Lemongrass essential oil is distilled from the leaves of the plant Cymbopogon citratus. A rampantly growing perennial, five feet in height, lemongrass is closely related to citronella and palmarosa.
Origin: Native to Sri Lanka, but cultivated mainly in Guatemala.
Distillation: The leaves of lemongrass contain an essential oil that is extracted with steam distillation. The harvested leaves are chopped and partially dried before extraction of the oil.
Apperance: Light yellow to amber colored, not sticky or viscous
Aroma: Sweet and lemony, with an earthy, citronella-like nuance
Imagine yourself surrounded by a slender-leafed, tropical grass with a fresh, citrus scent. How does the plant affect you? If you're feeling clean and refreshed, relaxed and renewed, even inspired, it's likely the plant is Cymbopogon citratus, or lemongrass, which has been prized for its aromatic properties since the 1880s when cultivation and distillation began in Kevala, India.
Perfumists find that the fresh, earthy scent of lemongrass blends well with many other essential oils-like eucalyptus, geranium, juniper, lavender and rose. This aroma evaporates quickly, though, making it less valued than more expensive scents like verbena and melissa, for which it's often substituted as a top note. But you'll find it a delightful, affordable addition to homemade perfume blends-and in oil blends for refreshing potpourris, too.
Citral, the primary constituent of the amber/yellow oil, provides a potent and refreshing scent that's popular in household products like detergents, room sprays, and even insecticides. You can refresh the air in a room-and brighten the mood-by placing a few drops of the oil in a light bulb ring or room diffuser.
And, of course, what better place to employ lemongrass' clean, refreshing scent than in body care products? Especially good for oily, acne-prone skin and lackluster hair, lemongrass makes an excellent addition to deodorants, soaps, cosmetics, shampoos, skin lotions and tonics.
(Note that while it's nontoxic, lemongrass is a strong oil, so always dilute it well before using it on your skin.)
Use it in a massage oil to relieve stress, headaches, and muscular aches and pains. Make your own skin oil or massage oil by mixing lemongrass essential oil with sweet almond or jojoba oil. (Use a few drops of essential oil for about 1/4 cup of base oil.) Enhance your favorite skin care products with a few drops of lemongrass essential oil, or simply stir it into your bath water.
Aromatherapists value lemongrass for its ability to both calm and revitalize, to relieve tension, invigorate, and inspire. The tall tropical grass fills this tall order beautifully.
Lemongrass Recipes:
Spring Fresh Room Spray
* 4 drops lemongrass
* 8 drops fir needle
* 2 drops lemon
* 2 drops citronella
* 2 oz. distilled water
Add the oils to the distilled water and pour into spritzer bottle. This delightfully scented blend refreshes rooms and closets, filling your home with the scent of spring.
Lemongrass Skin Tonic
* 6 drops of lavender
* 1 drop of clary sage
* 1 drop chamomile
* 4 drops lemongrass
* 2 oz. distilled water
Add the essential oils to the distilled water, then pour into a spritzer bottle. Close your eyes, and mist your skin. Keep this in the refrigerator, and you'll have a cooling, refreshing lift.
1. Always read and follow all label warnings and cautions.
2. Keep oils tightly closed and out of reach of children.
3. Never ingest undiluted essential oils.
4. Don't use undiluted oils on your skin. Dilute oils with vegetable oils, one to three drops per tablespoon.
5. Keep oils away from eyes and mucous membranes.
6. Skin test oils before using. Dilute a small amount and apply to the skin of your inner arm. Do not use if redness or irritation occurs.
7. If redness, burning, itching or irritation occur, stop using oil immediately.
