by Amelia E. Stone, RN
Common Name: Palmarosa
Latin Binomial: Cymbopogon martinii
Family: Poaceae (Gramineae)
Other Common Names: Motia, Rosha grass, Indian geranium
Production Method: Steam Distilled
Countries of Origin: India, Nepal
Typical Constituents: Geraniol (74.5-81.0%), Geranyl acetate (0.5-10.7%), [E,Z]-Farnesol 0.5-6.1%), Linalool (2.6-4.5%), [E]- b-Ocimene (1.3-3.1%), b-Caryophyllene (0.9-2.6%), Geranial (0.5-1.9%), Caryophyllene oxide (0.1-1.8%), b-Myrcene (0.6-1.3%), Elemol (0.2-1.0%), [Z,Z]-Farnesol (0.1-1.0%)
Description of Oil: pale yellow or pale olive in color, unique sweet, floral scent with a hint of rose
Description of Plant: a tufted perennial grass with numerous stiff stems, similar to lemongrass in appearance, grows wild in India particularly north-east of Bombay towards the Himalayan Mountains
History, Folklore and Myth: Palmarosa has often been used to adulterate more expensive rose oils.
Properties and Uses: Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, vulnerary
Precautions and Contraindications: Maximum dermal use level 6.5%
Other Interesting Information: An inexpensive oil with an impressive variety of desirable qualities. Effective against viruses, yet mild and nontoxic with an attractive scent. Perfect as a central component for antiseptic skin care compositions.
References: Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. Virginia, Queensland, Australia: The Perfect Potion. 1995.
Schnaubelt, Kurt, Ph.D.. Advanced Aromatherapy, The Science of Essential Oil Therapy. Healing Arts Press. 1998
Tisserand, Robert, and Tony Balacs. Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. 1995.
Sellar, Wanda. The Directory of Essential Oils. London: Random House. 2005
Shutes, Jade. Advanced Aromatherapy Certification Program. East-West School for Herbal and Aromatic Studies. 2014