Essential Oil of the Month: Lemongrass!

Essential oil of the month Lemongrass!

Cymbopogon, better known as lemongrass, is a genus of Asian, African, Australian, and tropical island plants (herb) in the grass family.  Lemongrass is widely used as a culinary herb in Asian cuisines prized for its strong citrus flavor with hints of mint and ginger it is also as a medicinal herb in India. In the garden, lemongrass forms a tall, grassy clump 3 to 5 feet tall. Its appearance rivals that of many ornamental grasses and can easily fulfill a similar role in the landscape. Harvest lemongrass for its bulbous stem bases, rich with lemony flavor, or clip leaves for infusing tea and soup stock. The oil is used as a pesticide and a preservative. Research shows that lemongrass oil has antifungal properties. Despite its ability to repel some insects, such as mosquitoes, its oil is commonly used as a “lure” to attract honey bees.

 The essential oil is stimulating, relaxing, soothing and balancing. The chemical composition of lemongrass essential oil varies according to the geographical origin; the compounds typically include hydrocarbon terpenes, alcohols, ketones, esters and mainly aldehydes. The essential consists of mainly citral at about 70 to 80 percent.

Lemongrass essential oil is a source of essential vitamins such as vitamin:

A

B1

B2

B3

B5

B6

folate

vitamin C

It also provides essential minerals such as:

magnesium

phosphorous

manganese

copper

potassium,

calcium

zinc

iron

Common Method of Extraction

Steam Distilled

Plant Part Typically Used

Grass

Color

Pale Yellow to Vivid Yellow

Consistency

Thin

Perfumery Note

Top

Strength of Aroma

Strong

Aromatic Description

Fresh, lemony, earthy.

Lemongrass Essential Oil Uses

• Muscular Aches & Pains; as well as Headaches
• Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Indigestion
• Helps Physical & Mental Exhaustion, Anxiety, & Depression by Boosting Self-esteem, Confidence, Hope, & Mental Strength

• Inhibits Microbial & Fungal Growth has Antiseptic Properties; Helping Lower Fevers, Acne, Heal Wounds

• Astringent
• Helps Flatulence
• Stimulates Urine & Lactation
• Helps with Hairloss 
• Insect Repellent
• Sedative & Calming

Lemongrass is personally one of my favorite essential oils!

photo credit: Andrea_Nguyen Fresh lemongrass via photopin (license)