General
- The essential
oil is distributed in all parts of the grass, viz., flower heads,
leaves and stems, the flower heads containing the major portion. It
is recommended to harvest the crop 7-10 days after opening of
flowers. The number of harvest depends upon the climatic condition
of the place of cultivation and method of crop management. During
the first year, usually one crop is obtained in October-November,
whereas 2-3 crops are obtained in the subsequent years in
subtropical areas in the North Indian plains. Four harvests are
taken in tropical areas of South and North-East.
- Palmarosa
plantation remains productive for about eight years. However, the
yield of grass and oil starts decreasing from the fourth year
onwards. It is, therefore, recommended that the plantation be kept
only for four years.
Distillation
- The grass is
either distilled afresh or is allowed to wilt for 24 hours. Wilting
reduces the moisture content and allows a larger quantity of grass
to be packed into the still, thus economizing the fuel use. The
current method of distillation adopted in Kerala is primitive and
obsolete and gives oil of poor quality, as it is based on
hydro-distillation or direct-fired still. For good quality oil, it
is advisable to adopt steam-distillation. The equipment for
distillation consists of a boiler to produce steam, a distillation
tub, a condenser and one to three separators. The distillation tub
is made of mild steel and has a perforated bottom over which the
grass rests.
- Small
cultivators can use direct-fire stills, but in such cases, properly
resigned stills should be used. These stills are provided with a
boiler at the bottom of the tub. This is separated by a false bottom
from the rest of the tub. Water is poured at the bottom of the tub
and grass is charged in the top portion. In the still, the water
does not come in contact with the grass. The oil is stored in
containers, preferably of glass or well-tinned iron. Containers
should completely be filled to exclude any air and protect from
sunlight as they affect the oil content.
Uses
- Palmarosa oil
calms the mind, yet has an uplifting
effect, while clearing muddled thinking.
It is used to counter physical and nervous exhaustion,
stress-related problems and nervousness. It is most useful during
convalescence and cools the body of fever,
while aiding the digestive system, helping to
clear intestinal infection, digestive atonia and anorexia nervosa.
It is effective in relieving sore,
stiff muscles.
- Palmarosa oil
moisturizes the skin, while balancing the
hydration levels and stimulating cell
regeneration. It balances
production of sebum, to keep the skin
supple and elastic and is valuable for use
with acne, dermatitis, preventing scarring, rejuvenating and
regenerating the skin, as well as fighting
minor skin infections, sore tired feet and athlete's foot.
- Oil of Palmarosa
is used in perfumery, particularly for flavoring tobacco and for
blending of soaps due to the lasting rose-note it imparts to the
blend. It also serves as a source for very high grade geraniol.
Geraniol is highly valued as a perfume and as a starting material
for large chemicals, viz., geranyl esters that have a permanent
rose-like odour.
Entrepreneur who
want the information on Growth And Cultivation, Essential Oil
Distillation, Palmarosa Essential Oil And Its Uses, Products, Effects
And Marketing Manual, Material Safety Data Sheet And Links,
Chromatographic Chart can E-Mail us to
informer@eth.net,
primaryinfo@gmail.com
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