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 Blend: SAN SIMEON

Sweet, fresh, light ~ an exclusive blend of Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Palmarosa, Bisabolol, Pink Grapefruit, Lemon, Sandalwood, Patchouli. Only from Prima Fleur, No. 6061.

 

Ingredients in bold are certified organic. 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 Essential Oil Blend: NURTURE

Vanilla flower and pod

Balancing, comforting ~ an exclusive blend of vanilla, ylang ylang complete, palmarosa, litsea cubeba, spearmint essential oils. Only from Prima Fleur, No. 6035.

Ingredients in bold are certified organic. 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.

 

Skin Care for Men: Start with deep cleansing to clarify, exfoliate, and prepare the skin for shaving

Schisandra sphenanthera

A pre-shave oil does more than just help the blade glide across the skin; its lubricating properties will help plump up dead skin cells with moisture, pushing hairs away from the face and leaving them exposed for cutting. With a base of sunflower oil and shea butter, Treatment Oil for Sensitive Skin [No. 1207] immediately penetrates the skin, supporting moisture retention without clogging pores. Schisandra fruit extract reduces overactive cell turnover which can leave the skin dry and inflamed, and protects skin against stress factors. Helichrysum oil stimulates production and protection of new cells to rejuvenate skin. Palmarosa assists in reducing skin inflammation and helps to regulate sebum production. This treatment oil should be massaged into the skin and scalp.

For deep cleansing when time permits, Pomegranate Enzyme Mask [No. 1219] boosts hydration as it gently exfoliates without causing abrasion or inflammation. Enzymes from pomegranate and apple target lifeless cells, revealing newer, smoother skin with youthful vibrancy, depth, and luminosity. In addition to the cell turnover stimulated by exfoliation, an active derived from organic alfalfa encourages cell renewal and improves collagen synthesis to promote elasticity and prevent wrinkles, even for sensitive 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.