Lemongrass Essential Oil (cymbopogon citratus)

The lemongrass essential oil is from a wild grass that is often cultivated for the perfume industry. The essential oil is very popular that has a warm, citrus aroma, but less sharp than the lemon essential oil. Lemongrass has been used for many years as an insect repellent. Its main advantage over citronella is that the lemongrass does not smell as strongly as citronella. Lemongrass has been used for many centuries in India to treat fever and was known as fevergrass. Now it is used to mainly flavour foods, drinks and toiletries. Lemongrass is a natural repellent against mosquitoes, ticks, gnats and moths. Add 2 drops of pure essential oil to 10ml of grapeseed or almond oil or unperfumed body lotion and rub into your skin, especially round the ankles (mix with peppermint oil for extra effect).

Latin name: Cymbopogon citratus.

Family: Gramineae.

Plant part used: The grass and leaves are used.

Extraction: By distillation of the grass and leaves.

Aroma: A strong and sweet fragrance and lemony.

How to use: Add a few drops to a couple of cups of boiling water or melted candle wax to keep insects away when you're eating outdoors. Put a couple of drops on a tissue and keep in your sleeping bag when camping. Add 5 drops to a bath to ease aching muscles and counteract perspiration. A foot bath containing 5 drops eases and deodorizes tired, sweaty feet. Inhale 2 drops from a tissue to beat nervous exhaustion, headaches, stress or jetlag.

Oil combinations: Lemon grass oil blends well with rose and sandalwood oils, which soften its strong aroma, and with rosemary oil, which enhances its refreshing scent.

Blends well with: Bergamot, chamomile, cedarwood, basil, frankincense, lavender, neroli, niaouli, jasmine, geranium and Tea Tree.

Please allow an extra 2/3 days delivery for 500ml and 1 litre size essential oils.