Essential oil of the Month: Lemongrass – Insights by Charene Beauty Salon
Essential oil of the month Lemongrass!
Cymbopogon, better known as lemongrass, is a genus of Asian, African, Australian, and tropical island plants (herb) in the grass family. Lemongrass is widely used as a culinary herb in Asian cuisines prized for its strong citrus flavor with hints of mint and ginger it is also a medicinal herb in India. In the garden, lemongrass forms a tall, grassy clump 3 to 5 feet tall. Its appearance rivals that of many ornamental types of grass and can easily fulfill a similar role in the landscape. Harvest lemongrass for its bulbous stem bases, rich with lemony flavor, or clip leaves for infusing tea and soup stock. The oil is used as a pesticide and a preservative. Research shows that lemongrass oil has antifungal properties. Despite its ability to repel some insects, such as mosquitoes, its oil is commonly used as a “lure” to attract honey bees.
photo credit: Andrea_Nguyen Fresh lemongrass via photopin (license)
The essential oil is stimulating, relaxing, soothing, and balancing. The chemical composition of lemongrass essential oil varies according to the geographical origin; the compounds typically include hydrocarbon terpenes, alcohols, ketones, esters, and mainly aldehydes. The essential consists of mainly citral at about 70 to 80 percent.
Lemongrass essential oil is a source of essential vitamins such as vitamin:
A
B1
B2
B3
B5
B6
folate
vitamin C
It also provides essential minerals such as:
magnesium
phosphorous
manganese
copper
potassium,
calcium
zinc
iron
Common Method of Extraction
Steam Distilled
Plant Part Typically Used
Grass
Color
Pale Yellow to Vivid Yellow
Consistency
Thin
Perfumery Note
Top
Strength of Aroma
Strong
Aromatic Description
Fresh, lemony, earthy.
Lemongrass Essential Oil Uses
Muscular Aches & Pains; as well as Headaches
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Indigestion
Helps Physical & Mental Exhaustion, Anxiety, & Depression by Boosting Self-esteem, Confidence, Hope, & Mental Strength
Inhibits Microbial & Fungal Growth has Antiseptic Properties; Helping Lower Fevers, Acne, Heal Wounds
Astringent
Helps Flatulence
Stimulates Urine & Lactation
Helps with Hairloss
Insect Repellent
Sedative & Calming
Lemongrass is personally one of my favorite essential oils!
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