All About Lemongrass
Lemongrass has an uplifting lemony aroma. It can help improve mood and alertness. Topical use can be skin sensitizing; heavily dilute to less than 1%, and avoid with those who have sensitive skin.
Fun Fact
Although lemongrass oil can be used to repel many insects including mosquitoes, it actually attracts bees!
Lemongrass Research
Human studies have demonstrated a mood boosting effect of lemongrass aroma. It may help with anxiety and cognitive performance. Other human studies have shown it to aid in reducing dandruff and improving oral hygiene, although it can be skin sensitizing. It has also shown to be insect repelling, antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, antifungal, anti-parasitic, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, anti-convulsant, anti-pyretic and anti-diahrreal. More research is needed. Click the button below for a detailed review of research.
Lemongrass Herb and Essential Oil
Latin Name: Cymbopogon citratus or C. flexuousus
Family: Graminaceae
Other Names
- Other Latin names: Andropogon citratus
- Other common names: Capim-cidrao, Ceylon citronella grass, fever grass, herbe citron
Plant Description
There are many species and varieties of lemongrass. Lemongrass is a tropical plant grass with a lemony aroma.
Herb Description
1.5 tsp of fresh, or 3/4 tsp of dried leaves in 8 oz of boiling water can been used to make a tea
Essential Oil Description
Oil is steam distilled from the leaves. It is thin and lemony fresh in aroma.
Key Constituents
Geranial, neral, beta-myrcene
