Palmarosa -- Cimbopogon martinii

With its fresh, sweet aroma, Palmarosa reminds me of drinking a cool lemonade while having a picnic in the middle of a grassy field.  Just as such a setting would engender a relaxed, happy mood,  this oil will inspire a similar calm and open state of mind.  Let's discover what else it can do.

Palmarosa is great in diffusing blends during cold and flu season as it may help disinfect the air with its antibacterial properties and can give a boost to the immune system.  This makes it a good selection for a home-made cleaning blend too.  Its antifungal and skin-loving attributes make it an excellent choice for foot soaks, soaps, lotions, and skin serums.  Its cooling energetics may help reduce hot conditions that are both physical and mental -- like fever, muscle spasms, minor injuries, arthritis, anger, jealousy, and anxiety.  

Geraniol, a monoterpenol, is a major constituent of Palmarosa, and is the main chemical responsible for Palmarosa's therapeutic properties.  It has also been scientifically shown to have a neuroprotective effect, and can prove to be a beneficial addition to a plan of prevention and/or management of diseases that affect the brain i.e. dementia.

Palmarosa has a 5 year shelf life and is generally considered safe.  Robert Tisserand recommends a maximum topical dilution of 6.5% because there is a very low risk of allergic reaction to the geraniol.