Lemongrass Essence

Description

LEMONGRASS (Cymbopogon citratus/flexuosus)

Family: Gramineae (aromatic grasses).

Source: The Essential oil is obtained from the grass.

Fragrance:Fresh, sweet, lemon.

Volatility: Top note.

General description and habitat:

Grown in the tropics; a grass native to Asia; cultivated in Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Africa, Madagascar, the Seychelles, South and tropical North America.

Two main types used; C.citratus has lemony odor and is less robust (height up to 2 feet); C. flesuosus is taller with large, loose, gray panicles.


Principal constituents:

Citral, citronellol, dipentene, geraniol, limonene, linalool, myrcene.

History

History and folk use:

Ayurvedic Medicine, in India, has used lemongrass to combat viral infections, especially cholera for centuries. It is also widely used in South-east Asian cooking.

Properties & Uses

General properties: Antiviral, antiseptic, stomachic, carminative, digestive, stimulant, uplifting

Primary Uses:

Athlete’s foot	Colitis
Flatulence	Skin problems
Slow digestion

Secondary Uses:

Acne,	Colic,
Indigestion,	Insect Repellent,
Lactation (Insufficiency),	Oily Skin,
Open Pores,	Scabies,
Water Retention.

Contraindications

Some Lemongrass is used to adulterate other oils to produce an aroma that smells either of rose or verbena.

Dilute well, can irritate the skin.

Consult a professional aromatherapist before use.