Traditional Uses:
Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii) is another species used combination with the more expensive rose oils in the perfume industry. The leaves and flower tops contain the scent that is sweet, similar to a combination of geranium and rose, with a slight citrus note. This sweet smelling oil is used for the production of geraniol.
The grass grows wild in the serene Himalayan mountains of Nepal. Now a days it is cultivated throughout Nepal especially in sub-tropical regions in the south of the country. The pure therapeutic essential oil obtained by steam distillation of the fresh or dried grass of this plant can be used in soap making ingredients, lotions, massage oils, diffusers, potpourri, scent, air fresheners, body fragrance, perfume oils, aromatherapy products, bath oils, towel scenting, spa's, incense, light rings, laundry, facial steams, hair treatments, and more.
Palmarosa essential oil is a valuable antiseptic that suits all skin types. Soothing and stimulating, this oil is used also in uplifting to the emotions, and may be used in a room burner for its antiviral properties. Its action against viral illnesses and against bacteria, together with its pleasant smell makes it a great oil to use to disinfect a room.
Traditionally, acclaimed as a reliever of stress natural Palmarosa is also known for its ability to clear the mind and calm ones senses to help relieve nervous tension and stress. It stimulates cellular regeneration for nervous exhaustion.
Palmarosa essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the fresh partially dried tops of Cymbopogon martinii
1. Organoleptic Properties:
Appearance: Medium to watery viscosity
Color: Pale yellow
Aroma: Sweet, floral fragrance with a hint of rose
2. Physico - Chemical Properties:
Specific Gravity: 0.8805 to 0.9007 at 25° C
Optical Rotation: (-) 0.5° to (+) 0.75° at 25° C
Refractive Index: 1.4750 to 1.4798 at 25º C
Acid No: 0.85 to 10.5
Ester number: 15 to 48.5
Ester No After acetylation: 240 to 305
Solubility: Soluble in 1.2 to 3.5 vol. of 70% alcohol
Total alcohol: 80 to 96%
Free alcohol: 62 to 84% (calculated as geraniol)
3. Packing:
Aluminum containers and epoxy-lined metallic barrels
500g, 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 50 kg, 100 kg, capacities
4. Actions: antiseptic, antiviral and bactericide, stomachic, nervous exhaustion
5. Principal Constituents: geraniol, citronellol, farnesol, citral, citronellal,
geranyl acetate, dipentene and limonene.
6. Uses:
a) In Ayurvedic medicine
b) Aroma therapeutic uses:
Skin care: and is valuable to use for acne, dermatitis, and minor skin infections,
scarring, sore feet and athlete's foot.
Body and Soul: For its calming effect to help relieve nervous tension and stress
c) Industrial Uses: Extensively used as fragrance component in soaps,
detergents, cosmetics and perfumes, toothpastes, and industrial fragrances
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References:
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Dudai N, et al. Essential oils as allochemicals and their potential use as bioherbicides. J Chem Ecol . 1999;25:1079-1089
Guenther, E. 1948: The essential oils, Vol. 1-5. Van Norstrand. (ISB 0-88275-073-9)
Lawless, J. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils - The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy and Herbalism, Element, Shaftesbury, 1995
Lawless, J. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils . Element Books, Inc. Rockport, MA 1995;132
Leung A. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics . New York, NY: J Wiley and Sons; 1980.
Lewis W. (1977), Medical Botany. Plants AffectingMan’s Health. John Wiley & Sons, New York
McGuffin M, et al. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook . Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 1997.
Medicinal Plants of Nepal, His Majesty's Government of Nepal, Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation, Department of Plant Resources, 6th Edition, Kathmandu, 2001
Newall, C.A., L.A. Anderson and J.D. Phillipson. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.