GLOBAL VIEW: Palmarosa Cultivation in Nepal



Palmarosa seeds ready to be sowed

The essential oil from the leaves and flower tops of palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii var. motia) has a sweet, slightly citrus scent that calls to mind both geranium and rose. A native grass, palmarosa grows wild from the southern subtropical slopes of Nepal to the serene Himalaya Mountains. Nepal is where we find the farmer’s cooperative that produces our Palmarosa Essential Oil [Prima Fleur No. 208]. After the seeds are sowed, the fields are flooded. The resulting grasses are ready to harvest between October and December, after the plants begin to bud. To obtain the highest yield of oil with the best quality, they distill from the leaves and the upper third of the stems. Below, a slideshow of the cultivation process for our palmarosa in Nepal.


Inspecting the oil after distillation

Produced by steam distillation of the fresh or dried grass, palmarosa may be a lesser known essential oil, but it is superlative for skin care, offering cell regenerative and antiseptic properties beneficial to dry, mature, and problem skin types. While palmarosa soothes the skin, it is also uplifting to the spirit, reducing nervous tension and stress, clearing the mind, and calming the senses. Excellent for use in diffusers, palmarosa is high in geraniol, a terpene alcohol that is anti-bacterial, toning, and stimulating to the immune system. Palmarosa’s pleasing odor and its properties against bacteria make it ideal for disinfecting stale rooms. 



The Nepalese name the plant Motiya, and have capitalized on its benefits to create economic opportunities. By providing a guaranteed market for cultivated and wild-collected plants, cooperative programs help small-scale local farmers continue to work the fields, as well as promote the protection of open space for business purposes by leasing privately owned and community lands. Cultivation and harvest are organic and sustainable: What remains from the distillation process is composted and returned to the lands to encourage fertile soil. Micro-financing is available to help local people begin to farm and to provide them with the knowledge to properly cultivate and harvest the plants. Not only can plants like bountiful palmarosa provide therapeutic benefits to people worldwide, they also offer rural residents consistent employment and cash earnings, thereby raising quality of life.

For information on our Essential Oils and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to place an order, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: THYME

A manger herb, thyme, along with rosemary, bedstraw and pennyroyal, are used in home decorations. These fragrant herbs had a pleasing antiseptic fragrance the kept the bed of the baby Jesus wholesome, free from vermin. Thyme is a symbol of bravery and associated with Jesus, as he would have to endure much suffering and have to be courageous and patient. The essential oil can be used to fragrance your blends, spray on your decorations, use in your skin care and add to the festive mood. We have Thyme CT borneol [Prima Fleur No. 232] and Thyme CT linalool [No. 181].

For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: GALBANUM

Galbanum (Ferul galbanifera) gum extract is a natural fatty gummy resin, and the essential oil is steam-distilled from the resin. It has a strong green odor and is used as a fixative in perfume and incense. Its anti-inflammatory qualities make it a wonderful aid for poor circulation and can be used in hot compresses for most pain relief. Since it is antiseptic and antimicrobial, wounds are more quickly healed. It has soothing properties, especially on aching hands, feet or joints. The essential oil [Prima Fleur No. 200] is used in skin products for revitalizing aging skin and in body care products to warm.

For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: LITSEA CUBEBA

Litsea cubeba (May Chang) is a small tropical tree with lemon scented leaves and flowers and small berries which resemble peppers. Organoleptic Description of Oil: A pale yellow liquid, clear, not-viscous, intensity 5-6, taste, tart, and irritating, with a tart lemon-fresh and fruity odor. The scent of May Chang has been compared to lemongrass and lemon verbena. It is most valued for its antiseptic properties when used externally in skin care.

For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.

 

 

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: PINE

Maritime Pine contains Mono and Sesquiterpenes. It is a powerful antiseptic used to disinfect the air locally. Good for chronic bronchitis, chronic cystitis, and anti-inflammatory for the lungs. Can be used externally in massage blends for rheumatism or aching joints.A chemotype of Pinus pinaster contains large quantities of terebenthine which is composed of 62% a-Pinene and 27% b-Pubebe. This oleo-resin is used as a powerful expectorant, antiseptic, and to oxygenate the air. Indicated for infections of the respiratory system, add to hot water for steam-inhaling treatments. Mainly used as an aerosol treatment with possible allergies if used externally.

