Botanical name: Cymbopogon Martini
Botanical family: Gramineae
Note: Top
Part of plant used: Grass & leaves – ariel parts
Origin: Palmarosa is native to India and is also found in Madagascar.
Description: Similar aroma to Rose Geranium but with a more ‘green’ aroma.
History: Palmarosa was originally called Indian Geranium. It can be falsified and used to adulterate Rose oil which is much more expensive.
Properties and Indications:
- Anti-infectious
- Analgesic – for low threshold of pain
- Mastitis – inflammation of the mammary tissue
- Said to drain congestion of the tissues and lymph – useful for fluid retention and edema
- Neuro-hormone balancer – excellent for female disorders
- Good for all skin types, particularly dry, flaky and allergic
- Rehydrating to the skin therefore said to be helpful for wrinkles
- Antiseptic – good for acne with dry skin (rather than citrus oils such as Bergamot)
- Calms down the burning sensation of shaving – used in after-shave for men more for the soothing properties than for its aroma
- Used in hair and foot lotions
Personality:
- Can be very calming to the mind as well as refreshing
Blending:
- Bergamot, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemongrass, Lime, Melissa, Orange, Rose, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Verbena, Ylang Ylang.
- Picks a blend up and evens it out
- Palmarosa can linger so use it sparingly
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