Natures Table - essential oils part 7 by Annalies Schmaltz

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

 

 

Palmarosa ( Cympobogon martinii)

The Palmarosa is a tall aromatic grass and belongs to

the same family as the lemongrass and citronella.

Originally from India and Pakistan, but now cultivated

in Madagascar, Indonesia, Brazil and the Comoros Islands.

The plant is also closely related to gingergrass, which

grows best on poorly drained soil in humid conditions in

valleys or forests. However the true palmarosa prefers a

well drained soil on sunny mountain slopes and forest

clearings, thus obtaining a finer quality essential oil.

History:

In the 18th century, palmarosa oil was more commonly

known as Indian geranium, or Turkish geranium oil. It

was shipped from Bombay to Constantinople and Bulgaria,

where it was often used to dilute the hugely costlier rose

oil. Although Indian palmarosa oil continues to be

produced in large quantities, the softer, more rosy scent

of the oil produced in Madagascar is often preferred by

connoisseurs of fragrance ingredients. Commercially

the oil is used as a fragrance, in soaps, perfumes and

cosmetics, as well as to flavour tobacco.

The essential oil of palmarosa is extracted by steam

distillation. Fresh or dried can be used for this.

Its a pale yellow or olive liquid with a sweet, rosy

scent reminiscent of lemongrass and geranium.

Gingergrass oil has a harsher aroma with a spicy

undertone. Sometimes the two grass types are

distilled together, the palmarosa lending geranium

like notes to the resulting oil.

Healing:

The traditional Indian medicine practised, Ayurveda,

uses both the essential oils as the dried grass of the

palmarose for healing purposes.

The oil is used in ointments and massage oils especially

for rheumatic aches and pains, while a tea is prepared

from the dried grass for various types of fever, digestive

problems and intestinal infections.

The essential Oil is mainly used for the treatment of

skin problems and general skin care. Like Lavender

and neroli essential oils it has a reputation for stimulating

the growth of healthy skin cells and regulating sebum

production, its has a cooling and anti-inflammatory

nature and is helpful for dry eczema and other skin rashes.

It is also very popular in aromatherapy products designed for

handcare and for treating crepey skin on the neck as it

has a reputation to hydrating parched skin. It can also be

used for acne, because it contains a high portoin of

geraniol, a natural bactericide with a gentle effect on the

skin.

Emotionally, the scent of palmarosa is generally perceived

as calming, yet also uplifting. It blends well with a wide

variety of other essential oils. Its a delightfully soothing bath

or massaging oil. Palmarosa blends well with floral, woody

and citrus oils, giving a warm note to a wide variety of

blends.It can overpower the other oils in a blend unless

used sparingly.

Beauty and Palmarosa:

Relaxing massage:

5 ml ditluted palmarosa oil

10ml sweet almond oil

2 drops pure sandalwood essential oil

2 drops pure cedarwood essential oil

Enlivening massage blend:

5 ml diluted palmarosa oil

10ml sweet almond oil

2 drops pure lemon essential oil

2 drops pure pine essential oil

Handlotion:

25ml base or unperfumed body lotion

2 evening primrose oil capsules

4 drops pure palmarosa essential oils

6 drops pure sandalwood essential oils

Put the lotion into a small glass pot

with a screw top or use a recycled cosmetic container.

Pierce the oil capsules with a pin and squeeze the contents

into the lotion. Add the essential oils to the mixture and

stir well with the handle of a teaspoon. Store in a cool, dry,

dark plaace and use within four weeks.

Massage for Hands and wrists:

1 tsp diluted palmarosa oil

1 tsp sweet almond oil

1 drop pure camomile essential oil

1 drop pure lavender essential oil.

Ideal for chapped skin, improving circulation and

relaxing overworked hands. Massage into hands and

wrists and arms to alleviate keyboard stress too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Healing with palmarosa

Aromatic Salt Bath:

6 tbsp sea salt

2 drops pure palmarosa essential oil

2 drops pure coriander essential oil

2 drops pure petitgrain essential oil

Add the sea salt to the bath while the water is running,

then when full add the essential oils and stir into the

water Relax in bath for at least 15minutes. Don't forget

to listen to some soothing music and add a candle or two

to bring a calming atmosphere in the bathroom.

Aromatic friction rub for after the bath:

2 tsp diluted pamarosa oil

2 tsp sweet almond oil

2 drops pure lemon essential oil

2 drops pure helichrysum or lavender essential oil.

Start from the legs upwards in circular movement towards

the heart. This will sooth and help release nervous tension.

Over the abdomen always in clockwise motion.

Enjoy~! :-)