Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil is extracted from the fresh or dehydrated leaves of Lemongrass. Lemongrass is a member of the grass family Poaceae (formerly known as Gramineae) to which Citronella and Palma Rosa belong to. This plant is indigenous to the tropical regions of Asia, especially India and Sri Lanka. Lemongrass is commercially cultivated for oil refinement and its curative properties. This plant is generally grown as an ornamental plant as well as a natural insect repellent. It is a perennial plant that grows up to a maximum height of 1.8 meters tall and 1.2 meters broad. Lemongrass plant often grows in thick clusters or bunches. The globular stems of the plant turn as the leaves in due course of time. The bluish-green leaves of this plant are broad and scented with stylish apexes. This evergreen plant bears leaves all around the year. These aromatic leaves are used in many natural medications and culinary uses.
The essential oil of Lemongrass is extracted from the fresh or dehydrated leaves of Lemongrass. The oil is extracted by steam distillation method. Lemongrass oil is deep yellow to amber in color with a watery viscosity. This oil has a sweet, pleasant, citrusy, fresh and natural aroma. Lemongrass oil blends well with jasmine oil, tea tree oil, lavender oil, cedarwood oil, basil oil, geranium oil and coriander oil.
Latin name: Cymbopogon citrates.
Alternative names: Citroengrass, Zacate Limon, Fever Grass, Lemongrass, Sereh, Te Limon, Andropogon citratus, West Indian Lemongrass, Guatemala lemongrass, Madagascar Lemongrass, Native Lemongrass, Cochin Lemongrass.
Lemongrass is found growing in the wild in the Asian tropical climates. It is also commercially cultivated for its medicinal values in Asia and few other parts of the world. This cash crop prefers damp soil with a good drainage system. It can grow well in full sunlight to partial shade. Propagation is carried out by planting the division of the mature bunches during the spring or early summer. Lemongrass oil contains citral, myrcene, limonene, citronellal, monoterpenoids, geranyl acetate, geraniol, nerol, citronellol and neral. This oil also has bactericidal, deodorant, tonic, analgesic, anti-depressant, fungicidal, carminative, sedative antimicrobial, nervine, antipyretic, insecticidal, febrifuge, antiseptic, galactagogue, diuretic and astringent properties.
Uses: Lemongrass oil is popularly known as ‘choomana poolu’ in India and it refers to the ‘Indian Melissa oil’ used in Ayurvedic medicine. This oil is often used to bring down fevers and treat infectious diseases. Lemongrass oil is used to treat jetlag, nervous exhaustion, headaches, muscular pains, laryngitis, stress disorders, sore throat, colitis, gastro-enteritis, poor circulation and indigestion. This oil is very special in treating muscle pains, arthritis and rheumatism. It also helps in toning the skin and muscles. Lemongrass oil has been proved effective in keeping away ticks, fleas, lice and few other insects. This oil is a natural insect repellent. Lemongrass oil is also used to check acne, oily skin and athlete’s foot.
