Lemongrass Essential Oil
Latin name Cymbopogon flexuosus / Cymbopogon citratus – Family species Graminacea / Gramineae / Poaceae
Lemongrass is also referred to as Andropogon citratus, Schoenathus, West Indian Lemongrass, Madagascar Lemongrass, Guatemala Lemongrass, Andropogon flexuosus, East Indian Lemongrass, Cochin Lemongrass, Native Lemongrass, British India Lemongrass, Vervaine Indienne, and France Indian Verbena. (Lemongrass oil should not be confused with Lemon Verbena.) The various names apply to the two main types: East Indian and West Indian. The East Indian variety oil tends to be lighter in color and scent, whereas the West Indian tends to have more of a earthly undertone.
“Both [the East Indian and West Indian varieties] are relaxing and uplifting and are used in perfumery, antiseptic room sprays, and insect repellents, and to treat stress, poor circulation, poor muscle tone, and fungal infections.” -Lesley Bremness Crabtree & Evelyn Fragrant Herbal: Enhancing Your Life with Aromatic Herbs and Essential Oils
“Applied externally as a poultice or as diluted essential oil, it [Lemon Grass] eases pain and arthritis.” -Andrew Chevallier The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants
Lemon Grass is closely related to Citronella Grass (the source of citronella essential oil) and Palmarosa Grass (the source of palmarosa essential oil).
Oil Selection Guide
Color – Dark yellow to amber brown
Viscosity – Watery
Scent – Green, light, zesty, sweet, fresh, straw like, lemony
Perfume Aroma – Middle / top note
Oil Source Information
Plant Type – Grass
Parts Used – Leaves
Countries of Origin – India, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Guatemala, Nepal
Extraction Method – Steam distillation
Known Chemical Constituents
Citral, n-decylic aldehyde, dipentene, farucsol, neral, citronellal, geranial, myrcene, methylheptenone, linalol, methyl-eugenol, borneol (will vary according to type)
Applications and Uses
Lemongrass is used in aromatherapy and is also often used as an insect repellent. Also can be found in perfumery, soaps, cosmetics, detergents, and pharmaceuticals, and as a flavoring in commercial food and drinks.
Lemongrass blends well with
Recipes and Ideas
Precautions / Contraindications
It is recommended to only use lemongrass essential oil in moderation and with care.
Lemongrass oil should not be used if pregnant or on children under 16 years of age.
Can cause irritation to sensitive skin.
See also Essential Oils Safety and Usage.
References and Resources
See Aromatherapy References and Resources page.
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