Exclusive Guide to Palmarosa Essential Oil
Cymbopogon Martinii
Origin: India
Distilled part: Leaves
Extraction method: Steam distillation
Cultivation: Certified Organic farming
Botanically and Biochemically Defined Essential Oil (HEBBD), chemotyped (HECT)
Color: Pale yellow
Scent: Fresh and roselike.
Note: Middle note
Plant Family: Poaceae
SUPER POWERS
Antibacterial
- kills bacterial growth or prevents bacteria from growing
Antifungal
- prevents or kills fungus growth
Anti-infectious
- prevents or treats an infection
Antiseptic
- prevents or combats bacterial infection
Antiviral
- kills or inhibits the growth of viruses
Cicatrizing
- heals a wound by the formation of scar tissue
Cytophylactic
- a cell regenerator and a protector of the cells of an organism.
Digestive
- improves the function of the stomach, increases appetite, and helps with digestion
Immunostimulant
- stimulates and strengthens the immune system
Insect repellent
Repels mosquitos and other insects
Vulnerary
- helps wounds to heal
USAGE TIPS
Nervousness
Add 5-10 drops of Palmarosa in your diffuser and feel how nervousness and anxiety disappear, while a lovely faint floral scent spreads through your home.
Anxiety
Its soothing properties help reduce feelings of anxiety and nervousness, making it ideal for a relaxing bath or massage oil. Add 12 drops of Palmarosa to 2 tablespoons (30ml) of carrier oil, and massage it into the body or add 15 drops of the blend in your bath water.
Meditation & Yoga
The uplifting yet soothing scent of Palmarosa can enhance meditation and yoga practices by promoting a sense of inner peace and harmony. Diffuse 5-6 drops of Palmarosa while meditating or doing yoga.
Stress Relief
The fresh sweet, floral aroma of Palmarosa is excellent for calming the mind and alleviating stress. Diffuse 5-6 drops of Palmarosa in an aroma diffuser, or use an inhaler that you can carry with you and inhale whenever you feel the need. Alternatively, use in a diffuser necklace.
Natural Air Freshener
When diffused, Palmarosa can purify the air and impart a refreshing, pleasant scent to your living space. Diffuse 5-10 drops in an aroma diffuser in your home.
Insect Repellent
Its scent is also known to deter insects, making it a natural choice for keeping pests at bay. Use 10-15 drops of Palmarosa in an wireless aroma diffuser outside. You can make a Insect pepellent aloe vera gel to rub into your skin before going out at night. Add 36 drops of Palmarosa to 100ml of Aloe Vera Gel, and rub into your skin.
Antiviral and Antibacterial
Its antiviral and antibacterial properties make it useful in homemade cleaning products to sanitize surfaces and protect against germs.
For a multipurpose cleaning spray; add 15 drops of Palmarosa in a 500ml spray bottle filled with water. Shake before every use.
Digestion problems
Palmarosa is excellent to use for loss of appetite and sluggish digestion. Add 3 drops of Palmarosa to 1 teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil, and massage into your abdomen clockwise.
Hair & Scalp Health
Its moisturizing properties can benefit the scalp, helping to reduce dandruff and support healthy hair growth when added to shampoos or conditioners.
Add 25 drops of Palmarosa essential oil to a 200ml shampoo or conditioner.
Food
Food flavoring (FEMA n°: 2831 / CoE n°: 40n)
Food dosage: 1 drop in a dish for 5 people (never exceed 2%)
Always use essential oil diluted in a suitable medium (example: vegetable oil, honey, etc.)
Skin type
Palmarosa can be used alone or in blends for these skin types:
- Balanced/Normal
- Aging
- Dry
- Oily
- Blemished (pimples, acne or other)
Skincare
- Combats blemishes: Palmarosa's antimicrobial properties help fight acne-causing bacteria.
- Soothes irritation: Anti-inflammatory properties can calm dermatitis and minor infections.
- Promotes healing: Stimulates cell regeneration, aiding in scar and sore recovery.
- Reduces wrinkles: May help reduce the appearance of wrinkles by promoting skin renewal.
- Versatile for all skin types: Palmarosa can help regulate sebum production, making it suitable for oily, dry, or combination skin.
- Hydrates and nourishes: It moisturizes the skin for a healthy glow.
Mix 6 drops Palmarosa with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of carrier oil (Jojoba oil). Apply to face, hands, feet, neck, and lips for a well-rounded skincare routine.
Method of use & Amount to use
Aroma diffusers
Use 5-15 drops in your diffuser or the amount suggested with your diffuser.
Baths, Hot tubs, Jacuzzis
Bath: Diluted 3-8 drops
Start by running your bath as you normally would and keep the bathroom door closed to retain the aroma. Essential oils can be applied directly in their concentrated form or diluted.
For dilution, use a carrier oil, milk, milk powder, vegetable glycerin, seaweed powder, herbal powder, baking soda, salt, or Epsom salts to prevent skin sensitivity.
Add the essential oil to the bathwater, either neat or diluted, then stir the water with your hand to disperse the oil evenly before entering the tub. This method helps distribute the essential oil throughout the bath for a more enjoyable experience.
