Essential Oils – Palmarosa – Widely Used in Ayurvedic Skin Care

Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini) is in the family of grasses among botanical plants and comes from India and the Comoro Islands. It is a relative of lemongrass and was used in temple incense by the ancient Egyptians. Palmarosa oil, also called “Indian” or “Turkish” geranium oil, has been distilled since the 18th century. It was shipped from Bombay to Constantinople and Bulgaria where it was used to adulterate rose oil. Commercially the oil is used as a fragrance in soaps, perfumes and cosmetics as well as to flavor tobacco. Traditionally both the essential oil and the dried herb are used in Ayurvedic medicine. The oil is used for neuralgia, lumbago, sciatica, and rheumatic pain. It was also used for hair loss.

How Can Palmarosa Essential Oil Benefit Us Today?

Modern science finds palmarosa to be antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral. It supports heart and nervous system, stimulates new skin cell growth, and regulates sebum production in skin. It is widely used in Ayurvedic skin care and is good for all skin types because it is a cellular stimulator and supports all cell regulation. This oil is highly antiseptic, calming, uplifting and anti-depressive. It can be a stimulant to the endocrine system and to lymphatic drainage. It is used for fungal infections like Candida. It can be used for circulatory diseases and digestive problems. The fragrance of palmarosa is said to remind us that strength lies in direction and purpose and that there is only one road-that of the illuminated heart. Palmarosa encourages us to be kind and gentle to ourselves. For emotional healing, use it to encourage mildness, growth, loyalty, and enthusiasm. Primarily it is used against bacterial and viral illnesses of throat and lungs.

To use palmarosa essential oil you can dilute one part essential oil with one part mixing oil or use neat (undiluted) on the body. It can be directly inhaled, diffused or taken as a dietary supplement. It mixes well with rose, geranium, clary sage, sandalwood, juniper, clove, rosemary, bergamot, coriander, lemongrass, petitgrain, patchouli, frankincense, jasmine, myrrh, lemon, chamomiles, rosewood, and all citrus oils. As for safety, this oil is non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing. Want to learn more about the healing properties of palmarosa and other essential oils? Consider becoming a certified aromatherapist. Educational courses in healing energy and aromatherapy can help you understand how essential oils heal the body/mind/spirit. the Institute of Spiritual Healing & Aromatherapy is teaching courses throughout the United States on essential oils including palmarosa.