
One of the most surprising characteristics of lemongrass is the difference between its botanical form and the aroma that its essential oil gives off. Due to its fresh perfume, when smelling the oil we move to the world of citrus. But contrary to what would be more usual, lemongrass has a herbaceous form in nature, totally contrary to the most common fruits such as lemon or orange. Hence its name Lemon (Lemon) and Grass (Grass).
The lemongrass is traditional Ayurvedic medicine in India, where it was used for the states of fever and to fight infections. It has now been shown that it can be a powerful sedative for the central nervous system. In addition, one of the most common uses is as a culinary flavoring, especially in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, both for food and for alcoholic beverages or soft drinks. Released into the environment by means of an aroma diffuser, it constitutes a powerful insect repellent. Botanically it belongs to the Poaceae family. It is a fast-growing herb, very aromatic and that can reach a meter and a half in height, with long and thin leaves. Their roots form an underground network that quickly deplete the soil where they grow.
Composition
The essential oil is obtained from the steam distillation of the leaves of the plant, both fresh and dried, finely cut.
A yellow, amber or reddish brown liquid is obtained with a fresh citrus herbaceous aroma with a hint of lemon.
The main components of the oil are:
- Citral (65-85%)
- Myrcene (12-25%)
- Dipentene, methylheptenone, linalol, geraniol, nerol, citronellol, farnesol, among others.
It pairs well with basil , cedar, coriander, geranium, jasmine , lavender, and tea tree.
Due to its great composition in citral, lemongrass oil has been used to isolate this component and to adulterate other more expensive oils such as verbena or lemon balm.
The by-product that remains after distillation is used as feed for livestock.
Lemongrass pharmacological properties

Several studies carried out with lemongrass have unanimously demonstrated its great bactericidal, antimicrobial and antifungal power. This is why it is a great ally to combat any infectious problem of the digestive and respiratory systems, among many others.
Its antipyretic action verifies its use in traditional Indian medicine to deal with states of high fever.
Other recent studies have also shown its sedative and calming power against stress and nervous situations.
It is recommended to smell its aroma in cases of jetlag or to clear the mind, especially in cases of headache or migraine.
Cosmetic results
Used externally, lemongrass provides the most oily and unbalanced skin with a balance to combat cases such as juvenile acne or seborrheic imbalances of all kinds. Helps open pores and curb excessive perspiration.
Applied to the hair, lemongrass can act as an anti-dandruff and treat the lice that so often attack the little ones.
On the other hand and thanks to its aforementioned antimicrobial and antifungal power as well as its insect repellent action, it is also used to treat ringworm, scabies or athlete’s feet.
In the same way that it is used in the gastronomic environment, lemongrass has been widely used in the world of cosmetics to flavor soaps, detergents, perfumes and cosmetics in general as a fragrant component, giving this fresh and pleasant aroma so typical of citrus fruits.
In fact, when we smell its fragrance, it moves us to the memory of a feeling of a good cleaning, sometimes it can even evoke the strong aroma that some cleaning and disinfection products that we use for the home give off …
Firming the bust
One of the most important properties of lemongrass is its firming and toning capacity for muscle tissue. Helps regain muscle tone by activating circulation and combats muscle aches by streamlining and remodeling the muscle.
For all this, lemongrass essential oil becomes an indispensable ingredient in a firming preparation for the bust. Along with other oils such as ylang-ylang and geranium, lemongrass creates a perfect synergy to enhance the natural beauty of a breast, especially when it is sagging and shapeless.
With a good combination of these oils, a woman’s chest can be transformed, firming and rounding the contour, so that she can show off a firm and healthy neckline without the need to undergo surgery.
Adverse effects
The essential oil of lemongrass can present cases of irritation to the skin if its use is not suitable. This is why in this case it is very important to respect the amounts in terms of dosages. Remember that for facial use, no more than 1% essential oil should be added to a carrier or vehicle oil, while for intended body use no more than 3% essential oil should be added. As for most essential oils, it is recommended to stop its application during periods of pregnancy, menstruation or lactation, moments in which the hormonal activity should flow by itself.