Lemongrass
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Lemongrass Botanical binomial: Cymbopogon citatus Family: Graminae Other names: Cymbopogon flexus, Andropogon nardus var. flexosus, melissa grass, fever grass, citronella grass, geranium grass, oleum graminis citrati. Country of Origin: Nepal- ORGANIC, Guatemala Part of plant used in production: Fresh and partly dried leaves Methods of production: Steam distillation |
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| Description: |
A tall (up to 1.5 metres), perennial, fast growing, aromatic grass native to Asia. Lemongrass is cultivated in many places of the world, providing slight differences in its oils. |
| Characteristics: |
A sometimes colourless or otherwise yellow-brown oil with a tinge of red. The scent is quite strong, lemony and herbaceous. The Nepal variety is certifed organic with citrusy scent while the Guatemalan variety is sweeter and more herbal. |
| Properties: |
Analgesic, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant, fungicidal, insecticidal, sedative on the nervous system, tonic. |
| Constituents: |
Geranial (40-70%), neral (25-42%), limonene (trace-15%), linalool (trace-3%), geraniol (trace-16%), citronellol (trace-1%), eugenol (trace-0.5%). |
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Uses: |
Used in a wide range of food and beverages, citrusy perfume compounds, household products, and insect repellants. Lemongrass oil tones the body by boosting the parasympathetic nervous system and invigorates the mind and spirit. It treats jet lag, clears the head and relieves fatigue, aiding recovery form illness and pain. |
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Blends well with: |
Basil, bergamot, cedarwood, geranium, lavender, lemon, palmarosa, petitgrain, rosemary, and tea tree. |
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Interesting Facts: |
Lemongrass is used in traditional Indian medicine for infectious illnesses and fevers, acting as a sedative on the central nervous system. |
| Safety: |
Non-toxic. Can be sensitizing and irritating for some individuals therefore should not be applied to the skin at dilutions over 3%. |