Lemongrass
Cymbopogon Flexuosus
Lemongrass Oil is an oil with a unique, citrus and floral scent whereby the plant is commonly used in cooking to bring out the aromatics of a dish. The oil, however, is excellent to assist digestive issues as well as blood pressure. In aromatherapy it is used to treat stress and depression.
History of Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass Oil is a true aromatic delight, especially to lemon lovers. It’s derived from either East Indian lemongrass (botanical name: Cymbopogon flexuosus) or West Indian lemongrass (botanical name: Cymbopogon citratus). The East Indian variety, also known as Cochin grass and Malabar grass, is native to India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Sri Lanka, Burma, and Thailand, whereas the West Indian variety is indigenous to maritime Southeast Asia. Although both of these species are used to produce Lemongrass Oil, East Indian lemongrass is the more popular option.
Traditionally, lemongrass has been used in cooking, cosmetics, and folk medicine. In India, Thailand, and China, it has been used as a flavouring for beverages, desserts, and other dishes. In East India and Sri Lanka, lemongrass was used to make soups, curries, and a drink called fever tea. The tea was intended to help with fevers, stomach aches, diarrhea, and irregular menstruation. Lemongrass has also been used to relieve stress, alleviate colds, manage pain, and assist with arthritis. In several countries, lemongrass infusions have been used as a natural remedy for inflammatory conditions of the urinary tract, urinary incontinence, and kidney stones.
It’s often said that the success of Lemongrass Essential Oil in the global market is a result of the display of Citronella Essential Oil at the 1951 World’s Fair. As you may already know, lemongrass and citronella grass are relatives as they belong to the same genus.
Why is Lemongrass Oil so popular?
It’s safe to say that Lemongrass Oil reigns in the aromatherapy and skincare worlds. Aromatically, Lemongrass Oil is fresh, lemony, invigorating, and uplifting. It’s a lovely choice when dealing with emotional and/or physical lethargy. It can be used on its own or blended with other essential oils. Lemongrass Oil pairs beautifully with oils within the citrus, wood, mint, and herbaceous families.
When used carefully and at low dilutions, Lemongrass Oil can help treat acne and serve as an insect repellant. Additionally, it’s reported that Lemongrass Oil can be effective in fighting dandruff, eliminating certain strains of fungus, relieving headaches, and reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, Lemongrass Oil can be used to ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Adding Lemongrass Oil to massage blends can also help reduce diastolic blood pressure and have a harmonising effect on the nervous system.
Extracting Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass Oil is extracted via steam distillation from either East Indian lemongrass (botanical name: Cymbopogon flexuosus) or West Indian lemongrass (botanical name: Cymbopogon citratus). The East Indian variety, also known as Cochin grass and Malabar grass, is indigenous to India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Sri Lanka, Burma, and Thailand, whereas the West Indian variety is native to maritime Southeast Asia. Although both of these species are used to produce Lemongrass Oil, East Indian lemongrass is the more popular option. Lemongrass Oil is derived from fresh or partly dried lemongrass leaves and stalks.
Steam distillation is one of the most commonly used methods for extracting and isolating essential oils from plants. This process happens when dry steam is passed through the plant material. The steam vaporises the plant material’s volatile compounds, which eventually go through a condensation and collection process. One of the most significant advantages of steam distillation is that it generates organic solvent-free products.
The colour of Lemongrass Oil is pale yellow to vivid yellow, its consistency is thin, and its aroma is light, fresh, citrusy, and faintly herbaceous. Lemongrass Oil is classified as a top note. The chemical composition of Lemongrass Oil depends on the lemongrass type it’s obtained from. To find out more about this, please read our ‘Lemongrass Oil Varieties’ article.
Can I make Lemongrass Oil at home?
Since the equipment needed for steam distillation is relatively inexpensive, we believe that trying to extract essential oils at home could be a great choice. In case investing in brand new steam distillation equipment isn’t an option for you, you might succeed using a large pot with a lid, distilled water, and, of course, fresh plant material to fill the pot about half full. If you enjoy growing plants, you’ll be glad to learn that lemongrass thrives in Australian climates.
Please keep in mind that the quality of your product might not be as good as the one of its commercial counterparts. This is why we suggest looking for 100% Pure Organic Lemongrass Oil online or in a physical store.
