Facts about Palmarosa Essential Oil
Farmer-friendly Grass
A grass species know by the scientific name Cymbopogon martini is the source of palmarosa essential oil. In addition to its palmarosa common name, some folks also know this grass as rosha or Indian geranium. Endemic in some parts of Asia, this grass, unlike most weeds, is beneficial to many farmers in the region. There are farmers in Pakistan and India, for example, who cultivate this grass for its oil, thereby helping augment their farm incomes. The farms also find the oil from palmarosa as an effective repellent against insects which infest their grain harvests.
The Asian farmers, of course, grow rosha grass primarily for their oil. Prior to this purposive cultivation, the grass thrives in the wild and grows in two varieties, motia and sofia. Like most grasses, the herbaceous palmarosa appears as straw-colored and green. Its stems are long and slender with terminal flowering tops. The leaves are truly grassy looking and fragrant. Harvest timing is of the essence to draw the potent oil from the grass. The grass should be harvested prior to the appearance of the leaves. This will help ensure the highest yield of oil.
Timely Oil Extraction
The harvested grass is dried thoroughly for about one week after cutting. The oil is extracted through steam distillation, and with proper preparation, the yield can range between 1 to 1.5 percent. The resulting extract is quite pleasant smelling, reminiscent of fragrant roses. Prized in particular, in terms of this scent, is the oil from palmarosa sofia variety. And because of this rose-like scent, some palmarosa essential oil suppliers adulterate their products with rose oil, a practice that consumers should watch out for.
Several beneficial chemical components can be found in palmarosa oil extracts. Mainly, these include limonene, dipentene, geranyl acetate, linalool, geraniol, and myrecene. These elements provide the therapeutic properties of the rosha grass extract as an antiseptic, bactericide, among other beneficial qualities. As a health product ingredient, palmarosa oil is used by manufacturers of perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics. This grass extract’s properties serve as skin moisturizer which at the same time fights minor infection of the skin like athlete’s foot and acne.
Therapeutic Roles
By itself, the oil extract has many uses, one of which is in vapor therapy. This procedure is said to be effective as a fatigue reliever and an ally against nervousness and stress. Patients on a convalescent stage, in particular, stand to benefit most from these supposed therapeutic effects when a palmarosa oil-blended massage is given to them. Added physical benefits for these patients include those on their digestive system and skin health.
Being an antibacterial agent, palmarosa oil extract can also help prevent wound infection. This can be done by washing the affected area with water mixed with the oil. It can also help in the healing process as the oil extract enhances the formation of new tissue while preventing excessive scarring.
There are no known side effects in using palmarosa essential oil or products containing this extract. Nonetheless, it would be cautious for persons with allergic reactions to certain chemicals to apply a little amount of the extract on their elbow just to be sure.
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References
Essentialoils.com - Palmarosa Oil - https://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential-oils/palmarosa.htm
Ageless.co.za - Palmarosa - https://www.ageless.co.za/herb-palmarosa.htm#Safety%20precautions%20and%20warnings