Lemongrass Essential Oil (West Indian: Cymbopogon citratus East Indian: Cymbopogon flexuosus)
Overview
It is typically processed using steam distilled as a method for extracting oil from the grass.
Summary
Lemongrass oil comes from the leaves of the Cymbopogon citratus plant. It has a sweet citrus scent. It has an antidepressant and diuretic effect.
Essential Facts
- Aroma Description: Lemongrass Essential Oil smells fresh, lemony and slightly herbaceous.
- Major Compounds: Geranial, Neral, Geranyl Acetate, Geraniol, (+)-Limonene
- Perfumery Note: Top
- Consistency: Thin
- Strength of Initial Aroma: Strong
- Color: Pale Yellow to Vivid Yellow
- Processing Methods: Steam Distilled
- Part Typically Used: Grass
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Vegan
Essential Details
Benefits & Uses
May be benefitial for addressing the following ailments:
Aches
Bad Breath
Cellulite
Deodorant
Depression
Scabies
Stretch Marks
Sun Burn : Mild
Sweaty Feet
Swellings
Therapeutic Benefits of Lemongrass:
Anti-anxiety
Anti-epileptic
Relaxant
Other Uses for Lemongrass:
Hair CareCautions & Safety
Cautions when using Lemongrass:
Lemongrass oil may irritate sensitive skin. May provoke Asthma attack in Ashmatic patients.
Tisserand and Young caution that a drug interaction may occur if using drugs metabolized by CYP2B6 and that there is a risk of teratogenicity. They precaution against topical use in children and infants under age 2 and for those with hypersensitive/diseased/damaged skin. They recommend a dermal maximum of 0.7%. Reading Tisserand and Young's full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young,Essential Oil Safety(Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 334-335.]
This essential oil poses a higher risk of causing irritation and sensitization when used in the bath. Avoid using it in the bath, even if it is solubilized/diluted.
Safety Precautions for Lemongrass:
Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, readEssential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.