COMMON NAME: Palmarosa, Rosha, Rusha, Indian Geranium

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cymbopogon martinii var. motia, C. martinii var, martinii, Andropogon martinii

FAMILY NAME: Poaceae (Grass)

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: India, Pakistan

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: India, Brazil, Africa, Indonesia

HISTORY INFORMATION: Palmarosa was transported from India primarily to adulterate rose oil. There is little medicinal value reported. It was primarily used for fragrance. It seems the oil may help to promote good intestinal function. It is good for teenagers to regulate oil production. For the elderly, it helps to regenerate and stimulate cellular structure for cold, dry, wrinkled skin.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Gingergrass (C. martinii var, sofa) is closely related and often distilled together. This is considered not as good and importers test the oil by hitting it against the palm of their hand. If the air bubbles disappear quickly, it is considered to be good palmarosa. In body care, this is one of the most important essential oils.

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: A herbaceous grass growing to 9ft high with clusters of flowers that turn red when they mature.

PARTS PROCESSED: Dried leaves gathered before it flowers.

PROCESSING METHODS: Steam distilled.

COLOR RANGE: Yellow to olive.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Alcohol. Geraniol up to 95%, linalool, eternol, geranyl formate.

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Antiseptic, bactericidal, cicatrizant, digestive, febrifuge, hydrating, stimulant (digestive), tonic. Used for acne, dermatitis, skin infections, wrinkles, moisturizing the skin, stimulates cellar skin rejuvenation, anorexia, intestinal infections, exhaustion, and nervous tension. Used to warm, improve circulation, calm, reduce stress, uplift moods, refresh, and reduce aches, pains, and inflammation.

MENTAL USES: I am not my emotions. My emotions serve me. My feelings guide and let me know where I am.

EMOTIONAL USES: Cold, distant, detached, uncaring, unfeeling, acts on shoulds not wants, perfectionist TO happy, caring, compassionate detachment, wanting to contribute or serve others not from a place of should, but from a place of wanting to as this brings pleasure to you.

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that you are taking life too seriously and have limited yourself. It is time to stop and have some fun and review your life for karmic patterns. Palmarosa helps men or the masculine to soften and feel more. It also refines the heart chakra, allowing for integration and refinement of the personality. It supports us in going beyond our self imposed limits, and brings more happiness and joy into the field.

APPLICATIONS: Aroma lamp, bath, diffusor, inhaler, light bulb ring, liquid candle, massage, mist spray, ointments.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: Nontoxic.