Palmarosa (Kattrna (Bhutika, Bhutrina))

About

Cymbopogon martinii, commonly known as Palmarosa, is a fragrant grass used in Ayurveda for its therapeutic properties. Its essential oil is valued in aromatherapy and skincare.

Properties

Antimicrobial activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Skin barrier enhancement, Antioxidant activity

Dosage

Essential Oil: For topical use, a typical adult dosage is a 0.5–2% dilution in a carrier oil (like coconut or sesame), which is roughly 3–10 drops per 10 mL base, used 1–2 times daily. For inhalation, add 2–4 drops to a bowl of hot water or diffuser for no more than 10 minutes of continuous exposure. Internal use requires professional oversight, limited to 0.5 mL daily under guidance. Leaf Powder: 1–2 grams mixed with honey or warm water, once or twice daily after meals for digestive support. Externally, a 5–10% poultice offers relief for minor dermatitis and insect bites. Tincture: 0.5–1 mL of a 1:5 extract in 60% ethanol (standardized to 10 mg geraniol/mL) in water or tea, 2–3 times daily. Infused Oils: 5–10 mL of sun-infused palmarosa oil in sesame base for massage therapy, especially in cases of Vata aggravation or muscle stiffness. Decoction: The decoction from the plant Rohisha is given in a dose of 50-60 ml to treat intestinal worms and diarrhea. Drink for lactating women: The plant is boiled in cow milk and given as a drink in a dose of 40-50 ml to improve breast milk in lactating women. Cold Infusion: Cold infusion of Cymbopogon martini is given in a dose of 50 ml to treat fever and anorexia.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Not specified in provided texts
• Virya: ["Not specified in provided texts"]
• Vipaka: ["Not specified in provided texts"]

Benefits

• Skin Health
• Antimicrobial Protection
• Stress Relief
• Digestive Support
• Manage fever
• Respiratory system support
• Gastrointestinal tract support
• Helpful for inflammatory conditions
• Helpful for infections such as cystitis and sinusitis
• Soothe sore, achy muscles
• Combat fatigue

Traditional uses

• Skin ailments and nervousness
• Aphrodisiac
• Conditions concerning the respiratory system
• GI tract support
• Skin support
• Skincare for conditions like alopecia, lumbago, skin diseases, dryness, wrinkles, dermatitis, and stiff joints
• Aromatherapy to alleviate stress, tension, and anxiety and to uplift and calm the emotions
• Abdominal, liver, and spleen disorders
• Jaundice
• Fever
• Painful joints relief
• Hot steam inhalation in conditions of asthma and the common cold

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: balancing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Essential Oil: Standard steam-distilled oil with 75–85% geraniol.
• Leaf Powder: Dried leaves ground to a fine powder.
• Tincture: 1:5 extract in 60% ethanol, standardized to 10 mg geraniol/mL.
• Infused Oils: Sun-infused palmarosa oil in sesame base.
• Decoction: Decoction of whole plant.
• Leaves Paste: The leaves paste of the plant are applied on painful joints.

Contraindications

• General safety: Palmarosa essential oil is generally considered safe for topical use. It is considered non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing.
• Sensitive skin: If you have highly sensitive skin, palmarosa oil may cause skin irritation. If you experience a burning sensation or rash, dilute the oil with a carrier oil before applying to the skin. It is recommended to perform a patch test before applying liberally.
• Children: Avoid using on children below 12 years old.
• Pregnancy: Do not take palmarosa internally during pregnancy due to potential fertility-reducing and abortifacient activities.
• Internal use: Essential oils should never be taken orally unless diluted with water and measured at the right dosage, and after consulting a doctor.
• Other conditions: If you have sensitive skin, allergies to essential oils or are asthmatic, seek advice from a health professional before using this essential oil. It is also not recommended for people with epilepsy or a history of seizure disorders. Consult a health specialist if undergoing medical treatment or suffering from a chronic illness.

Side effects

• Internal use of palmarosa oil requires professional oversight to avoid GI upset.
• Patch-test a diluted solution of palmarosa oil before extensive topical use to avoid sensitization.

Interactions

• Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine. If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.

Active compounds

• Geraniol
• Citronellol
• Terpinolene
• Linalool

Clinical evidence

While traditional uses suggest benefits, high-quality clinical evidence for Cymbopogon martinii is limited. Preliminary studies indicate potential in wound healing and mood enhancement, but more rigorous trials are needed.

Frequently asked questions