Palmarosa
Palmarosa is a grass with a rosy smell. It is used as a pesticidal and also has antimicrobial actions.
Palmarosa oil has a rose like aroma and has been used as a cheaper substitute for very expensive rose essential oil.
Limited scientific research was found on palmarosa. It has shown in vitro antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal action. Further, it has shown insecticidal and repelling activity, with noteworthy action against the mosquito that causes malaria. It has also shown antibacterial activity against the microbe that causes skin acne and antiparasitic activity. More research to back up folkloric remedies is warranted on all these topics.
Latin Name: Cymbopogon martinii
Family: Poaceae
The plant grows to nine feet tall, is large flowering grass. It is in the lemongrass family of Poaceae.
Oil is steam distilled from the grassy leaves. It is pale yellow with an aroma that is rosey and fresh.