We’ve had a couple requests to talk about Lemongrass essential oil, also known by it’s Latin names Cymbopogon citrates (West Indian) and Cymbopogon flexuosus (East Indian). Lemongrass is an essential oil that’s quite often found in soaps and some skin care products, because of it’s sweet grassy, and lemony smell.
The essential oils from both species are steam distilled from fresh or partly dried leaves of the tufted perennial grass that grows from numerous stiff stems which arise from short root stocks. This perennial is a very fast growing aromatic grass, which grows up to about one meter high with very long, thin leaves.
Lemongrass was originally used as a food flavoring in Asia, and in India the fresh leaves were crushed in water and used as a hair wash and toilet water.
The Cymbopogon flexuosus species is native to India, while the Cymbopogon citrates species is native to Sri Lanka and is now cultivated all over the world. India remains the main producer of the East Indian variety, while the West Indian variety is produced in many places, such as Vietnam, Guatemala, Brazil along with several others.
Precautions: Lemongrass is non-toxic, however it may be sensitizing and irritating in some individuals. Robert Tisserand recommends not using it on damaged or diseased skin or on children under the age of two.
Aside from being a great addition to soaps purely for the smell, Lemongrass essential oil is very revitalizing to the body as a whole and can help to relieve symptoms of jet-lag, helps to combat nervous exhaustion, clears headaches, and helps to combat stress-related conditions. Besides that, it’s a great tonic for the entire body and can help to boost the parasympathetic nervous system. Which is a great thing this time of year, even more so if you’re currently recovering from being sick! Lemongrass is also rather helpful when dealing with respiratory infections as well as indigestion, and in keeping fleas, ticks and lice off of pets. Perhaps one of the most common reasons you will find it in so many soaps and skin care products though, is it’s ability to help clear up oily, acne prone skin, as well as help treat athlete’s foot. Lemongrass is truly a wonderful oil, with many of the same benefits as Lemon essential oil, but without the risk of photosensitivity.
Do you have an essential oil you’d like to learn more about? Let us know, and you just might find it being the topic of our next post!
*Please note that all essential oils are extremely potent and need to be respected. Always make sure you dilute the oils you use. You also don’t need a lot of the oil to reap it’s benefits and it’s always wise to err on the side of caution, especially when using oils on or around small children, elderly or people with underlying health conditions. When in doubt, always consult a Certified Aromatherapist before use.*