25 January 2022 / Caitlin Devlin
Palmarosa Essential Oil: History, Uses and Benefits
Fragrantly-scented palmarosa can benefit our skin, mind, stomach and home.
Often used as a substitute for rose essential oil, palmarosa’s floral, faintly citrusy smell was once incredibly popular among European perfumers.
In this blog, you will discover the health benefits of Palmarosa Essential Oil, Palmarosa Essential Oil uses and history.
What is Palmarosa oil used for?
1) Palmarosa essential oil benefits & nourishes skin.
Rich in nutrients, palmarosa essential oil is able to replenish skin cells and give skin a hydrated appearance.
Considered a gentle, non-irritating oil, it is often used as a tonic to balance sebum production in skin and reduce oiliness. It can even be an effective treatment for acne.
A study in 2017 found that the high geraniol content of the oil made it a great skin cleanser and supported the use of palmarosa oil as a natural acne remedy.
Even though palmarosa is a gentle oil, it should still always be diluted before use. Add a few drops of palmarosa to a carrier oil for a natural face wash.
2) It’s antimicrobial and antiseptic.
The high geraniol content of palmarosa oil also gives it strong antibacterial properties. It is particularly useful as an antiseptic, combatting staph infections and keeping the body healthy.
A study in 2020 found that the oil showed higher activity against the bacteria responsible for staph infections than the known persister drug, tosufloxican. This shows just how powerful palmarosa’s protective abilities are.
Adding a few drops of palmarosa essential oil to a spray bottle of water can make for a fantastic homemade cleaning spray that not only kills unwanted microbes but keeps your home smelling rosy and fresh.
3) It improves mental health.
Palmarosa oil has also been found by many to improve symptoms of poor mental health such as stress and low mood.
The oil is said to have positive impact on the nervous system, giving it a balancing effect on mood. This helps us to process and rationalise negative thoughts and lessen feelings of stress and anxiety.
4) It may aid digestion.
Many people have claimed that palmarosa essential oil can improve digestion.
The oil is said to stimulate the secretion of digestive juices into the stomach, encouraging healthy and efficient digestion, and is also able to promote the absorption of nutrients into the body.
Please note that we cannot recommend taking non-food-grade palmarosa essential oil internally unless you have consulted a professional.
How to use Palmarosa Essential Oil:
Aromatherapy:
Combine 5-7 drops of the oil with water and add to an oil burner or diffuser.
Massage:
Dilute 5 drops to 10ml of carrier oil and massage into skin.
Bath:
Add 6-8 drops to warm bathwater.
Skincare:
Add a couple of drops to a carrier oil or your chosen lotion.
Soap & Candles:
Suitable for soap making and candle making. We recommend following a tested recipe.
History of Palmarosa:
A member of the lemongrass family – not the rose family – palmarosa is native to India but can now be found in many parts of the world.
Distilled from the dried grass of the palmarosa plant, it has a sweet herbal scent with unmistakable notes of rose.
The oil was used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat a wide range of conditions, and is now a popular skin tonic, home cleaning agent, and stress reliever.
Palmarosa appears to be two things at once, simultaneously a delicate floral scent and a health-promoting herb. Whether you enjoy palmarosa for its notes of rose or for its nourishing, protective effects, it’s worth adding to your collection either way.
Shop our palmarosa essential oil here.
