Essential Oil Database

Photo: Cymbopogon Citratus

Lemongrass

Essential Oil

Botanical Name:

Cymbopogon Citratus

Family Name:

Poaceae

Source Country:

Cochin

Plant Parts Used:

Leaves

Extraction Method:

Steam distillation

Major Constituents:

Linalool, geraniol, citronellol, citrals, farnesol, nerol, mycene, terpineol, borneol.

Botanical Description

Photo: Cymbopogon Citratus

Cymbopogon Citratus is native to Asia and Australia. It is a coarse clump-forming grass commonly known as Lemongrass growing up to 2 meters tall. Lemongrass stems are cane-like and can be propagated through clump division. Other important species of Cymbopogon are Citronella and Palmarosa.

Lemongrass is traditionally used as a spice in Asian cuisine, an important ingredient of curry pastes of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. It has also been used for its medicinal properties.

Photo: Cymbopogon Citratus

Fragrance

Lemongrass essential oil has a distinct pungent, fresh, lemon scent.

Lemongrass essential oil is a yellow to brown liquid.

Lemongrass blends well with basil, bergamot, chamomile, clove leaf, eucalyptus, fennel, geranium, ginger, lavender, myrrh, patchouli and rosemary.

Traditional Therapeutic Uses

Photo: Cymbopogon Citratus

Properties: analgesic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiseptic, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant, fungicidal, nervine, sedative, tonic.

Aids: immune system, digestion, skin tone.

Alleviates: acne, athletes foot, arthritis, colitis, fever, headaches, muscular aches and pain, rheumatism.

Lemongrass is fresh and soothing.

Safety Data

Use very moderately within normal therapeutic guidelines to avoid sensitisation.

Disclaimer:

All healing uses, magical uses and metaphysical definitions are provided as a means of education, do not imply a guarantee of effect, and may not be complete or accurate. Those suffering from illness should consult with their General Practitioner in the first instance. Aromatherapy is a holistic complementary healthcare practice and should be carried out by a suitably qualified aromatherapy practitioner.

Pure, medical grade, essential oils & absolutes are for use in aromatherapy and other disciplines of natural healing; and for their fragrance. Essential oils should not be ingested, and avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Pregnant women should not self administer essential oils. Do not administer essential oils to babies. Do not apply undiluted essential oil to the skin and wash hands after use and before visiting lavatory. Do not use essential oils while in a sauna, steam room, or other humid environment; or while engaged in strenuous exercise.

Massage oil should consist of no more than 3% essential oil(s) to 97% carrier or fixed oil. Absolutes should be blended with no less than 98.5% carrier oil. When adding essential oil to bath water do not use more than 4 drops.

Store essential oils at low room temperature, in a dark place, out of the reach of children, pets and away from foodstuffs.