Palmarosa
Cymbopogon Martinii
Palmarosa Oil is a popular essential oil due to its multiple benefits. It has a beautiful refreshing scent, which when used in aromatherapy can help with stress and anxiety. It can be used to boost your respiratory system when sick, and also work to reduce fever in some cases.
History of Palmarosa Oil
Palmarosa Oil, also known as Cymbopogon martini is made from the Palmarosa plant, which has similarities to geranium and lemongrass. The plant is native to India, however there are no records to determine exactly when it was first used. We can assume however, that it is an oil that has been used for potentially over a thousand years, as it was also used in traditional Chinese medicine. The Chinese used the oil to treat inflammation, and in Europe (although the date is unknown) Palmarosa Oil was used in fragrances, soaps, lotions as well as tobacco products.
Throughout history Palmarosa Oil has been known for its medicinal properties, however due to its pleasant, refreshing scent it has cemented itself into the beauty and perfumery industries respectively. It is also one of the very few essential oils which is safe to use around pets and children, and can be used to treat skin conditions in animals! Aside from India, the plant has also been found in Java (Indonesia), Comoro Islands and The Seychelles. The industry in which the oil is most commonly used is in skincare, and has been commercialised by a number of large brands using Palmarosa Oil (or palmarosa extract) in their products.
So, why is Palmarosa Oil still popular today?
Although there are no official records documenting the history of Palmarosa Oil, there is enough evidence to suggest that the oil was in fact incredibly effective across multiple areas. Not only was it excellent as an ancient medicine, but it also rose in popularity due to its scent and benefits being noticed by the beauty and skincare industry and Palmarosa Oil has embedded itself into huge names in the perfumery industry. Acqua Di Parma is a key example of a brand which has ‘immortalised’ Palmarosa Oil as it is present in some of their signature perfumes which are considered timeless and a luxury item.
Finally, Palmarosa Oil is fairly accessible to the whole world, and can be bought for a relatively cheap price. Overall it’s an oil that has many benefits and interesting properties, and can be used across multiple areas - Palmarosa Oil is definitely a staple in our collection as it’s so versatile.
Extracting Palmarosa Oil
Like most essential oils, Palmarosa Oil is made using a process called steam distillation. It involves placing the plant into a steam distiller, which will then use (you guessed it) steam to gently lift the oil from the plant. Once the water has cooled and condensed, the oil mixture will then sit on the top, where it can be skimmed off. This is a common method used on a commercial scale as it doesn’t damage the natural oil. It is also the least invasive method as you aren’t forcibly extracting the oil using an alcohol or chemical.
You can also use fresh or dried palmarosa for the extraction process, however we imagine using fresh palmarosa yields more oil due to the amount of moisture present. Luckily the plant can thrive in hot climates, and it doesn’t require specific soil to grow efficiently.
Can I make Palmarosa Oil at home?
Providing you have access to a steam distiller and fresh palmarosa, then yes - you can! Palmarosa won’t grow in every single country, as it thrives in tropical and humid climates. So, if you live in a country where it is constantly cold (and you don’t have the ability to create an artificial tropical environment for palmarosa) then your best bet is to buy the oil rather than going through the process of making it, as it’ll probably cost you a lot more!
What do you think of Palmarosa Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? Have you made it at home before? As always, the Essentially Yours team loves to hear your stories. So, feel free to reach out and share them with one of the team today!
You can use fresh or dried palmarosa for the extraction process, however fresh palmarosa yields more oil due to the amount of moisture present. Luckily the plant can thrive in hot climates, and it doesn’t require specific soil to grow efficiently.
Can I make Palmarosa Oil at home?
Providing you have access to a steam distiller and fresh palmarosa, then yes - you can! Palmarosa won’t grow in every single country, as it thrives in tropical and humid climates. So, if you live in a country where it is constantly cold (and you don’t have the ability to create an artificial tropical environment for palmarosa) then your best bet is to buy the oil rather than going through the process of making it.
What do you think of Palmarosa Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? Have you made it at home before? As always, the Essentially Yours team loves to hear your stories. So, feel free to reach out and share them with one of the team today!
Palmarosa Oil Varieties
Palmarosa Oil Varieties
Palmarosa Oil, also known as Cymbopogon martini is made from the Palmarosa plant, which has similarities to geranium and lemongrass. The oil is made using steam distillation, and grows in tropical climates, but can also thrive in extreme heat. It has been used for thousands of years in ancient medicine, and was one of the staples in traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammation and pain.