Hot tubs & Jacuzzis: up to 8 drops
Mix the essential oil into the water thoroughly using your hand. Since essential oils do not dissolve in water, they may leave residues in or around your pipes.
Compresses
3-10 drops in 120 ml of water
Learn more
Face masks, oils, and tonic
Face masks: 1 or 2 drops per 2 tbs. (15ml) of natural facemask.
Face oils: 12 drops in 30ml of carrier oil. For elderly and children use 6 drops per 30ml of carrier oil.
Use a dark-colored glass bottle, which helps protect your oils from light degradation. First, pour in the carrier oil. If you’re using a single essential oil or a premixed blend, add it directly to the carrier oil. If you’re crafting your own unique blend, mix your essential oils together first, then integrate the desired number of drops into the carrier oil. Remember, a little goes a long way, so only use a small amount for each application. Click here to read more about which carrier oil to choose.
Face tonic: 8-15 drops in 100ml of spring or distilled water or hydrosol.
Combine the oil and water before filtering through an unbleached paper coffee filter.
Our 100% organic and natural hydrosols can be used directly as a tonic. Shut your eyes and spray your face. Or spray a cotton pad and wipe your face with it.
Inhalation from bowl
3-5 drops per bowl of steaming hot water.
To use essential oils in steam inhalation, start by bringing a pot of water to a boil and then removing it from the heat. Add a few drops (typically 3-5 drops) of your chosen essential oil to the hot water.
Carefully lean over the pot, drape a towel over your head and the pot to trap the steam, and breathe deeply for several minutes to inhale the aromatic vapors, which can help relieve nasal congestion and other respiratory issues.
Lotions & Creams
12 drops to each 30 ml of natural, unfragranced lotion or cream.
You can make your own face cream with our neutral face cream as a base. For a 2% (adults) dilution use 40 drops in this 100 ml cream base.
For elderly and children use 20 drops (1%) in 100ml of cream.
Massage oil (for body)
12 drops to each 30 ml of carrier oil.
For elderly and children use 6 drops per 30ml of carrier oil.
Pillows
Place 1-3 drops of essential oil on the corner or underside of a pillow away from the eyes.
Room sprays
As room purifier: 10-20 drops per 475 ml of water.
As a general fragrance: 8-10 drops per 475 ml of water.
Scalp treatments
Add 6 drops in 15 ml of Jojoba oil or aloe vera gel. Shake well. Use 2-3 drops of your prepared blend for each application. Massage into your scalp. Alternatively, simply add the essential oil to a bottle of final rinse water after washing the hair.
Shampoos
5-10 drops in 100ml.
Essential oils can be added to any unscented shampoo that is composed of organic natural ingredients.
Showers
1-5 drops.
First, complete your usual washing routine. After that, apply a few drops of essential oil onto a washcloth or sponge and briskly rub it over your body while standing under the shower's running water. Inhale deeply through your nose to enjoy the aromatic steam, being careful to avoid applying the oil on your face and sensitive areas.
Sprays & Mists for Face and Body
For body: 10-20 drops to each 475 ml of water or hydrosol.
For face: 2-5 drops to each 240 ml of water or hydrosol.
Add the essential oil to warm water or hydrosol. Shake thoroughly, pour through an unbleached paper coffee filter, and place in a spray bottle. Cool before using.
Shake before each use.
Keep eyes closed when spraying the face.
Washes
15-32 drops in 240 ml of warm water.
A wash is a prepared mixture for washing infected areas such as cuts, grazes, and wounds.
Mix the essential oils and water together in a bottle and shake well. Keep it stored in the fridge for no longer than 14 days. Shake before each use.
Aromatherapy's middle notes:
Aromas categorized as middle notes are typically warm, rich, and powerful. Their scent lasts for two to three days.
The body is highly receptive to these fragrances, making them ideal for healing and relaxation. Soothing and restorative.
Middle notes are ideal for healing treatments that require repeated sessions, such as for chronic muscle pain or respiratory issues. They are also effective for treating migraines, PMS, and menstrual pains.
Some middle notes should not be used during pregnancy, so check each oil before use.
Typical middle notes:
Floral oils: Chamomile, geranium, lemon balm
Warm spicy oils: Clove, nutmeg, anise, black pepper
Herbaceous oils: Fennel, juniper berry, marjoram sweet, rosemary
Understand the Notes of Scents
In aromatherapy, the scent of an oil is often referred to as a "note." The secret behind a truly great fragrance is finding the perfect balance between the notes. Aromatherapy is about scents, and with practice, you will be able to recognize an oil's fragrance even if you might not know which plant the oil comes from. For example, you will be able to distinguish between citrus and floral scents or woody and minty fragrances. The scent is determined by the chemicals an oil contains. Because oils that smell alike often contain the same chemicals, they typically have similar properties.
Oils are categorized into so-called base, middle, and top notes. Knowing an oil's note is important when blending oils. A good blend—like most perfumes—normally contains a mix of all three notes, where the ratio between them varies depending on what the blend is used for. Additionally, an oil can contain more than one note—for example, ylang-ylang contains traces of all three notes and is often considered the perfect fragrance.