The colour of Lemongrass Oil is pale yellow to vivid yellow, its consistency is thin, and its aroma is light, fresh, citrusy, and faintly herbaceous. Lemongrass Oil is classified as a top note. The chemical composition of Lemongrass Oil depends on the lemongrass type it’s obtained from. To find out more about this, please read our ‘Lemongrass Oil Varieties’ article.
Can I make Lemongrass Oil at home?
Since the equipment needed for steam distillation is relatively inexpensive, we believe that trying to extract essential oils at home could be a great choice. In case investing in brand new steam distillation equipment isn’t an option for you, you might succeed using a large pot with a lid, distilled water, and, of course, fresh plant material to fill the pot about half full. If you enjoy growing plants, you’ll be glad to learn that lemongrass thrives in Australian climates.
Please keep in mind that the quality of your product might not be as good as the one of its commercial counterparts. This is why we suggest looking for 100% Pure Organic Lemongrass Oil online or in a physical store.
Lemongrass Oil Varieties
Lemongrass Oil Varieties
We, the Essentially Yours team, are committed to learning and sharing our knowledge, tips, and tricks to help you enrich your understanding of aromatherapy and essential oils in general. Whether you are considering adding a certain oil or blend to your collection and want to learn its dos and don’ts or you are simply curious about the various methods of oil application - we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we are going to introduce you to the two main Lemongrass Oil varieties and the key differences between them. We are also going to provide you with practical advice on differentiating Lemongrass Essential Oil from Citronella Essential Oil.
What are the two main Lemongrass Oil varieties?
The most widely available Lemongrass Oil varieties are East Indian Lemongrass Oil and West Indian Lemongrass Oil. The former is steam-distilled from the fragrant leaves and stalks of the Cymbopogon flexuosus plant (East Indian lemongrass), which is native to India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Sri Lanka, Burma, and Thailand. The latter is extracted via steam distillation from the leaves and stalks of the Cymbopogon citratus plant (West Indian lemongrass), which is indigenous to Indonesia, Malaysia (East Malaysia), Brunei, and the Philippines. Although both of these species are used to produce Lemongrass Oil, it’s important to know that the West Indian type is more commonly used in cooking.
Unsurprisingly, these two Lemongrass Oil varieties have similar chemical composition. The major constituents of East Indian Lemongrass Oil are: geranial, neral, geranyl acetate, geraniol, and (+)-limonene. The main constituents of West Indian Lemongrass Oil are: geranial, neral, beta-myrcene, geraniol, and limonene oxide.
Even though their chemical composition isn’t identical, East Indian Lemongrass Oil and West Indian Lemongrass Oil offer pretty much the same benefits. They can help with muscular aches and pains, gastrointestinal disorders, poor digestion, physical and mental exhaustion, acne, dandruff, and feelings of stress and anxiety.
Whichever Lemongrass Oil variety you opt for, make sure to check the bottle first. It should have the botanical name and the country of origin on the product label. Also, make sure the oil is in a dark-coloured bottle. Plastic and clear glass bottles aren’t suitable for essential oils because light can damage them.
Lemongrass Oil vs. Citronella Oil - how to tell them apart?
Lemongrass Oil is often confused with Citronella Oil due to the fact that the plants these oils are obtained from have similar scientific names. Citronella Oil is derived from either Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus, both of which are citronella grass types. As mentioned above, Lemongrass Oil comes from either Cymbopogon flexuosus or Cymbopogon citratus. This simply means that these plants are relatives, i.e. belong to the same genus. The safest way to tell these essential oils apart is to know their botanical names. Don’t be guided by scent.
Have you ever had the opportunity to experience the beauty of Lemongrass Oil? What about Citronella Oil? Which of them do you prefer? We would love to read your thoughts on this, so feel free to share them with us!
Unsurprisingly, these two Lemongrass Oil varieties have similar chemical composition. The major constituents of East Indian Lemongrass Oil are: geranial, neral, geranyl acetate, geraniol, and (+)-limonene. The main constituents of West Indian Lemongrass Oil are: geranial, neral, beta-myrcene, geraniol, and limonene oxide.
Even though their chemical composition isn’t identical, East Indian Lemongrass Oil and West Indian Lemongrass Oil offer pretty much the same benefits. They can help with muscular aches and pains, gastrointestinal disorders, poor digestion, physical and mental exhaustion, acne, dandruff, and feelings of stress and anxiety.
