Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass

Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus A common ingredient in south-east Asian cooking, lemongrass (the main variety being Cymbopogon citratus) thrives in tropical climates and grows to about 130cm high. Like citronella, palmarosa and vetiver, it is a member of the family (Poaceae) of aromatic grasses. Lemongrass is native to southern India, Sri Lanka, the West Indies and Guatemala but is also cultivated in Brazil and parts of central Africa. The plant has a bulbous base with lemon-scented stems and leaves. It also produces a network of roots and rootlets which rapidly deplete the soil of its nutrients. The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the fresh or partially dried grass, which is first finely chopped. This produces a pale amber oil with a reddish tinge. Its aroma is fresh grassy-citrus with an earthy undertone. The smell of lemongrass oil is generally perceived as refreshing, uplifting, calming and restorative. For thousands of years, lemongrass has played an important role in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India. Teas made from the fresh or dried grass are prescribed for fever and infectious illness, and to improve the quality and quantity of a mothers milk. The herb is also used as a digestive and carminative (meaning it relieves flatulence and settles the stomach), and is given in cases of enteritis, colitis and nervous indigestion.

Modern research has confirmed the effectiveness of the remedy: particularly its ability to lower body temperatures during a feverish illness. Lemongrass also contains the analgesic substance myrcene — which is why it has been used traditionally as a headache remedy. The essential oil of lemongrass contains a high proportion of citral, Which is antiseptic, bactericidal. deodorant and antifungal. However, when isolated or synthesized in the laboratory, citral is very harsh on the skin and can cause irritation, the whole oil (well diluted) is much kinder to skin and is effective against fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and ringworm. Tests show that other components of the essential oil act in unison to buffer the harsh effects of citral. Lemongrass oil has a tonic, restorative effect on the nervous system and makes a good bath or massage oil for stress-related exhaustion. But, because of possible skin irritation, go gently with it in the bath or shower, using 5ml diluted oil or adding only 2 drops pure essential oil, diluted in 5ml carrier oil, or added to a little base shower gel. Mixing pure lemongrass essential oil with equal amounts of mandarin further reduces the possibility of adverse skin reactions to citral. Many aromatherapists use the well-dilutited oil to massage athletes after sport, and the oil’s analgesic properties can help relieve muscular aches and pains. Another popular use of lemongrass is in footbaths glorious for tired, sweaty feet. Lemongrass makes a delightful room freshener and deodorant, especially used with berganiot or geranium.. And, like its cousin citronella, lemongrass can repel flies and other insects - use it alone in a burner, or mixed with other insect repellent oils such as cedarwood, eucalyptus or tea tree. If you do not have sensitive skin, dab on the diluted oil to repel midges and mosquitoes. Adulteration Lemongrass is one of the cheapest oils and is therfore unlikely to be adulterated with synthetic citral. Litsea cubeba oil has a similar ctral content and could be used as a substitute where it is grown in China. Lemongrass itself is a useful supplier of citral which is used in the production of vitamin A and ionones. A common substitute is Jammu oil which contains 75 - 80% citral. GRAS Lemongrass oil has GRAS status Uses Lemongrass is used as an insect repellent, but it is not as good as conventional products. (37) It was also used in the past as a carminative.

Lemongrass Essential Oil from