When the oil eventually got to Europe, it was used in soaps, fragrances, tobacco products and lotions. It has a pleasant scent which has cemented it into the perfume industry, namely for high end, luxurious brands that use the oil as a note in some of their signature perfumes; Acqua Di Parma is a key example of this.
It is one of the few essential oils which can be used on pets, and can treat skin conditions that animals can sometimes suffer with. Today, the oil is commonly used in skincare and perfumery, but is still popular in cultures where ancient medicine is still practiced as a natural remedy for disease.
There are multiple varieties of Palmarosa, as it belongs to the same family as lemongrass; however there is very little reasearch to suggest that one variation of Palmarosa Oil is more superior than the other. This is reflected in the history of the oil too, as there is little evidence to suggest timelines whereby the oil was discovered and how it exactly rose to prominence. The only difference with the varieties of the oil is the scent. Some Palmarosa Oils may feel slightly more herbaceous and fresh, whereas others will have sweeter and floral scents. In terms of their makeup, the benefits are still the same, though.
So, which variety of Palmarosa Oil should I use?
As we’ve mentioned, there isn’t a variety (yet) of Palmarosa Oil which boasts extensive qualities and benefits in comparison to others. The deciding factor when picking Palmarosa Oil for a lot of essential oil users will be the scent. We can’t determine which scent every single person in our community will like, so we highly recommend reading the description of the oil and deciding whether you like the idea of having a sweeter oil, or a slightly more floral or herbaceous oil.
Scent is down to personal preference, and if you’re looking to use the oil in aromatherapy or to create your own perfume - it’s definitely something that matters.
It is one of the few essential oils which can be used on pets, and can treat skin conditions that animals can sometimes suffer with. Today, the oil is commonly used in skincare and perfumery, but is still popular in cultures where ancient medicine is still practiced as a natural remedy for disease.
There are multiple varieties of Palmarosa, as it belongs to the same family as lemongrass; however there is very little reasearch to suggest that one variation of Palmarosa Oil is more superior than the other. This is reflected in the history of the oil too, as there is little evidence to suggest timelines whereby the oil was discovered and how it exactly rose to prominence. The only difference with the varieties of the oil is the scent. Some Palmarosa Oils may feel slightly more herbaceous and fresh, whereas others will have sweeter and floral scents. In terms of their makeup, the benefits are still the same, though.
So, which variety of Palmarosa Oil should I use?
As we’ve mentioned, there isn’t a variety (yet) of Palmarosa Oil which boasts extensive qualities and benefits in comparison to others. The deciding factor when picking Palmarosa Oil for a lot of essential oil users will be the scent. We can’t determine which scent every single person in our community will like, so we highly recommend reading the description of the oil and deciding whether you like the idea of having a sweeter oil, or a slightly more floral or herbaceous oil.
Scent is down to personal preference, and if you’re looking to use the oil in aromatherapy or to create your own perfume - it’s definitely something that matters.
Benefits of Palmarosa Oil
Palmarosa Oil is a popular essential oil which is mostly used in aromatherapy, perfumery and skincare. It’s an essential oil which has developed over centuries, initially being used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammation. Palmarosa Oil is also known as Cymbopogon martini, and comes from the same family as geranium and lemongrass. The plant actually originates in India, and thrives in tropical, hot climates;it can be found in South East Asia as well as some parts of South America! It has been used in a number of beauty products as well as in the tobacco industry, and has a pleasant scent which has enabled it to cement itself into multiple high end perfume brands, too. It is considered a holy grail in skincare and boasts a number of benefits...
What are the benefits of Palmarosa Oil?
Balances sebum production
Similar to Jojoba Oil, Palmarosa Oil helps to balance your skin’s sebum production which can help to reduce spots and breakouts caused by too much sebum in the skin.
Can be used on animals
It’s one of the few essential oils on the market which can be used to treat skin conditions in animals. Most essential oils are toxic to animals, but Palmarosa Oil has been used on horses and dogs to treat fungal and bacterial skin conditions.
Anti-inflammatory
Dating back to when the oil was used in Chinese medicine, Palmarosa Oil is a natural anti-inflammatory and can help to soothe bruises and swelling quickly, as it feels cool and calming on the skin.
Replenishes skin cells
Palmarosa Oil is a holy grail in the beauty world, particularly in skincare. It has been proven to replenish skin cells and improve the texture, elasticity and moisture content of your skin.