Whichever Lemongrass Oil variety you opt for, make sure to check the bottle first. It should have the botanical name and the country of origin on the product label. Also, make sure the oil is in a dark-coloured bottle. Plastic and clear glass bottles aren’t suitable for essential oils because light can damage them.
Lemongrass Oil vs. Citronella Oil - how to tell them apart?
Lemongrass Oil is often confused with Citronella Oil due to the fact that the plants these oils are obtained from have similar scientific names. Citronella Oil is derived from either Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus, both of which are citronella grass types. As mentioned above, Lemongrass Oil comes from either Cymbopogon flexuosus or Cymbopogon citratus. This simply means that these plants are relatives, i.e. belong to the same genus. The safest way to tell these essential oils apart is to know their botanical names. Don’t be guided by scent.
Have you ever had the opportunity to experience the beauty of Lemongrass Oil? What about Citronella Oil? Which of them do you prefer? We would love to read your thoughts on this, so feel free to share them with us!
Benefits of Lemongrass Oil
At Essentially Yours, we pride ourselves on doing the necessary research to deepen our understanding of aromatherapy and essential oils in general. This enables us to help you pick the best oils, blends, and methods of application for your wants and needs. We believe that familiarising you with our products, the numerous benefits they provide, and the adverse side effects that occur when they are misused is the least we can do, hence these blog posts. In this particular blog, we are going to dive into some of the many impressive benefits of Lemongrass Oil.
Lemongrass Essential Oil is prized for its ability to:
Help heal wounds and prevent infections
Thanks to its powerful antibacterial properties, Lemongrass Oil can inhibit the growth of as well as kill off a variety of drug-resistant bacteria, including those that cause skin infections, blood infections, serious intestinal infections, and pneumonia. Research has shown that Lemongrass Oil can also fight bacteria that cause gum disease.
Combat fungi
Lemongrass Oil carries antifungal properties, meaning it may eliminate certain strains of fungus. A 2015 report suggests that Lemongrass Oil may help inhibit the growth of the fungus that causes yeast infections - Candida albicans. According to a 2013 study, this popular essential oil may be helpful in fighting the yeast that causes tinea versicolor - a common fungal infection of the skin in which discoloured patches appear on the arms, chest, neck, or back.
Relieve inflammation and pain
It’s reported that Lemongrass Oil can help ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory qualities. This makes it a wonderful post-workout massage oil (diluted with a quality carrier oil, of course).
Promote skin health
Thanks to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tonic properties, Lemongrass Oil is a wonderful skincare ingredient. It can treat acne, cleanse pores, strengthen skin tissues, and fight off free radicals that damage cells. You can dilute the oil and/or add a few drops of it to your daily skincare products.
Combat mental and physical exhaustion
One of the numerous reasons why aromatherapy practitioners love Lemongrass Oil is its refreshing, stimulating, and balancing scent. When diffused or inhaled, Lemongrass Oil can provide an energy boost and support alertness. It’s reported that Lemongrass Oil can also relieve stress and anxiety by lowering diastolic blood pressure and having a harmonising effect on the nervous system.
Lemongrass Oil may also: help get rid of headaches, relieve nausea, improve digestion, ease spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, assist with excessive sweating, relieve itchiness and irritation on the scalp, and fight dandruff.
Yes, Lemongrass Oil carries many therapeutic properties. However, this doesn’t mean that it can’t be dangerous. Just like any other essential oil, Lemongrass Oil shouldn’t be taken orally without the supervision of a healthcare professional. Additionally, Lemongrass Oil should always be diluted prior to topical use. Some experts recommend a dermal maximum of 0.7%. Infants, young children, and people with hypersensitive/diseased/damaged skin shouldn’t apply this oil topically.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult with your doctor before using this or any other essential oil.
Uses of Lemongrass Oil
We, the Essentially Yours team, take immense pleasure in learning and sharing our knowledge, tips, and tricks to help you enrich your understanding of aromatherapy and essential oils in general. Whether you are considering adding a certain oil or blend to your collection and want to learn its dos and don’ts or you are simply curious about the various methods of oil application - we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we are going to explore some of the most popular ways of using Lemongrass Oil - an essential oil we can’t get enough of.
