Palmarosa essential oil is extracted from Cymbopogon martinii, a species of grass that is indigenous to India. Due to its rose-like aroma (similar to rose geranium essential oil), this oil is a common ingredient in soaps, perfumes, and other cosmetic products. However, don’t be fooled by its delicate floral scent, which belies its fever, infectious disease, rheumatism and nerve-related pain beating properties.

It is not known exactly where or when this essential oil was first extracted but when it eventually reached Europe, it became extremely popular for its fragrance and skin-care properties. Palmarosa helps balance sebum production for dry and oily skin, promote cellular regeneration and elasticity. Apart from being an ingredient in soaps and cosmetics, it was also used as a tobacco flavoring.

Properties of Palmarosa Essential Oil

Palmarosa oil also has many medicinal uses, thanks to its wide variety of healing properties that include:

• Antioxidant – Thanks to compounds like phenolic acids, polyphenols and flavonoids, the oil has been shown in studies to be a great antioxidant, scavenging damaging free-radicals in the body.
• Febrifuge – Palmarosa can help reduce fever thanks to its antiviral, as well as antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Whether the cause of fever is viral or bacterial infection, this essential oil can cool down the body and provide relief.
• Bactericide – Palmarosa essential oil is a natural bactericidal. It stops the development of bacteria by killing them. It is ideal for treating internal bacterial infections of the stomach, colon, urinary bladder, urethra, prostate, and kidneys. It is also effective against external bacterial infections that occur on the skin, making it great as a natural treatment for wounds prone to infection.
• Cytophylactic – This means that Palmarosa helps promote cell growth as well as the recycling of cellular matter. It facilitates cell repair when damaged by aging, wounds, and other factors.
• Digestive – Palmarosa aids the body’s digestive functions. As a stimulant, it promotes digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive juices. It also facilitates nutrient absorption to make boost the efficiency of the digestive process.
• Hydrating – Palmarosa essential oil helps the body retain the moisture in the tissues. This reduces inflammation and dehydration, which keeps the skin smooth, moist, and young-looking. This essential oil is good for any skin type, especially for dry and damaged skin.

In aromatherapy, Palmarosa is used extensively for stress releif as it helps soothe the mind, relieve anxiety and nervous exhaustion. It has a sweet and rose-like scent that is calming and refreshing. As a massage oil, Palmarosa essential oil can ease the pain related to arthritis and rheumatism. It blends well with other essential oils such as basil, bergamot, fennel, frankincense, geranium, lavender, lemon, Neroli, pine, rose, and ylang ylang.

This oil is excellent for hot conditions, where tension and exhaustion is foreseeable. It is recommended for individuals who suffer from feelings of nervousness and insecurity. This essential oil is also ideal for those who are anxious about life changes, particularly the continual absence of loved ones. Communicating a sense of movement and contentment, Palmarosa promotes flexibility, security, and trust in the sacred cycle of life.

Palmarosa Essential Oil Side Effects

Palmarosa essential oil does not seem to produce any side effects, but like many essential oils, it is not recommended for use with pregnant women or children. Some essential oils may cause irritation or allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin so it is wise to do a patch test before using regularly.