Muscle relaxant
Not only is it an amazing pain reliever, it also works to relax your muscles. This is great if you’re someone who struggles with stiff muscles after the gym, or if you just want to relax before going to sleep. Palmarosa Oil can be massaged into the skin or put into a diffuser to instil a feeling of calm and help you feel less tense.
Please note that the benefits of each essential oil will vary from person to person, and you should always consult with a professional before using an essential oil, especially if you’re pregnant or on any medication. If you are on any antibiotics or creams for your skin, consult a dermatologist before use.
Uses of Palmarosa Oil
Palmarosa Oil is considered a ‘holy grail’ essential oil in the beauty community, as it’s commonly used in skincare to treat a number of problems. It has multiple beneficial properties and it was previously used in ancient medicine before rising to prominence in skincare and perfumery.
Palmarosa is also known as Cymbopogon martini and comes from the same family as geranium and lemongrass. The plant originated in India, although it isn’t clear exactly when the oil was discovered. It was used in traditional Chinese medicine, but over time it evolved from being a medication to becoming a sought after fragrance note in the perfume industry. The oil has been commercialised by a number of industries, and boasts many benefits which has kept the oil popular over the years.
What can I use Palmarosa Oil for?
Aromatherapy
The scent of Palmarosa Oil is beautiful, and can be used in aromatherapy either on its own or blended with others to create a soothing blend which can reduce stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression. One of our favourites is blending with lavender.
Skincare
Palmarosa Oil is amazing in every type of way for your skin. Firstly, it works to balance your sebum production which should reduce the amount of breakouts you experience and calm your skin. Secondly, it tightens, brightens and smoothes your skin out when used continuously; eliminating fine lines and wrinkles. Also, it injects moisture into your skin, leaving it looking and feeling plump and hydrated.
Muscle pain
When massaged into the skin, Palmarosa Oil is an effective pain reliever and can help with general muscle pain or uncomfortable menstrual cramps.
Pet care
This is one of the very few oils which can be used on pets to treat any skin conditions they may have, such as fungus, warts or grazes and scratches. Ensure you consult with your vet before use.
Home scent
If you just want a gorgeous scent in your home, Palmarosa Oil works beautifully on its own. Pop a few drops into your electric diffuser or in a candle.
Medication
If you want to go back to basics, you can keep Palmarosa Oil handy for the times where you need a natural medication. Relieve headaches, inflammation, cuts, bruises, grazes, infections and so much more with this amazing oil.
Blends well with
Here at Essentially Yours, we’ve got you covered on everything you need to know about essential oils, enabling you to get the most out of your collection. Whether it’s understanding the history behind an oil, or finding out its benefits - you can find that information here! In this blog we’re going to talk about Palmarosa Oil and what it blends well with. So, if you want to learn more - keep reading.
Jojoba Oil
We love Jojoba Oil as it’s a carrier oil that should in theory work with any skin type. The makeup of the oil is very similar to our skin’s natural oils, making it perfectly placed for those who have sensitive or acne-prone skin (but still want to give an oil a try). Blended with Palmarosa Oil you have a powerful facial oil which can be used day or night to boost your complexion and give you a healthy, moisturised glow.
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Almond Oil
Nourishing and silky, Almond Oil is another amazing carrier oil that is excellent for massage blends or as a moisturizer. Mixed with Palmarosa Oil you have an excellent facial oil or a massage oil which can be used on tense, tired and sore muscles.
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Coconut Oil
Thick, creamy and packed full of fatty acids, Coconut Oil is great to blend with palmarosa if you’re looking for an intense treatment that will leave your skin feeling hydrated, dewy and nourished. We’d only suggest this blend if you have no plans during the day or you’re about to go to sleep, as Coconut Oil can sometimes feel a little too thick and uncomfortable for day to day use.
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Bergamot Oil
Fragrant and citrusy, we love Palmarosa Oil and Bergamot Oil together as an aromatherapy blend to relieve stress, anxiety and depression. This blend gives you a wonderful lift.
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Cedarwood Oil
Woody and sweet, this blend is great for tired muscles or if you want a relaxing (but not too intense) scent throughout your whole home.
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Lemongrass Oil
Palmarosa is in the same family as lemongrass, so of course this blend is going to work well. Pop this blend into your electric diffuser and fill your room with a refreshing and uplifting scent which will inevitably boost your mood.
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Geranium Oil
If you’re looking to make a quick DIY perfume, mix palmarosa, geranium and a carrier oil of your choice together and put on your wrists, neck and decolletage. Voila - you’re ready to go!
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