Lemongrass
Cymbopogon citratus
About Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a vibrant, awakening oil that combines citrus brightness with the grounding quality of grass. Native to tropical Asia and widely cultivated in India (where it is called bhustrina in Sanskrit), lemongrass has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries as a febrifuge, digestive stimulant, and analgesic. The tall, fragrant grass is a staple of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, and its essential oil is one of the most affordable and versatile in the aromatherapy repertoire.
The oil's high citral content (typically 65-85%) gives it potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and insect-repellent properties. In Ayurvedic terms, lemongrass is sharp (tikshna), light (laghu), and drying (ruksha), with a heating virya that stimulates agni and dispels ama. It is particularly effective for musculoskeletal pain, as the citral and myrcene compounds provide significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory action that has been validated in clinical research.
Therapeutic Properties
Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, astringent, carminative, deodorant, febrifuge, insect repellent, digestive stimulant
Emotional Benefits
Lemongrass clears mental exhaustion and revitalizes a fatigued mind. It dispels lethargy, pessimism, and the heavy inertia that accompanies burnout. It promotes clarity of thought and renewed motivation. It is particularly useful for those who feel stuck in repetitive, draining patterns and need a fresh perspective.
Physical Benefits
Relieves muscle pain, tendon strain, and ligament soreness. Supports digestion and relieves bloating and gas. Reduces fever. Powerful insect repellent, especially against mosquitoes. Supports lymphatic drainage and reduces fluid retention. May help lower cholesterol.
Skin Benefits
Effective for fungal skin infections and athlete's foot. Astringent action tones pores and controls excess oil. Helps with acne when properly diluted. Natural deodorizing properties. Must be well-diluted, as the high citral content can irritate sensitive skin.
How to Use
Diffuse 3-4 drops for air purification and insect repelling. Add to carrier oil for muscle and joint massage. Use in a foot soak for athlete's foot. Add to DIY cleaning products. Combine with citronella for natural outdoor insect spray.
Blends Well With
Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Tea Tree, Rosemary, Peppermint, Basil, Cedarwood, Bergamot, Ginger, Lime
Dilution Guide
General use: 1-2% (6-12 drops per ounce). Massage: 1-2%. Facial use: not recommended -- too irritating for facial skin. Children over 6: 0.5%. Insect repellent spray: 2-3% in water with dispersant.
Can cause significant skin irritation and sensitization at higher concentrations. Always dilute well. Do not use on the face. Avoid in pregnancy. May interfere with diabetes medications due to blood sugar-lowering effects. Do not use on children under 2. May irritate eyes and mucous membranes -- diffuse in well-ventilated spaces. Not safe for cats.
Did You Know?
Research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that lemongrass oil was more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET in some laboratory tests. In parts of Africa, lemongrass is planted around homes as a living mosquito barrier, a practice now supported by scientific evidence.
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Discover Your Dosha
Essential oils work best when matched to your unique constitution. Understanding your Ayurvedic prakriti helps you choose the oils that will bring you the most balance and benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of Lemongrass essential oil?
Lemongrass essential oil offers emotional, physical, and skin benefits. Emotionally: Lemongrass clears mental exhaustion and revitalizes a fatigued mind. It dispels lethargy, pessimism, and the heavy inertia that accompanies burnout. I. Physically: Relieves muscle pain, tendon strain, and ligament soreness. Supports digestion and relieves bloating and gas. Reduces fever. Powerful insect repellent.
Is Lemongrass essential oil safe to use on skin?
Lemongrass should always be diluted before topical application. General use: 1-2% (6-12 drops per ounce). Massage: 1-2%. Facial use: not recommended -- too irritating for facial skin. Children over 6: 0.5%. Insect repellent spray: 2-3% in water with dispersant. Cautions: Can cause significant skin irritation and sensitization at higher concentrations. Always dilute well. Do not use on the face. Avoid in pregnancy. May
What does Lemongrass essential oil blend well with?
Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Tea Tree, Rosemary, Peppermint, Basil, Cedarwood, Bergamot, Ginger, Lime
Which dosha does Lemongrass essential oil balance?
Lemongrass has a Strongly reduces Kapha through its heating, drying, and penetrating nature. Stimulates sluggish Vata digestion. May aggravate Pitta due to its sharp, heating qualities. Pitta types should use sparingly and in well-diluted blends. effect. It is connected to the Fire element and the Solar Plexus (Manipura). Lemongrass activates personal power, motivation, and the drive to take action. It clears stagnation from the center of will and digestive fire. Chakra. Its bright, sharp, lemony with a grassy, earthy sweetness and herbal depth scent profile makes it a top note in aromatherapy blends.
How do I use Lemongrass essential oil?
Diffuse 3-4 drops for air purification and insect repelling. Add to carrier oil for muscle and joint massage. Use in a foot soak for athlete's foot. Add to DIY cleaning products. Combine with citronella for natural outdoor insect spray.