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nature direct 2u
Most common oils
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Glossary |
Lemongrass |
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Cymbopogon citratus
It is used as flavouring for food, alcoholic and soft drinks, a compound in soaps, detergents, perfumes and cosmetics. The fresh leaves have been traditionally used in Thai, Vietnamese and Caribbean cooking for many years. The herb is frequently used in curries as well as in seafood soups. The light lemon flavour of this grass blends well with garlic, chilies, and cilantro. This is a very pungent herb and is normally used in small amounts. It is also used to make herbal teas. Researchers have found that lemongrass holds antidepressant, anti-oxidant, antiseptic, astringent, bactericidal, fungicidal, nervine and sedative properties. It also can be used as a deodorant and body tonic. Lemongrass is very helpful for treating certain skin conditions such as acne, rough skin patches, open pores and the link. Many have found that adding a few drops to skin treatment products had greatly enhanced them. Skin oils may also be made by mixing lemongrass with sweet almond or jojoba oil. It's strong antiseptic and bactericidal properties mean it has been used in Indian medicine for thousands of years to fight infectious diseases and fevers. As part of a traditional Indian medicine, Ayuveda, lemongrass was used for soothing fevers and various illnesses. It is a great 'tonic' of an oil because of it's stimulating effect on the whole system. It seems to have a sedative effect on the central nervous system. This oil will also deodorize quite naturally and is very effective with sweaty feet, as it seems to help balance the oil production in the feet. The
chemical constituents of most varieties of lemongrass are citral (70%),
geraniol, farnesol, citronellal, myrcene, nerol and
aldehydes. The high level of citral, the same active ingredient
in lemon peel, aids digestion as well as relieves spasms, muscle cramps,
sore throats, rheumatism and headaches. The oil is extracted by steam
distillation and has a fresh, green almost lemon like scent. Lemongrass can be blended with
other essential oils such as lavender, jasmine, juniper, rose, geranium and
eucalyptus. It is a top note oil and will evaporate quickly in a blend. To help prevent
this and add extra aromatic qualities, pure, natural honey may be added. A
refreshing, cleansing and stimulating tonic on the body, and added to
shampoos aids in adding a shine to the hair. Sweet, powerful 'lemony' aroma which makes a good
refreshing and deodorizing room fragrance. Lemongrass is also used commercially as the lemon scent in
candles. The perfume industry has found that
lemongrass can give almost the same effect in blends as more expensive
scents such as verbena and melissa, therefore making the price of the
product less expensive. Make sure you read labels of the aforementioned
essential oils carefully to be certain they have not been adulterated
with lemongrass which will diminish their effects.
Care: Some individuals experience dermatitis from contact with lemongrass,
particularly the concentrated oils. Like other citrus oils, lemongrass can irritate the skin
so it needs to be used in a very dilute form.
DISCLAIMER:
This
page is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute
for accurate diagnosis and treatment by a qualified health care
professional. The author is neither a chemist nor an herbalist and has
had no medical training whatsoever. The content herein is the product of
research, not practical experience. |
Cymbopogon includes
more than 30 perennial tropical
grass species with mostly lemon scented foliage. Lemongrass is cultivated for the edible stem and for
the essential oil. It is native to India and is now heavily grown and oil produced in the West Indies,
Africa and parts of tropical Asia.