When creating a new fragrance, whether it's for a perfume or an aroma diffuser, you should use between 4-7 oils per blend. First, decide what type of blend you want to create, such as a refreshing one, and then choose notes with these characteristics to make up the main content of the blend. Dissolve the mixture in a carrier oil if you want to use it on the skin (12 drops in 30 ml of carrier oil).
| Blend | Top note | Middle note | Base note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refreshing | 5 drops | 4 drops | 1 drop |
| Relaxing | 1 drop | 6 drops | 3 drops |
| Sensual | 1 drop | 4 drops | 5 drops |
| Balancing | 2 drops | 5 drops | 3 drops |
| Energizing | 8 drops | 1 drop | 1 drop |
POACEAE PLANT FAMILY
Palmarosa belongs to the Poaceae family, commonly known as the grass family, is a diverse and ubiquitous group of plants that plays a crucial role in ecosystems across the globe. This family includes over 12,000 species, ranging from the grasses that form vast savannas and prairies to crucial cereal crops like wheat, corn, rice, and barley, which are staples of the human diet. Other essential oils in this family is Citronella, Lemongrass and Vetiver.
Characterized by their jointed stems and sheathed leaves, Poaceae species are not only vital for food production but also serve as foundational species in many habitats, supporting a wide array of wildlife. Additionally, they are essential for soil stabilization and play a significant role in the carbon cycle. Their economic and ecological importance makes the Poaceae one of the most significant plant families on Earth, deeply intertwined with both natural ecosystems and human agriculture.
Palmarosa Blends Well With These Essential Oils
Bergamot, cajuput, cedarwood atlas, german and roman chamomile, cinnamon leaf, citronella, clary sage, coriander seed, cypress, eucalyptus radiata, frankincense, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, helichrysum, lavender, lavender spike, lemon, lemongrass, may chang, manuka, patchouli, plai, ravintsara (ho wood) rose absolute, rosemary, tangerine, tarragon, tea tree, sandalwood, ylang ylang.
The Main Chemical Composition of Palmarosa Essential Oil
Palmarosa essential oil, derived from Cymbopogon martini, primarily consists of the chemical compound geraniol, which typically comprises about 70-85% of the oil's composition.
Geraniol is a type of monoterpenoid alcohol that gives Palmarosa its distinctive rose-like aroma and is also responsible for many of its therapeutic properties.
In addition to geraniol, Palmarosa oil contains smaller amounts of other components such as linalool, geranyl acetate, and limonene. These constituents contribute to the oil's overall effectiveness in skincare and aromatherapy, enhancing its hydrating, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties.
This composition makes Palmarosa oil particularly valued for its ability to rejuvenate and restore skin health, promote cellular regeneration, and balance the moisture levels in the skin.
What is a Chemotype in Essential Oils?
Chemotypes in essential oils refer to the different chemical compositions that can occur in the same plant species due to variations in their growing conditions, harvest times, or geographical locations. These variations lead to the production of essential oils with distinct chemical profiles, each possessing unique therapeutic properties. Understanding chemotypes is crucial for aromatherapy and medicinal applications, as the efficacy and safety of the oils can vary significantly based on their chemical makeup.
Here's a breakdown of what defines a chemotype and why it matters:
1. Genetic and Environmental Influences: A chemotype is often influenced by the plant's environment, such as altitude, climate, and soil composition, as well as genetic factors. These variables can affect which chemical compounds are predominant in the oil.
2. Chemical Composition: Each chemotype of an essential oil will have a dominant chemical compound or set of compounds that characterize it. For example, Rosemary essential oil can be found in several chemotypes, such as cineole, camphor, and verbenone, each named after its principal component, which dictates its therapeutic properties and uses.
3. Therapeutic Properties: The presence of different chemical compounds means that each chemotype can be more effective for different health concerns. For instance, the cineole chemotype of Rosemary is excellent for respiratory issues due to its expectorant properties, whereas the camphor chemotype is more suited for pain relief and circulatory problems.
4. Safety and Application: Some chemotypes may be safer or more appropriate for certain applications than others. For example, an essential oil chemotype high in ketones might be more neurotoxic and thus used with more caution, particularly around children or pregnant women.
Palmarosa is Safe to Diffuse around Pets
Pet Safe
If you have dogs and cats in the house, these are the recommendations on how to diffuse your essential oils in a safe way: only use 3-4 drops of a particular essential oil in a water based aroma diffuser (UltraSonic).
Use no more than 4-6 drops total if using more than one essential oil, or use the amount in the diffuser recipes.
Be sure your aroma diffuser is in an area where your pet cannot knock it over. Always diffuse in an open area with the door open so your pet can leave the room if desired.
If your pet is sensitive to an oil you are diffusing, stop diffusing and get your pet outside for some fresh air. Contact your veterinarian if you are concerned.
Storage
Essential oils are sensitive to UV: always keep them in their original bottles (amber glass with codigoutte).
We advise you to store them in a cool place without light after opening.
For your mixtures, cosmetic and culinary preparations, always use a new bottle to avoid interactions.
Disclaimer
This information is intended to educate and inform, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or veterinarian before starting any regime with Essential Oils.
