8 Surprising Benefits of Palma Rosa Essential Oil

by Meenakshi Nagdeve last updated -

The health benefits of palmarosa essential oil can be attributed to its potential properties as an antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, cytophylactic, digestive, febrifuge, and hydrating substance.

What is Palma Rosa Essential Oil?

Palma rosa is a grass whose botanical name is Cymbopogon martini. It has two varieties, also called chemotypes, Motia and Sofia, which differ slightly in their aroma. Different producers give preference to different chemotypes depending on the demand of the market.

Extraction of this essential oil is done by steam distillation of dried grass which is harvested before flowering. The chief constituents of this oil are geraniol, geranyl acetate, dipentene, linalool, limonene, and myrcene. This oil smells like rose oil, which is how it got the name, palma rosa. This is also why it is sometimes used in place of rose oil and is often adulterated with rose oil since it is cheaper.

This oil is widely used as a flavoring agent in the food and beverage industry, as well as in soap, perfume, oil and cosmetics industries.

Health Benefits of Palma Rosa Essential Oil

It also has many medicinal uses, which we will explore in greater detail below.

May Help Reduce Fever

The essential oil of palma rosa is capable of reducing fever by virtue of its antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. Therefore, whether the fever is due to either viral or bacterial infection, this oil helps cool it down and soothe your system. [1]

Close-up of dried palmarosa grass and seeds on a white background

Palmarosa is good for all skin types and can be used in daily skincare routine. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

May Help Fight Viral Infections

Palma rosa oil curbs and inhibits the duplication of the virus and successfully eliminates it. Dealing with viruses is not an easy task and it is very different than killing bacteria. Viruses may develop a protective coating around themselves, called a cyst, which protects them from the extreme conditions of their surroundings, and is so tough that it can withstand anything. Viruses remain dormant within their cyst until it finds a host, which is when the cyst opens up and the virus comes out of its dormancy and starts multiplying. It is at this stage that the essential oil of palma rosa oil can come to the rescue.

May Help Prevent Sepsis

Septic can occur in vulnerable internal organs such as the urinary tracts, urinary bladder, urethra, colon, and kidneys. It may not only trigger sudden, acute, and nearly unbearable pain but also results in cramps and convulsions. Therefore, it is always advisable to take care of the wounds and any type of infection, specifically in the genito-urinary organs. This can be accomplished with the help of this oil. When applied externally on wounds, it protects them from infections and also kills the bacteria that have already grown in them. When taken internally, palma rosa oil inhibits the bacterial growth in the genito-urinary tracts and provides effective protection against septic.

May Help Fight Bacterial Infections

The essential oil of palma rosa is bactericidal in nature and inhibits bacterial growth by killing them. It is also good at curing internal bacterial infections like colitis and those of the colon, stomach, urinary bladder, prostate, urethra, urinary tracts, and kidneys. It may also prevent external bacterial infections on the skin, armpits, head, eyebrows, eyelids, and ears. [2]

May Acts as a Cytophylactic

Palma rosa oil is cytophylactic in nature, which means that it may promote the growth of cells and recycling of the cellular matter. Thus, it helps repair the damages done to the body by aging, like natural wear and tear, as well as from wounds and various other factors. It may also aid in the overall growth of the body. Since this oil also promotes the growth of the defensive cells of the body, it is considered a good way to strengthen the immune system.

May Improve Digestion

Aiding in digestion is yet another beneficial property of this oil. It can stimulate the secretion of digestive juices into the stomach, thereby promoting digestion. It may also aid in the absorption of the nutrients from food, making your digestive process more efficient.

An infographic on health benefits of palmarosa essential oil

Palmarosa oil helps in hydrating your body. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

May Heal Wounds

Many people are very familiar with the word “septic”, but they do not seem to understand its gravity, as most of us have not experienced it. It is a very painful situation caused due to an infection in wounds. Wounds are highly prone to infections since they are open and unprotected.

May Help Treat Dehydration

This is one of the soothing properties of palma rosa essential oil. It can help your body retain the moisture in the tissues and maintains the moisture balance throughout the body. Therefore, this can relieve inflammation and certain other symptoms of dehydration and is particularly good for the skin. It keeps the skin soft, moist, and looking young.

Other Benefits

When used in aromatherapy, palma rosa oil relaxes the muscles and nerves, fights depression, fatigue, anxiety, anger, and nervousness, while also having an uplifting effect on the mind. Furthermore, it helps against sores, cracks in the skin, and Athlete’s foot. [3]

Word of Caution: This oil is considered completely safe since it is a non-irritant, non-sensitizing, and non-toxic substance. [4]

Blending: The essential oils of geranium, bergamot, rosemary, lime, and ylang-ylang blend very well with the essential oil of palm rosa.

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About the Author

Meenakshi Nagdeve, Co-Founder, Organic Facts is a health and wellness enthusiast and is responsible for managing it. She has completed the Nutrition And Healthy Living Cornell Certificate Program, Cornell University, US. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IIM Bangalore and B. Tech in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science from IIT Bombay. Prior to this, she worked for a few years in IT and Financial services. An ardent follower of naturopathy, she believes in healing with foods. In her free time, she loves to travel and taste different types of teas.

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