These notes were originally prepared for two short CPD (Continuing Professional Development) "essential oils refresher" sessions which I led for Professional Aromatherapy Network in South Yorkshire. I would be glad to lead such sessions for other groups, e.g. local/regional IFPA or IFA branches.

For list of other essential oil profiles see USES

PALMAROSA

Cymbopogon Martinii var. Martinii

Also known as Cymbopogon Martinii var. Motia. In same family (Graminaceae) as citronella and lemongrass. Gingergrass (Cymbopogon Martinii var. Sofia) is a different chemotype (1).

Origin Originally India and Pakistan, now also grown in Comoro Islands, Indonesia, Brazil, Africa (1).

Extraction Steam or water distillation of fresh grass. It is harvested before the flowers appear and the highest yield is from grass which is fully dried - about one week after it has been cut (2). Colour pale yellow or olive.

History Once known 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 (3). Used as a fragrance ingredient in soaps and cosmetics. Used in traditional Indian medicine for fevers and infectious diseases (4).

Contra-indications None.

Chemistry High in geraniol. Also citronellol, farnesol, citral, citronellal, geranyl acetate, dipentene and limonene and others (1).

Blending Suggestions Middle note, strong smell. Benzoin, bergamot, black pepper, camomile Roman, cardamom, cedarwood atlas, citronella, clove bud, elemi, eucalyptus, frankincense, ginger, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, melissa, neroli, petitgrain, ylang ylang.

Major Properties Antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral?, bactericidal, cicatrisant, digestive, febrifuge, hydrating, stimulant (circulatory and digestive), tonic.

Uses Stress, nervous tension.

Poor circulation.

Bronchitis, otitis, sinusitis.

Digestive atonia, intestinal infections, poor appetite.

Cystitis, vaginitis.

Acne, athlete's foot, broken capillaries?, dermatitis, dry skin, inflamed skin, insect repellent, scalp conditioner, scars, minor skin infections.

“It is said to help stimulate and hydrate the skin while balancing the production of sebum. Palmarosa may help to boost cellular regeneration in the skin (not unlike Neroli and Lavender) which may help smooth wrinkles and may even tone up crepey skin on the neck” (5). “Valuable for all types of treatment for the face, hands, feet, neck and lips” (1).

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References

1) Julia Lawless, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, Element, Shaftesbury, 1992, pp.149-150.

2) http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential_oils/palmarosa.htm, April 2004

3) Essentially Oils newsletter Feb. 1993.

4) Patricia Davis, Aromatherapy - An A-Z, C. W. Daniel, Saffron Walden, 2000 ( revised ed.), p.228.

5) http://www.57aromas.com/mar2004.html, April 2004.

Other sources for information, present and past; books, articles or other material by Martin Watt (safety); Wanda Sellar, Valerie Ann Worwood.

Websites; http://www.imm.org.pl/bird/palmaros.htm.
http://www.amabilia.com/contenu/aroma/fiches_0079.html.
Quinessence May 2004 Newsletter (looks like they may only keep current month's newsletter on website).

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Paul Boizot. Information revised 01.06.04. Page updated 01.12.05.

All content on this site COPYRIGHT Paul Boizot 2002-2007 unless otherwise stated, either on the visible webpage or in HTML.

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I HAVE RELOCATED TO YORK. Mail will be forwarded and phone messages picked up from my Sheffield address. I will continue to be available to teach in Sheffield at certain times.

contact me on: 01904 621510

info@paulboizot.co.uk