Lemongrass

Other Name(s):

Cymbopogon citratus ; Cymbopogon flexuosus

Lemongrass (both Cymbopogon citratus and Cymbopogon flexuosus) are native to the Indian subcontinent, and are naturally distributed in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It’s now grown throughout Africa and many other countries where there are no serious winter frosts. It prefers subtropical temperatures between 10°C and 33°C. It can be a little thirsty, needing between 700 mm and 3000 mm of annual rainfall. South African farmers are encouraged to cultivate C. citratus because it’s more drought tolerant.

Is Lemongrass Faithful to Nature?

Depends.

Lemongrass essential oil is a natural ingredient with a wide range of useful benefits. It can be manufactured safely and farmed sustainably without harming the environment. It is, however, a powerful ingredient and should be used wisely.

Benefits: Why is Lemongrass used?

Refreshing Scent

Lemongrass Essential Oil has a refreshing scent, similar to ripe lemons

Natural Insect Repellent

Lemongrass Essential Oil has natural insect repellent powers.

Potent Antimicrobial

Lemongrass Essential Oil has natural antibacterial and fungicidal powers.

Astringent Properties

Lemongrass essential oil can be used in skincare to reduce oiliness.

Learn more about Lemongrass:

On the Shelf: Which Products Use Lemongrass?

Lemongrass Essential Oil is used in antibacterial bar soaps, hand cleansers, facial toners and face washes. It’s also used as an active ingredient in insect repellent sprays and scented candles to keep mosquitoes away. It enjoys some unique other uses in anti-odour shoe and foot products, and household surface cleaners too!

Production: How is Lemongrass Made?

Lemongrass Essential Oil is made by the steam distillation of the freshly harvested stalks and leaves.

Interesting Fact: Lemongrass

EU regulations specify that certain fragrance oils commonly found in natural essential oils must be labelled separately on ingredient lists on cosmetic product labels. The EU governing bodies specify this because they are recognised as potential allergens which can irritate sensitive skin. Lemongrass essential oil contains citral, geraniol, limonene, and linalool.

Lemongrass is chiefly composed of citral, which makes up between 70 and 80% of its total.

The well-known mosquito repelling powers of citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) are enhanced by the addition of its close cousin lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus).