Lemongrass essential oil: the grass that smells of lemon

Some scents liven up a room within seconds, and lemongrass is one of them: a clear lemon note, but greener and more herbaceous, reminiscent of the fresh stalks sold at Asian markets. Oddly enough, it does not come from a citrus fruit at all, but from a grass.

What is lemongrass?

Lemongrass belongs to the genus Cymbopogon, a group of tall aromatic grasses grown in tropical regions. Several related species share similar common names, such as citronella, even though their scents differ. That is why it is always worth checking the Latin name on the label.

According to the product sheet, our lemongrass comes from the species Cymbopogon flexuosus and has a fresh, lemony scent described as invigorating and refreshing. We classify it in the chemical family of terpenic aldehydes. This detail matters: the family calls for careful dilution whenever the skin is involved. To find out more, read our guide to essential oil families.

How to use it

Our druggist recommends it for two purposes: diffusion and cosmetic use.

For a fresh atmosphere

• Put a few drops in your diffuser, following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Keep sessions short, around a quarter of an hour, and air the room afterwards.
• It blends well with rounder notes such as sweet orange or lavender, which soften its sharper edge.
• In summer, a short session on a terrace or balcony adds a pleasant lemony touch at the end of the day.

In your skin care, highly diluted

• One drop is enough for a tablespoon of vegetable oil or a single dose of neutral shower gel, mixed just before use.
• Test the blend in the crook of your elbow first and wait 24 hours before using it more widely.
• Keep it for the body rather than the face, away from the eyes and mucous membranes.

Precautions

A lively oil that needs plenty of dilution. Oils rich in aldehydes can irritate sensitive skin: never apply them neat. Not for internal use. In case of contact with the eyes, rinse thoroughly with water. Ask for advice before any use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for a child, or if you are under medical care. Store the bottle closed, somewhere cool and out of children's reach.

Our products

• Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) – fresh, lemony scent.
• Lemongrass EO – the same scent profile, fresh and invigorating.
• Organic lemongrass EO, 10 ml – from organic farming, described as fresh and invigorating.

Fancy trying it?

Lemongrass is a good starting point for anyone who likes bright, clean scents. A few well-measured drops are enough to change the mood of a room. If you cannot decide between our three options, or would like to create a blend for your diffuser, come and talk to us at Droguerie Perusset in Yverdon-les-Bains: we will help you find the right amount.