Essential oils are oils packed with some unique properties that significantly impact our health, beauty, and skin.
Palmarosa oil is one important essential oil said to possess important properties and uses in the context of our skin and health. It is a sweet and aromatic oil with a characteristic smell similar to roses. In the preceding sections, we shall explore its different benefits.
What is Palmarosa Essential Oil?
The Palmarosa essential oil is obtained from a grass-like plant species called ‘Cymbopogan martinii’ or Indian germanium. This species is widely found and cultivated in East Asia, particularly in India and other neighboring countries. [1]
Throughout the years, it has been utilized for different purposes, such as in several herbal medicines. Moreover, the therapeutic potential of it—thanks to its antiviral and antibacterial properties—appears to have gained much popularity among people who believe in natural products and oils more than synthetic ones.
Palmarosa Oil Benefits
For a very long time, it has also been used as a natural remedy for many illnesses and diseases in the Chinese, European, and ancient Ayurvedic practices. [2]
It also originates from a species similar to the lemon-grass family and is processed through different channels to yield the final product that we know as the popular ‘Palmarosa oil.’
The raw material for this oil is the flower of the Cymbopogon plant. This is the reason why it also smells more like a rose flower with citrusy, floral hints attached to it.
Furthermore, let’s explore the different Palmarosa oil uses and benefits for our health, hair, and skin with regular use.
It Helps with Anxiety and Depression
The essential oil also has a calming and soothing effect on the people who use it. In the context of it, this effect could also be attributed to the characteristic smell of the oil that imparts a relaxing aroma.
The soothing effects of the oil may also help with depression or anxiety. In the long term, it may also even help tone down any stressful triggers or depressing thoughts you experience. [3]
However, more human clinical studies are required to confirm the effects of it on stress, anxiety, and depression.
It May Function as an Immunity Booster
It is known to work as an immunity booster for the body. In addition to that, it may help purify the body and cleanse it of any impurities or dirt that may be causing harm to it. [4]
Aside from this, it also has an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidizing effect. Both these properties may boost the body’s immune system, strengthening it to combat any harmful agent or microorganism that might compromise your body’s health.
It Could Help with Anti-Aging
It contains several nutrients and important minerals that make it valuable for our skin and health. The vitamins and minerals it contains may impart anti-aging effects on your skin with regular use, reducing the formation of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. [5]
However, it’s important to note that you should not place any undiluted essential oil directly on your skin. The safest option is to purchase a skincare product containing Palmarosa oil.
It Helps with Hair Growth
If you apply a few drops of it to your scalp and hair roots, you may notice positive changes to your hair texture and growth.
It may help to regulate sebum, remove dead skin cells from your scalp, and fortify your hair follicles. Cumulatively, these effects may lead to stronger, thicker, and healthier hair.[6]
Do note that you should not apply undiluted Palmarosa oil to your scalp. It’s best to dilute it with a carrier oil, like MCT oil.
It Helps Prevent Hair Damage
It is packed with limonene and vitamin E. The combination of both these nutrients helps cleanse the scalp, removing any excess traces of oil or dirt that accumulate over time. [7]
Palmarosa oil is a natural cleanser, removing dirt and gunk that may stunt your hair growth. With regular use, you may notice improvements in your hair thickness. A shampoo containing Palmarosa oil is a good option, as you should not apply undiluted Palmarosa oil to your scalp.
It Helps Prevent Acne
For people with oily and acne-prone skin, Palmarosa oil may be the solution. It has antibacterial properties that help protect against the development of acne in many people. [8]
Apart from that, the Vitamin E may help clear your pores and keep acne at bay if you’re prone to breakouts.
It Keeps The Skin Clear and Healthy
Palmarosa oil contains ‘geraniol’. This component has been found to have cell repair properties. . This helps keep the skin healthy and in a moisturized condition for a long time. [9]
It can also improve your complexion and give your skin a brighter glow.
Can Palmarosa Oil Be Mixed with Other Essential Oils?
In aromatherapy, it is a common practice to mix different types of essential oils to both enhance their effects.
