Geranium" has a rose like scent, similar to geranium. It is antibacterial, balancing and regenerating. Palmarosa essential oil is obtained from a wild grass native to India, this essential oil has a sweet floral fragrance. Palmarosa is a valuable antiseptic essential oil that suits all skin types. Soothing and stimulating, palmarosa is also uplifting to the emotions, and may be used in a room burner for its antiviral properties. Native to India and Pakistan; now grown in Madagascar, Indonesia, Brazil and the Comoro Islands. Palmarosa oil, also known as Indian grass oil, rusa oil, is distilled from the over-ground portions of the rusa or geranium grass designated as Cymbopogon Martini. The numerous synonyms of this herb are: Cymbopogon Martinianus, Schult., Andropogon Martini, Roxb., A. pachnodes, Trin., A. Calamus aromaticus, Royle, A. nardoides, a, Nees, A. Schoenanthus, Fluck. et Hanb., non L, A. Schoenanthus var. genuinus, Hack., A. Schoenanthus var. Martini, Hook. f. The popular designation rusa, applied to this grass, is probably traceable to the reddish-brown color taken on by the panicles in fall.
The erroneous designation "Turkish geranium oil", which has practically been abandoned, dates back to a time when the oil entered the European market via Constantinople. From Bombay it was transported by ships to the ports of the Red Sea and thence by overland routes through Arabia to Constantinople. After having been specially prepared it was here used on a large scale to adulterate rose oil.
Taking into consideration the wide distribution of this grass, the territory in which it is distilled for its oil is in most of Central and South India. The essential oil of this plant, which contains the active compound geraniol, 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,[1] an antihelmintic against nematodes,[2] and an antifungal and mosquito repellent.
Properties. Palmarosa oil is colorless or light yellow, occasionally it is colored green by copper. It has a pleasant odor reminding of roses. Its sp. gr. is 0,887 to 0,90. Its optical properties vary, some oils being slightly dextro-gyrate, others slightly laevo-gyrate, still others optically inactive. aD + 6 to - 3°, mostly between +1 and - 2°; nD20o1,472 to 1,476; A. V. 0,5 to 3,0; E. V. 12 to 48; E. V. after acetylation 226 to 274 corresponding to 74,8 to 94,8 p.c. of total geraniol. In 1,5 to 3 and more parts of 70 p.c. alcohol it dissolves to form a clear solution; in very rare instances opalescence to turbidity has been observed. Oils with a higher geraniol content are soluble in from 3 to 4 vols, and more of 60 p.c. alcohol.
Uses - The scent is sweet, similar to a combination of geranium and rose, with a slight citrus note. Considered to be a cellular regenerative, it may be useful in skin care preparations for dry or mature skin. May also be useful in alleviating stress and fatigue. Used extensively as a fragrance component in cosmetics, perfumes and especially soaps due to excellent tenacity. Aroma therapists recommend it as an oil to diffuse during flu epidemics. Its action against viral illnesses and against bacteria, together with its pleasant smell make it a great oil to use to disinfect a room. Maggie Tisserand, in her book "Stress: The Aromatic Solution" recommends Palmarosa for acne, alopecia, lack of concentration and depression with apathy and despair. Other aroma therapists recommend it as an oil to diffuse during flu epidemics. Its action against viral illnesses and against bacteria, together with its pleasant smell make it a great oil to use to disinfect a room.
In burners and vaporizers, Palmarosa oil can help with: convalescence, fatigue, nervousness, exhaustion, stress and for relaxing. In a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath Palmarosa could assist with: convalescence, exhaustion, fatigue, nervousness, stress, eczema and relaxing. Palmarosa oil can help for scarring when used in a wash, for general skin care in a lotion or cream and directly on athlete's foot.
Palmarosa essential oil, Cymbopogon martini, blends well with the following essential oils: cananga, Geranium, oak moss, rosewood, amyris, sandalwood, guaiacwood, cedarwood and floral oils. It is said to be Antiseptic, bactericidal, cicatrizant, digestive, febrifuge, hydrating, stimulant (digestive, circulatory), tonic.
Disclaimer-Information provided is not designed to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any illness, or injury and is provided for informational purposes only. Always consult a medical doctor, or other alternative medical practitioner when suffering from any disease, illness, or injury, or before attempting a traditional or folk remedy. Keep all products away from children and pets. As with any natural product, they can be toxic if misused. This company, it's owners, staff and/or representatives are not responsible for misuse of this or any other product. It is solely the responsibility of the purchaser to know what they are buying and how to handle and use the item(s). The products on this website are NOT a food grade item and should never be taken internally. We do not train or certify anyone