Essential NosePalmarosa
Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii var. motia) is one of the geraniol-richest essential oils commercially available, with geraniol typically comprising 75-90% of total volatiles alongside geranyl acetate. This high geraniol concentration underpins well-documented broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity: palmarosa oil at 0.1% completely inhibited Saccharomyces cerevisiae growth by disrupting membrane function.[1] Its efficacy against Fusarium and Aspergillus species confirms antifungal utility relevant to clinical formulations and post-harvest protection.[2]
Lemongrass
Cymbopogon citratus
- Also Known As
- West Indian Lemongrass
- Family
- Herbal
- Perfumery Note
- Top
- Intensity
- Strong
- Extraction
- Steam Distillation
- Plant Parts
- Leaves
- Origins
- India, Sri Lanka, Guatemala
- Effect
- Focus & Mental Clarity, Respiratory Support, Energy & Uplifting
- Aroma
- Citrus, Herbal, Sharp
- Applications
- Aromatherapy, Massage, Skincare, Cleaning, Candles & Soap
- Price
- $$$$A fast-growing tropical grass that can be harvested multiple times per year with a high yield
Lemongrass essential oil (Cymbopogon citratus or C. flexuosus) is characterised by very high citral content — a mixture of the isomers geranial (citral A) and neral (citral B), comprising 65-85% of the oil. Citral is responsible for the intense lemon aroma and demonstrates potent antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activity.[3] Lemongrass oil is among the best-studied of the tropical grass oils, with validated efficacy against dermatophytes and food-borne pathogens.[4]
Rosha Grass
Cymbopogon martinii
- Also Known As
- Palmarosa, Indian Geranium
- Family
- Herbal
- Perfumery Note
- Middle
- Intensity
- Medium
- Extraction
- Steam Distillation
- Plant Parts
- Grass, Leaves
- Origins
- India, Nepal, Madagascar
- Effect
- Grounding & Centering, Energy & Uplifting
- Aroma
- Floral, Sweet, Rose-like
- Applications
- Aromatherapy, Skincare, Haircare, Massage, Perfumery
- Price
- $$$$A fast-growing grass with a high yield, similar to lemongrass but with a rosy scent
Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii var. motia) is one of the geraniol-richest essential oils commercially available, with geraniol typically comprising 75-90% of total volatiles alongside geranyl acetate. This high geraniol concentration underpins well-documented broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity: palmarosa oil at 0.1% completely inhibited Saccharomyces cerevisiae growth by disrupting membrane function.[1] Its efficacy against Fusarium and Aspergillus species confirms antifungal utility relevant to clinical formulations and post-harvest protection.[2]
Gingergrass
Cymbopogon martinii var. sofia
- Also Known As
- Sofia Grass, Rusa Grass
- Family
- Herbal
- Perfumery Note
- Top
- Intensity
- Medium
- Extraction
- Steam Distillation
- Plant Parts
- Leaves, Grass
- Origins
- India, Nepal
- Effect
- Grounding & Centering, Focus & Mental Clarity, Energy & Uplifting
- Aroma
- Fresh, Ginger-like, Lemony
- Applications
- Aromatherapy, Perfumery, Massage
- Price
- $$$$A wild-growing grass in India; high oil content makes it an affordable "earthy" oil
Gingergrass oil (Cymbopogon martinii var. sofia) is obtained from the same species as palmarosa but from its wild-growing lower-grade variety. It is dominated by perillyl alcohol and phellandrene rather than geraniol, giving it a spicy, rosy-herbaceous character distinct from palmarosa. The oil shows notable antimicrobial and antifungal properties attributed to its oxygenated monoterpene content.[5]
References
- [1]Antimicrobial action of palmarosa oil (Cymbopogon martinii) on Saccharomyces cerevisiae — Prashar A et al. Phytochemistry, 2003
- [2]Essential oil of Cymbopogon martini, source of geraniol, as a potential antibacterial agent against Bacillus subtilis — Santamarta S et al. F1000Research, 2021
- [3]Antifungal activity of lemongrass essential oil and citral — Adukwu EC et al. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2012
- [4]Cymbopogon citratus: a review of biological activities and pharmacological effects — Shah G et al. Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research, 2011
- [5]Chemical composition and biological activity of Cymbopogon martinii essential oil — Srinivasan V et al. Flavour and Fragrance Journal, 2001