Description:
Lemon grass oil is acquired from Cymbopogan citratus, belongs to grass family named as Poaceae; it is native to tropical and subtropical regions, it is medicinal herb of India and also cultivated in other parts such as Africa, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, China, Malaysia, Cambodia. Lemongrass plant grows well in dense clumps; it has bright green, sharp edged leaves. It grows up to 6 feet in height.
Extraction:
Lemongrass oil is derived from leaves of the Cymbopogon plant through steam distillation.
Composition:
Its main constituents are myrcene, citronella, geranyl acetate, nerol, geraniol, neral, limonene, terpineol, methyl heptenone, dipentene, farnesol and citral.
Properties:
Lemongrass oil is light and has thin consistency with a pale or bright yellow in color and fresh lemony smell with earthy aroma.
Blending:
Lemongrass oil is well mixes with other essential oils such as basil, cedar wood, coriander, geranium, jasmine, lavender and tea tree.
Uses:
- It is used for aromatherapy as it provides relieve from muscle pain and reduces body pain.
- It is used to add fragrance to cosmetics, soaps, air fresheners and home deodorizers.
- It provides strength to hair follicles and prevents hair loss and itchy scalp. As it kills bacteria and soothes hair and leave hair shiny, fresh and odor free.
- It is used to flavor tea and soups; it stimulates soothing, relaxing and balancing and also has property to flush out all toxins from body so it detoxify digestive tract, liver, kidneys, bladder and pancreas.
- It is used as cleansers for all skin type as it has astringent and antiseptic properties; it provides glowing skin and sterilizes pores, serve as natural toner and strengthen skin tissues.
- Lemongrass contains geraniol and citral content, it is natural bug repellant.
- It provides relieve from stress and encourage sleep in insomnia patients.
- Lemongrass oil is used for treatment of muscle spasms, back aches, sprains and cramps as it has muscle relaxing quality.
- It reduces inflammation and helps in treatment of allergic diseases like asthma, arthritis, Alzheimer, cancer, cardiovascular, diabetes, high blood pressure and also high cholesterol levels and Parkinson’s diseases.
- It is effective against stomach issues; it helps to relieve pain from gas irritation in stomach, bowels and prevent gastrointestinal disorders such as gastric ulcers.
- It has antioxidant property, it has ability to fight against free radicals and inhibit growth of cancer cells.
Safety and Precautions:
- Some people, who are suffering from lung issues, do not inhale lemongrass oil as it has toxic side effect after inhaling.
- If some people have skin sensitivity, it can create rash, discomfort or burning sensation.
- Do not use lemongrass oil as it stimulates menstrual flow so there is a slight chance of miscarriage.
- Avoid use of lemongrass oil for children or nursing mothers.
Specification of Lemongrass Oil:
Organoleptic Properties:
Appearance—Fluid liquid
Colour – Light yellow to pale yellow with reflection of reddish brown colour.
Odour – The odour is strong, sharp, pungent & fresh-grassy lemon type, Herbaceous or Tea like odour.
Botanical Source – Cymbopogon flexuous, Cymbopogon citrates (Fam: Gramineae)
Physico-Chemical Properties:
Specific Gravity – 0.892 – 0.925
Refractive Index – 1.481 – 1.492
Optical Rotation – -3° to +4°
Assay by GC – Min. 70% Citral content
Storage – In well fitted container in cool and dark place.
