Lemongrass Aromatic Oil
Scientific name: Cymbopogon Flexuosus
Origin: India
Part of the plant: Grass
Aroma: Fresh, lemony, and slightly herbaceous
Color: Pale to bright yellow
Consistency: Thin
Perfumery note: Top - Middle
Intensity of initial aroma: Strong
Extraction method: Steam distillation
Lemongrass essential oil: benefits, uses, and blends
The latest trend is using lemongrass essential oil to attract bees! Lemongrass makes it easy to guide these master pollinators to hives or gardens while repelling mosquitoes at the same time.
Our lemongrass is sustainably sourced from India, where it is naturally abundant and grows strong and fragrant.
Where does lemongrass essential oil come from?
Lemongrass is part of the genus Cymbopogon. Like lemongrass, the genus Cymbopogon includes citronella grass and lemongrass from eastern and western India. The grass itself smells like lemons, hence the name, and is a tropical plant native to Asia, Africa, and Australia. Historical records of lemongrass date back to the 17th century when a Spanish Jesuit in the Philippines made notes about its use. This illustrates that lemongrass essential oil has long been a part of traditional medicines, as well as a key ingredient in perfume oils.
Fresh lemongrass is a popular addition to many dishes, while lemon oil is common in fragrances, detergents, and cosmetics. Furthermore, research points to additional benefits of lemongrass essential oil, as it shows indications of anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
Benefits of Lemongrass Essential Oil: Breakdown of Components
Geranium: Geranium is better known as Citral and has a lemon fragrance. It is often used in the manufacturing of beauty supplies, cosmetics, and perfumes and is high in antioxidants. Citral also attracts honeybees. This is because Citral, along with geraniol and nerolic acid, is a key component of the Nassanoff pheromone. The Nassanoff pheromone is released by worker bees to help foraging bees return to the hive.
Neral: Neral is a natural plant component with a strong lemon scent. It is also a common ingredient in synthetic pheromones used to attract bees. Furthermore, it is one of the key compounds that plays a significant role in the benefits of lemongrass essential oil.
B-myrcene: b-myrcene shows evidence of being both an anti-inflammatory and a mild sedative.
Geraniol: Geraniol is present in lemongrass and citronella oils, among others. A common use of geraniol is as a natural insect repellent, although this component is actually a product of honeybees. Bees produce geraniol in their scent glands and use it to mark nectar-bearing flowers. Geraniol also exhibits anticancer properties.
Limonene oxide: plant metabolite, which comes from limonene.
Uses of lemongrass essential oil: For wholesale purposes
Skin care
Skincare is one of the uses of lemongrass essential oil. Even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the global skincare market reached $145 billion in 2020. Estimates place the total market value at around $185 billion by 2027. More specifically, the organic beauty market stood at $34.5 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach $54.5 billion by 2027. As you can see, the market for natural beauty products is growing rapidly in response to consumer demand.
A scientific study analyzing the use of lemongrass essential oil for skin found that it appears to be a good candidate for treating inflammatory conditions. Common examples of inflammatory skin conditions include eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. Furthermore, lemongrass's bright, fresh aroma adds a burst of citrus to any skincare product, making it the perfect natural alternative to synthetic fragrances.
Hair products
Like the skincare market, the hair care market is projected to grow by nearly $5 billion between 2020 and 2024. Manufacturers are exploring new approaches to hair care, many of which offer products with multiple benefits. Besides smelling wonderful, lemongrass essential oil may be able to reduce dandruff. An easy way to reap the benefits of lemongrass oil is to add a few drops to your shampoo and conditioner.
Insect repellent
Another use for lemongrass essential oil is for mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, which remain a major source of illness and death. There is no effective vaccine for malaria, making mosquito repellent a primary means of protection. Unfortunately, risks associated with improperly or excessively applied chemical repellents have resulted in cardiac and neurological side effects, as well as allergic reactions.
Lemongrass is considered biodegradable, which is one of the reasons it's so popular as an insect repellent. Furthermore, multiple studies show that lemongrass is effective at both repelling and killing mosquitoes and similar insects. One study, in particular, indicates an 8-hour repellency against the Anopheles mosquito.
Attracting bees
Lemongrass is one of the best sources of citral. Citral attracts honeybees and is often used by beekeepers who want to guide their bees to another location or hive. In addition to making honey, bees also pollinate flowers and crops. Beekeepers will travel with their bees to places like California and use them to pollinate almond and fruit trees. With the global bee population declining, this industry is becoming increasingly valuable and important to maintain. Keep your bees where you want them with natural lemongrass oil!
Soap manufacturing:
In addition to its skin-loving properties, lemongrass oil is one of the essential oils that offers an incredible fragrance. This means it results in soaps with a strong and long-lasting scent. Enjoy the fresh aroma of citrus while lemongrass helps keep your skin soft and moisturized!
What goes well with lemongrass essential oil?
Lemongrass has a sharp, exotic aroma, making it wonderful for blending with other fragrances. Bergamot, grapefruit, jasmine, coconut, ylang-ylang, and cedarwood are all excellent choices. Have fun getting creative with lemongrass and try making new combinations. Popular perfumes that feature lemongrass notes include Diesel's Only the Brave, Burberry Brit, and Adam Levine for Men.
Read more: What goes well with lemongrass essential oil?
DIY Lemongrass Essential Oil Around the House
If you're wondering how to use lemongrass essential oil around the house, you have many options. One of our favorite uses for this versatile oil is as a wood polish.
You will need:
Large glass spray bottle (dark color to protect essential oils)
3 tablespoons of white vinegar
1.5 tablespoons of olive oil
10 drops of lemongrass essential oil
Simply mix them in the glass bottle and shake well to combine. Spray a small amount onto a microfiber or soft cloth and apply it to the wood. Wipe away any residue with a polishing cloth and keep it away from pets.
Is lemongrass essential oil safe for dogs?
No. Lemongrass essential oil can cause gastrointestinal blockages in dogs, which can be life-threatening. Your pet should never ingest or come into direct contact with lemongrass oil.
Many products containing lemongrass essential oil are advertised as tick and flea prevention. However, certain properties of lemongrass are toxic to animals and could harm your pet. If you wish to use one of these methods, it is best to contact a veterinarian for advice first.
Lemongrass essential oil: Precautions
West Indian lemongrass is common in many recipes, but its essential oil is very potent. Lemongrass essential oil should only be used externally, and it's important to note that the oil should never be applied directly to the skin undiluted. Furthermore, if you wish to use lemongrass oil topically, it must first be diluted with a carrier oil or added to other products and cosmetics.
Flash point 90 °C
Lemongrass Essential Oil: Conclusion
Lemongrass essential oil is very versatile and can be used in many different ways and products. However, like any essential oil, it's important to use lemongrass oil with care, ensuring it's kept out of reach of pets and small children.