 

Prima Fleur Pine [No. 236] is organic, steam-distilled.

 and 27% b-Pinene. This oleo-resin is used as a powerful expectorant, antiseptic, and to oxygenate the air. Indicated for infections of the respiratory system. In hot water for steam inhaling treatments. Mainly used as an aerosol treatment with possible allergies if used external

For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com or call (415) 455-0957.

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: CLOVE BUD

Clove oil is 60 to 90 percent eugenol. Its properties are anesthetic and antiseptic. India's traditional
Ayurvedic healers have used clove since ancient times to treat respiratory and digestive ailments. Clove first arrived in Europe around the 4th century A.D. as a highly coveted luxury. The medieval German herbalists used cloves as part of an anti-gout mixture.

Prima Fleur’s organic Clove Bud Essential Oil [No. 116] is from Madagascar.

For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. To place an order, please call (415) 455-0957. To explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com

Prima Fleur Absolute: WHITE LOTUS

Our White Lotus essential oil (Nelumbo nucifera) No. 373 is solvent-extracted from flowers in India. Deeply floral, woody and spicy with a red color, this pure and delicious ingredient can be used in your natural botanical perfumes and body blends.

Throughout many cultures over time, the white lotus has been a powerful image and a spiritual symbol, and in some eastern religions it is considered a sacred flower. Medicinal properties include astringent, antiseptic, and aphrodisiac.

For more information on products and ingredient lists, please visit our website. To place an order, please call (415) 455-0957.

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: LEMON PEEL

There are various benefits of lemon peel essential oil as it is an excellent natural astringent, antiseptic, and bactericide which is of particular benefit to people with problem skin and to remove cellulite. The rubefacient and diuretic properties are of great value, as they balance the fluids in the cells and ensure optimum circulation.

Lemon peel further has the ability to stimulate the white corpuscles in the blood that defend the body and fight infection. It is also used to balance the pH of the skin by counteracting acidity on its surface, and acts as a very mild natural bleach or lightener on the skin, which enables it to brighten dull skin color and calm redness, as well as the irritation of an inflamed skin.

Prima Fleur Lemon Peel Essential Oil [No. 144], Citrus limon, is organic and cold-pressed in France. Prima Fleur Lemon Peel [No. 195] is cultivated and cold pressed in the United States.

For more information on products and ingredient lists, please visit our website.
To place an order, please call (415) 455-0957.

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: JUNIPER BERRY

Juniper berry essential oil is an expectorant and antiseptic. This evergreen essential oil from the Juniperus communis can be used externally to treat rheumatism. Prima Fleur Essential Oil No. 137 from France is sweet and fruity, No. 220 from Croatia is woody and resourceful.

This essential oil is an ingredient in Prima Fleur Lymphatic Detoxifying Seaweed Gel for Wraps and Massage [No. 1041] - this mineral-rich gel from the sea is packed with potential herbal extracts that penetrate deeply to hydrate, soften and provide nutrition to the skin.

For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com or call (415) 455-0957.

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: JASMINE

Jasmine grandiflorum

Jasmine is a deeply fragrant vine or shrub that grows easily in most gardens within its cold hardiness zone. The plant's small, delicate flowers emit a strong, exotic scent that fills the air in spring and summer. Jasmine flowers are used to make perfumes, and jasmine tea is thought to be soothing. Spanish jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) and Arabian jasmine (Jasminum sambac) share some of the same characteristics, but are distinctly different plants. Jasminum grandiflorum is sometimes called Jasminum officinale f. affine, or summer jasmine.

Our Jasmine grandiflorum Essential Oil is available as CO2-extracted [Prima Fleur No. 380]  - or solvent-extracted [Prima Fleur No. 188]. Or choose our Jasmine sambac Essential Oil [Prima Fleur No. 245].

In aromatherapy, jasmine oil is recommended to ease physical pain, and is considered a powerful antiseptic, sedative and tonic to ease breathing difficulties, coughing and nervous conditions. Combined with Ylang Ylang, it is said the mixture helps promote a healthy state of mind and body.

Jasmine sambac

Jasminum grandiflorum produces its flowers in clusters at the tips of its arching branches in summer. The white, five-petaled flowers are up to 1-inch wide and may have faint pink tinges on the undersides of the petals and on the buds. Jasminum sambac's flowers start out pure white and fade to pastel pink as the blooming season wears on. The flowers have a waxy appearance and are about the same size as Spanish jasmine blooms. Arabian jasmine flowers appear in clusters of three to 12 from spring through autumn. 