Therefore, just like every other essential oil, Palmarosa oil can be easily mixed with other essential oils. For example, rose, lavender, rosemary, almond, and some other essential oils have been mixed and used with Palmarosa oil.
Palmarosa Essential Oil Side Effects
While Palmarosa oil has some promising benefits to offer, there are still some side effects associated with this oil.
Some of the side effects that Palmarosa essential oil has irritation or burning sensation upon application. This side effect usually arises in the setting of susceptible or sensitive skin. Therefore, it’s best to perform a skin patch test if it is your first time using this oil on your skin or scalp. [10]
Moreover, it is also recommended to avoid using Palmarosa oil while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
The common side effects that people might experience are allergic reactions and sensitivity reactions. But other than that, nothing very significant has been reported after the usage of this oil. It’s also worth noting that not everyone will experience side effects from using this oil.
Palmarosa oil can benefit your skin and hair. But only if it is used appropriately and diluted before use.
The Bottom Line – A Power-Packed Oil!
Palmarosa oil is one of the most beneficial essential oils to date. Furthermore, it’s priced affordably, so you won’t have to worry about burning a hole in your pocket. . `
Palmarosa oil may benefit your skin, scalp, and mood, which is great news! Nonetheless, a little precaution is necessary. And it is best if you do not overdo it with this oil, as moderation is key. If you’re unsure how to use this oil safely, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Lodhia, M. H., Bhatt, K. R., & Thaker, V. S. (2009). Antibacterial activity of essential oils from palmarosa, evening primrose, lavender and tuberose. Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 71(2), 134–136. https://doi.org/10.4103/0250-474X.54278
- Sinha, S., Biswas, D., & Mukherjee, A. (2011). Antigenotoxic and antioxidant activities of palmarosa and citronella essential oils. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 137(3), 1521–1527. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2011.08.046
- Andrade, B. F., Braga, C. P., Dos Santos, K. C., Barbosa, L. N., Rall, V. L., Sforcin, J. M., Fernandes, A. A., & Fernandes Júnior, A. (2014). Effect of Inhaling Cymbopogon martinii Essential Oil and Geraniol on Serum Biochemistry Parameters and Oxidative Stress in Rats. Biochemistry research international, 2014, 493183. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/493183
- Pérez-Rosés, R., Risco, E., Vila, R., Peñalver, P., & Cañigueral, S. (2015). Effect of some essential oils on phagocytosis and complement system activity. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 63(5), 1496–1504. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf504761m
- Mahant, S., Sahajpal, N. S., & Nanda, S. (2021). Insights into the mechanism of Cymbopogan martinii essential oil in topical therapy of acne vulgaris. Future microbiology, 16, 1181–1193. https://doi.org/10.2217/fmb-2021-0039
- Murbach Teles Andrade, B. F., Conti, B. J., Santiago, K. B., Fernandes Júnior, A., & Sforcin, J. M. (2014). Cymbopogon martinii essential oil and geraniol at noncytotoxic concentrations exerted immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory effects in human monocytes. The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology, 66(10), 1491–1496. https://doi.org/10.1111/jphp.12278
- Lodhia, M. H., Bhatt, K. R., & Thaker, V. S. (2009). Antibacterial activity of essential oils from palmarosa, evening primrose, lavender and tuberose. Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 71(2), 134–136. https://doi.org/10.4103/0250-474X.54278
- Prashar, A., Hili, P., Veness, R. G., & Evans, C. S. (2003). Antimicrobial action of palmarosa oil (Cymbopogon martinii) on Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Phytochemistry, 63(5), 569–575. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0031-9422(03)00226-7
- Ramilijaona, J., Raynaud, E., Bouhlel, C., Sarrazin, E., Fernandez, X., & Antoniotti, S. (2013). Enzymatic modification of palmarosa essential oil: chemical analysis and olfactory evaluation of acylated products. Chemistry & biodiversity, 10(12), 2291–2301. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.201300241
- Sinha, S., Jothiramajayam, M., Ghosh, M., & Mukherjee, A. (2014). Evaluation of toxicity of essential oils palmarosa, citronella, lemongrass and vetiver in human lymphocytes. Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 68, 71–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2014.02.036