Lemongrass Essential Oil

Description

Botanical binomial: Cymbopogon flexuosus

Family: Graminae

Other names: Cymbopogon flexus, Andropogon nardus var. flexosus, fever grass, oleum graminis citrati.

Country of Origin: India Part of plant used in production: Leaves

Methods of production: Steam distillation

Description: A tall (up to 1.5 meters), perennial, fast growing, aromatic grass native to Asia. Lemongrass is cultivated in many places of the world, providing slight differences in its oils.

Characteristics: A sometimes colorless or otherwise yellow-brown oil with a tinge of red. The scent is quite strong, lemony and herbaceous. The Nepal variety is certified organic with citrusy scent while the Guatemalan variety is sweeter and more herbal.

Properties:  Analgesic, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant, and sedative on the nervous system, tonic.

Constituents: Geranial, neral, limonene, linalool, geraniol, citronellol, eugenol

Uses: Used in a wide range of food and beverages, citrusy perfume compounds, and household products. Lemongrass oil tones the body by boosting the parasympathetic nervous system and invigorates the mind and spirit. It treats jet lag, clears the head and relieves fatigue, aiding recovery form illness and pain.

Blends well with Basil, bergamot, cedarwood, geranium, lavender, lemon, palmarosa, petitgrain, rosemary, and tea tree.

Interesting Facts: Lemongrass is used in traditional Indian medicine for infectious illnesses and fevers, acting as a sedative on the central nervous system.

Safety: Non-toxic. Can be sensitizing and irritating for some individuals therefore should not be applied to the skin at dilutions over 3%. Avoid contact with eyes and mouth.