Hello all!
In our last post we focused our attention on one of the many citrus oils – Grapefruit essential oil, and I promised that this time we would focus on one of the many lovely floral scented essential oils. It certainly wasn’t an easy choice! There are so many amazing floral oils out there, but I’ve decided to focus on Cymbopogon martinii – also known as Palmarosa. While this isn’t an oil derived from any kind of flower, it has a very floral and sweet scent with a hint of a rose smell!
Palmarosa is a wild growing , green and straw colored grass that can grow to a height of 3 meters, which has long slender stems with flowering tops, yet it’s the grassy leaves that are fragrant.
This botanical is harvested before the flowers appear, and the highest essential oil yield is achieved when the grass is fully dried before being steam distilled.
Palmarosa essential oil has been distilled since the 18th century and has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine, where it’s been recommended for lumbago, rheumatic pains, sciatica and neuralgia. These days Palmarosa is often used as an ingredient in soaps and perfumes, and also sometimes in flavoring tabacco.
Precautions: This essential oil is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
In Aromatherapy, this essential oil has many uses, most relating to the skin and the mind. For instance, Palmarosa essential oil helps to balance sebum production and helps one deal with acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, and even some minor skin infections, just to name a few! Palmarosa is also a great oil to reach for when you’re feeling restless, stressed or your anxiety is running high.
If you’ve never used Palmarosa, I would encourage you to try! It has such a divine lovely scent, and so many wonderful benefits. It’s no wonder it’s found it’s way into our newest bath salt blend – Refresh– along with the essential oils of Grapefruit, Bergamot, and Sweet Orange.
Until next time! 😀