Lemongrass Essential OilBotanical Nomenclature: C. citratus, C. flexuosus Lemongrass essential oil can be made from either of two species of tufted grass, Cymbopogon citratus and C. flexuosus but it's C. citratus that you're most likely to find here in the U.S. All varieties of lemongrass oil are distilled from the leaves. If you're at all familiar with Asian cuisines, you know the herbaceous, citrus taste of lemongrass well. For centuries, lemongrass has been used to flavor foods, make paper goods and even to scent toiletries. At one time, lemongrass was crushed and diluted in water to make a natural scalp and hair rinse.
Characteristics of Lemongrass OilLemongrass can range from pale to deep yellow. It should have a strong, grassy scent with strong hints of lemon or other citrus to it. Oil made from C. citratus will have a scent similar to citronella while oil made from C. flexuosus will be a bit lighter with a truer "lemon" scent.Psychological AromatherapyLemongrass is generally used more in aromatherapy cosmetics than for inhaled aromatherapy but it's considered a good oil to spur on clear, concise thinking. At least one aromatherapy author suggests lemongrass for those "who have trouble starting in the morning".Traditional Uses for LemongrassIn some folk healing systems, lemongrass is used for colds, abdominal cramps and even arthritis. Author Salvatore Battaglia lists lemongrass' potential therapeutic actions as:
Scientific Studies on Lemongrass OilMalaria & Insect RepellenceWhile there's no evidence that lemongrass oil is effective against human cases of malaria, it does demonstrate some remarkable repellent properties against the insects that spread malaria. Numerous studies have found lemongrass effective but one of the most recent was a 2007 study done in the Amazon jungle of Bolivia. In this study, when lemongrass essential oil made from C. citratus was diluted with water to 25% then applied directly to the skin, it provided 74% protection for more than 2 hours. This supports the findings of other studies that suggest that higher concentrations of lemongrass may provide even greater protection. Sedative Properties Native healers in South America have long used lemongrass preparations to soothe nerves and decrease spasms and seizures. While human studies are scant, a few animal studies have found that lemongrass essential oil displays anticonvulsant properties. Type 2 Diabetes Lemongrass has also been used in folk medicine to address symptoms of type 2 diabetes. A 2007 Nigerian study found that rats who were given oral doses of lemongrass essential oil demonstrated lower levels of fasting plasma glucose after a 42-day regimen. Candida Lemongrass is mentioned extensively in aromatherapy texts as an anti-fungal agent. A 2007 Indian study actually found that lemongrass essential oil was more effective than the standard antibiotic treatment against some strains of candida infection.
Safety IssuesLike most other essential oils, lemongrass has not been exhaustively tested for safety in humans. Popular aromatherapy texts list lemongrass as non-toxic however science has yet to confirm this.References: Battaglia, S. (2005). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy Moore, S., et al. (2007). Field evaluation of traditionally used plant-based insect repellents and fumigants against the malaria vector Anopheles darlingi in Riberalta, Bolivian Amazon. Blanco, M., et al. (2007). FNeurobehavioral effect of essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus in mice. Adeneye, A., et al. (2007). Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of fresh leaf aqueous extract of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf. in rats. Dutta, B., et al. (2007). Anticandidial activity of some essential oils of a mega biodiversity hotspot in India. Leave Lemongrass Essential Oil & return to Essential Oil Directory page.
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