For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com or call (415) 455-0957.

 

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: GRAND FIR

Grown and steam-distilled in France, our Grand Fir (Abies grandis) Organic Essential Oil [Prima Fleur, No. 129] is sweet and evocative. This magnificent giant from the pine family is important in the lumber industry. Not much is written of the essential oil of the needles and twiglets that are steam-distilled for the essential oil called Christmas fir.

This oil has a sweet, spicy, citrus scent that is very balsamic. It is used in potpourri for the holiday season, in fragrant room refreshers, and in cosmetic applications for its perky, healthy scent. It is used by inhalation for the respiratory system for both people and pets, as well as for SAD (seasonal affective disorder). It is antiseptic and soothing for the respiratory tract; sedative and used externally for gout and rheumatism; taken internally for bladder inflammation (with sandalwood); and as a general tonic.

For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com or call (415) 455-0957.

Prima Fleur CO2 Extract: CARDAMOM

Cardamom oil is one of the oldest essential oils known. It was used by the Egyptians in perfumes and incense and its warming properties make it useful for massage. Our Cardamom Essential Oil [Prima Fleur No. 516], Elettaria cardamom, is from Guatemala, and is deliciously spicy, fruity, warm with a balsamic odor. It is a clear CO2 oil from the seed of the cardamom, and is a perfect intensity for blends and spicy perfumes ~ the scent thought to be an aphrodisiac.

Medicinally, cardamom has been used to improve digestion and relieve flatulence. It is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat bronchitis, colds, and cough. When used in skin care recipes it is included for its antioxidant, antiseptic and cleansing properties. It is better tolerated on oilier skin types and should be avoided in sensitive or allergic skin.

For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com or call (415) 455-0957.

 

 

Prima Fleur Absolute: VIOLET LEAF

Prima Fleur’s Violet Leaf Absolute [no. 278] - Viola odorata oil - is used in products or blends for its wonderful green scent. Violet Leaf absolute is produced from a concrète made of both flowers and leaves (mostly leaves), which is then washed in alcohol to obtain the fragrance material called the absolute.

Known to be antiseptic and antibacterial, this Violet Leaf absolute is solvent-extracted in Egypt and is deep green-colored, green-smelling, and sweet-green-scented. As an effective liver decongestant and circulatory stimulant, this ingredient is effective for skin with enlarged pores, acne, blackheads and problem skin. A great choice for masques, cremes, lotions and gels for face and body as well as body wraps.

For more information on products and pricing, please visit our website. To place an order, please call (415) 455-0957.

 

 

Prima Fleur Essential Oil: LAVENDER

Prima Fleur carries five kinds of Lavender essential oil and two kinds of Lavandin. We have organic, wild and cultivated. Please visit our website to see our extensive list of exquisite essential oils we source from around the world. Lavender is one of the most versatile of all essential oils, originated in the western Mediterranean, and was brought by monks to the northern parts of Europe more than 1,000 years ago.

Lavender essential oil is an effective ingredient for treating dry, sensitive skin, acne, and eczema. It inhibits acne-causing bacteria while soothing and helping to balance the over-secretion of sebum. It is also a natural antibiotic and antiseptic, which helps to reduce acne scarring and stimulates the growth of new cells to help rejuvenate the skin.

Lavender should have linalool and linalyl acetate in a proportion of 2:1 or about 40:20. It should never contain Camphor. If your Lavender has camphor in it, then you either have the wrong plants or the wrong earth. The essential oil is the expression of the earth in the plant. Camphor can be in Spanish Lavenders and spike Lavenders, but fine Lavender will have a soft and soothing scent.

Linalool is an alcohol like the alcohol in wine. The essential oil alcohols here are monoterpenols. They are bactericides, anti-infectious, antiviral, stimulating to the skin to heal, good general tonics, and free of hazards.

Linalyl acetate is an ester. Esters are gentle in action, soothing to the skin, anti-inflammatory, effective on skin rashes and other skin problems. They can both calm and uplift, and combined with the tonic virtues of alcohols, are very balancing, especially to the nervous system. This is why Lavenders are so desired by the skin care industry.

For information on our Premier Products and pricing, please visit our website. For questions and to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com ~ or call (415) 455-0957.