Description
Latin name: Cymbopogon martinii
Country of origin: Nepal
Part of the plant: Grass (fresh or dried)
Extraction method: Steam distilled
Main biochemical components*: Geraniol, geranyl acetate, linalol
Properties: Antiseptic, digestive, antifungal, antiviral, anti-infectious, hydrating, calming.
Why Use
Physical uses: Infections (bacterial, viral, fungal), sinusitis, bronchitis, sore throats, poor circulation, chronic fatigue, digestive tonic, muscle tonic, immune support, neuralgia, sciatica, rheumatic pain.
Skin care uses: Imbalanced oil production, dermatitis, minor skin infections (bacterial, viral, fungal), devitalized skin, dry skin, wrinkles.
Psychological uses: Nervous exhaustion, stress, anxiety, irritability, mild depression, mental fog.
Subtle uses: Supports balance on all levels – physical, emotional, mental, spiritual. Promotes a sense of security. Comforts the heart. Clears the mind. Promotes wisdom.
Notes: Palmarosa is one of the most effective antiviral and antifungal essential oils.
*Chemical components: Chemical component percentages may vary. Essential 3 offers a Certificate of Analysis for review.
How You Can Use
Add to Products: Essential oils can be added to pre-made, fragrance-free products to enhance their performance. Add 4-8 drops to 2 ounces of facial moisturizer; 6-30 drops to 1 ounce of lotion; 10-20 drops to 8 ounces of shampoo; 15-30 drops to 8 ounces of conditioner.
After Shower: After showering, while your skin is still wet, put 1-3 drops of essential oil in the palm of one of your hands and rub your hands together. Quickly and evenly spread the essential oil over your legs, arms, and torso. Avoid sensitive skin areas. For maximum skin hydration and to seal in moisture, apply cream, lotion, or body oil directly to damp skin.
Bath, Foot: Mix 1-3 drops of essential oil in 1/2 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil. Set aside. Fill a tub (deep enough to cover your feet and ankles) with warm water. Add the essential oil mixture, stir well, and immerse your feet for 10-15 minutes. Breathe in the aroma and massage your feet.
Body Lotion: Add 6-30 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of fragrance-free, natural moisturizing lotion. Apply to your skin, especially after a shower or bath.
Body Oil: Mix 6-30 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of a carrier, such as fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil. Apply to your skin, especially after a shower or bath.
Chest Rub: Mix 5-15 drops of essential oil in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil or fragrance-free, natural lotion, apply to your upper chest and upper back.
Compress: Fill a basin with water. (Warm water relaxes and increases circulation. Cool water invigorates and relieves inflammation.) Add 3-5 drops of essential oil and briskly stir. Lay in a washcloth, wring and apply to the area in need for approximately 1-5 minutes. Dip, wring and apply 3 more times.
Compress, Facial: Fill the sink with warm water. Add 1-3 drops of essential oil to the water and agitate the water to mix well. Lay in a clean washcloth, wring, and apply to face, with eyes closed, holding in place for 5-10 seconds. Repeat dipping, wringing, and applying – 3 times. Pat dry.
Diffusion: Follow the diffuser manufacturer’s instructions to fill the air with a therapeutic aroma.
Easy alternatives when you don’t have a diffuser:
Place 2-4 drops of essential oil on several cotton balls or tissues; place nearby or tuck into a fan grate or air vent in your home or car.
Facial Oil: Mix 2-5 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of a carrier such as jojoba, calendula, or rosehip seed oil.
Inhalation: Put 1-3 drops of essential oil on a tissue and inhale the aroma through your nose. Pause and inhale again.
(Avoid touching your nose with the tissue.)
Inhalation, Hot Water: Add 1-2 drops of essential oil to a small bowl of hot water. Keeping your eyes tightly closed, lean over the bowl and breathe in deeply yet gently, pause then exhale. Continue for 30 seconds. Inhale through your nose for respiratory or sinus conditions and through your mouth for throat issues or coughs. Repeat as desired.
Massage: Mix 6-30 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil or fragrance-free, natural lotion.
Skin Mist: Mix 10-40 drops of essential oil in 4 ounces of water in a mister bottle. Shake well before each use and avoid getting the mist into the eyes.
Spot Application: Mix 1-4 drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil or aloe vera and apply to the area in need.
The Methods of Use are general guidelines. Individual sensitivities, desired results, and the characteristics of the essential oil(s) used must all be considered. Adjust methods and proportions accordingly.
For external use only. Always dilute before use. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid eyes and other sensitive areas. Keep away from direct flame – essential oils are flammable. If pregnant or nursing, consult a physician before using essential oils. Store at room temperature and avoid direct sunlight.
Aromatherapy: The use of natural, aromatic substances, known as essential oils, to enhance the well-being of body, mind, and spirit. (This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. No information provided is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.)