Lemongrass

Botanical Name

East Indian: Cymbopogon flexuosus

Plant Family

Poaceae

Country of Origin

India

Common Method of Extraction

Steam Distilled

Plant Part Typically Used

Grass

Color

Pale Yellow to Vivid Yellow

Consistency

Thin

Perfumery Note

Top

Strength of Initial Aroma

Strong

Aromatic Description

Lemongrass Essential Oil smells fresh, lemony and slightly herbaceous.

Lemongrass Essential Oil Uses

Analgesic (pain relief), Antifungal, Nervine (calms and soothes the nerves), Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Headache relief, Aids detoxification, Supports eye health, Anticancer, Anticonvulsive, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiallergenic, Antiparasitic, Antiseptic, Antivral, Astringent, Antibacterial, Antineuralgic, Helps expel excess gas, Relievers diarrhea, Muscular Aches And Pains, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Indigestion, Physical And Mental Exhaustion, Acne, Insect Repellent, Eases sports injuries, Aids digestion, Helps heal bruises, Circulatory aid, Reduces fever, Deodorant, Soothes swollen glands, Sedating, Antidepressant, Helps ease difficult emotional transitions, Energizing, Reduces mental fatigue, Stress management

Source: Valerie Ann Worwood, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, 25th Anniversary Edition (Novato, CA: New World Library, 2016, 599.

Acne, athlete’s foot, excessive perspiration, flatulence, insect repellent, muscle aches, oily skin, scabies, stress. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 56-67.]

Major Constituents of East Indian Lemongrass Essential Oil (Cymbopogon flexuosus)

• Geranial
• Neral
• Geranyl Acetate
• Geraniol
• (+)-Limonene

See Essential Oil Safety for more complete list of typical constituents.

Source of constituents for both East Indian and West Indian Lemongrass Essential Oil: B.M. Lawrence, Essential Oils 1981-1987 (Wheaton: Allured Publishing, 1989), 111. L. Zhu, Y. Li, B. Li, et al. Aromatic Plants and Essential Constituents. (South China Institute of Botany, HK, 1993), 200. L.S. Chagonda, C. Makanda. Essential Oils of Cultivated Cymbopogon winterianus (Jowitt) and of C. citratus (DC) (Stapf) from Zimbabwe. (Journal of Essential Oil Research 12, 2000), 478-480. Sources cited in Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 334.

Lemongrass Essential Oil Safety Information

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.

Recommended Dilution Range

To avoid the risk of various safety issues, we recommend a maximum dilution of 0.7% for topical applications.

General Safety Information

Do not take essential oils internally nor 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. Read, Birkat Natural’s, Guide to Diluting Essential Oils, for general dilution information. If you are currently experiencing pregnancy, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, have any other medical problem, or are otherwise under the care of a physician, 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. Carefully read Birkat Natural’s Essential Oil Safety Information page, before using any essential oil. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made by Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC as to the medicinal value of any products from Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC. The information presented here is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essential oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. If you have any questions, please call or email us for further information.