Saturday, June 29, 2013

Palmarosa Oil: 5 Health Benefits



One of the several plants I have in my collection is the Palmarosa lemongrass (Cymbopogon martinii), a fragrant herb frequently used in aromatherapy, and I truly admire its subtle citrus scent. Walking down the garden is a heartening treat as I pass through the lemongrass area, and smelling them on a fresh, sunny morning always rejuvenates the spirit. Having been intrigued by this perennial lemongrass, it’s wonderful to discover that the Palmarosa oil improves our health and well-being in 5 ways:

1.       Antifungal properties. Got any embarrassing fungal skin and nail infections? This plant can be your natural antifungal! A study conducted at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil reveals that that Palmarosa oil has a potent antifungal property, especially against Candida species.

2.       Antibacterial action. According to Lodhia et. al., the essential oil of Palmarosa has been found to have a potent antibacterial activity against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria, meaning that it could treat a wide spectrum of bacterial skin infections. Another study by Friedman et. al. supports the action of its essential oil against pathogens of the digestive system.

3.       A natural insect repellent. Does the stench of insect-killer chemicals suffocate you? Try spraying some Palmarosa oil, and you’ll see how those pesky bugs and mosquitoes flit with repulsion. Mix 6 ml of lemongrass extract with 4 ounces of carrier oil, and add about 5 ml of Citronella oil for a more potent spray formula.

4.       Skin care. The leaves can be boiled to extract the oil which can be combined to a facial wash, and the oils of this grass have become a valuable component to skin care products. Got wrinkled skin? Not to worry! Its oil also has that hydrating property that will rejuvenate your skin cells and exfoliate the old ones.  

5.       Aromatherapy. Its fragrance has that resemblance to rose, and it’s a faved additive to aromatherapy. The sweet smell of lemongrass relaxes nerves and muscles, minimizes depression, anxiety, fatigue and stress. One could even feel a psychological and spiritual uplift just by smelling the plant itself.



The best thing to know about this plant is that it can be easily grown in your backyard, and from its dry grass you can readily extract the Palmarosa oil through simple steam distillation. If you want to know more about how to get the Palmarosa lemongrass and other plants at a wholesale price, click here.   

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Disclaimer: While the information provided in this article is supported by research, it is for educational purposes only and in no way is any of the content to be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken solely on the contents of this article. It is recommended to seek the advice of your physician before taking supplements of any kind.

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