Lemongrass Oil is an extremely versatile essential oil. It can be used in many different ways, including:
In a diffuser
Feeling tired and lethargic? Having a hard time focusing? Dealing with feelings of stress and anxiety? If you answered ‘yes’ to some or all of these questions, then we suggest diffusing a few drops of 100% Pure Organic Lemongrass Oil. This essential oil boasts a wonderfully fresh and lemony aroma that can relieve tension, promote relaxation, and increase self-confidence. Not a huge fan of essential oil diffusers? No worries! You can harness these amazing benefits by diluting a couple of drops of the oil, gently rubbing the mixture into the palm of your hand, and inhaling for about 30 seconds.
Via steam inhalation
Adding a few drops of Lemongrass Oil to a bowl of hot water and inhaling the steam through the nose can help you get rid of headaches as well as boost your energy levels. This method of application is a great alternative to diffusing essential oils.
In massage blends
Lemongrass Oil can act as a pain reliever due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This as well as its invigorating scent make it an excellent massage oil, especially after intense workout sessions. How to create a massage blend with Lemongrass Oil? One of the easiest ways is to ‘weaken’ the oil with the help of your favourite carrier oil. When it comes to massages, we believe Almond, Coconut, and Jojoba are the best carrier oils. Please bear in mind that Lemongrass Oil is abundant in citral, which is why it should be used at very low dilutions. The recommended dermal maximum is 0.7%.
In skincare and hair care
Enriching your daily face wash and/or moisturiser with a few drops of Lemongrass Oil can help you treat acne, cleanse your pores, and strengthen your skin. Thanks to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant abilities, Lemongrass Oil can also help heal wounds, relieve redness, itching, and swelling, and combat free radicals that damage cells. When added to shampoos, Lemongrass Oil might help fight dandruff, treat an itchy scalp, and even promote hair growth.
In body sprays/air fresheners
Lemongrass Oil not only has a gorgeous scent, but also deters insects. This combo makes it a powerful ingredient in body sprays and room fresheners.
Blends well with
At Essentially Yours, we pride ourselves on constantly learning and sharing our knowledge, tips, and tricks to help you pick the right oils, blends, and methods of application for your wants and needs. We believe that familiarising you with each and every one of our products, the numerous benefits they offer, and the adverse side effects that occur when they aren’t properly used is the least we can do, hence these blog posts. This particular blog focuses on some of the many beautiful oils Lemongrass Oil blends nicely with.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba Oil is a popular carrier oil. It’s derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant and has a delicate, nutty aroma. Jojoba Oil absorbs easily into the skin, doesn’t clog pores, and helps control sebum production. This is why Jojoba Oil is commonly used in massage blends and facial moisturisers.
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Fractionated Coconut Oil
This carrier oil is not whole and complete because it contains only the medium chain triglycerides of Coconut Oil. However, Fractionated Coconut Oil is highly stable, odourless, and colourless, which makes it a great option when a light and penetrating oil is needed. In case you prefer working with all-natural carrier oils, consider opting for Virgin Coconut Oil.
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Basil Oil
Basil Oil possesses a sweet, herbaceous, and somewhat licorice-like aroma. This energising oil can help with a variety of health issues, including colds, coughs, bronchitis, exhaustion, flatulence, indigestion, muscular pain, insect bites, acne, anxiety, and depression. When blending Basil Oil with other essential oils, it’s important to bear in mind that its scent can be overpowering, which is why it should be used sparingly.
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Cardamom Oil
This spicy essential oil can come in handy when dealing with fatigue, stress, despair, and depression. Many aromatherapists prize it for its ability to breathe new life into ordinary diffuser blends. It’s interesting to know that Cardamom Oil is considered to be an aphrodisiac.
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Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood Oil’s woody and balsamic aroma has a calming and comforting effect. This oil carries antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it can be beneficial for certain skin conditions. It’s reported that Cedarwood Oil can alleviate and reduce acne breakouts, soothe symptoms of eczema, diminish the appearance of scars, and protect the skin against environmental pollutants and toxins.
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Lavender Oil
Lavender Oil is highly valued for its versatility as well as its antibacterial, calming, and sedative qualities. Pair Lemongrass Oil with Lavender Oil to heal acne (in skincare products) and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety (in a diffuser).
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Lime Oil
This citrus essential oil seduces with its fresh, citrusy, sweet, and slightly tart scent. Although it’s often overshadowed by Lemon Oil, Lime Oil deserves to be considered because it has so much to offer. It’s reported that it can heal minor wounds, protect against the common cold, support the respiratory system, treat acne, eliminate dandruff, and relieve muscle and joint pain.
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