Lemongrass oil is used in the aromatherapy industry.
Lemongrass oil derives from an organic Indian grass widely used in the aromatherapy industry. It has a sweet, lemony smell and is dark yellow in color, with the same basic consistency as water. It is used for many different purposes, including offering a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation for the body and mind.
Cymbopogon Citral
The main component in lemongrass oil is Cymbopogon Citral, or just Citral. Lemongrass oil consists of 65 to 85 percent Citral. Citral is a pale yellow liquid, often colorless, with a strong fresh lemon smell. Citral is extracted from fresh leaves by using steam distillation. It can be blended with other ingredients as well, including Bergamot, Cardomon and Petigrain Rose.
Other Components
Essential oils are made with many different components to obtain their aromatic smells and purposes. Lemongrass oil contains quantities of Farmesol, Nerol, Citronellal, Myrcene and Geranyl acetate. Most brands of lemongrass oil contain between 12 and 25 percent Myrcene, typically the second-highest component in the oil. People purchasing lemongrass oil may look for a higher content of Myrcene because of its perceived effects. If the Myrcene has a higher content, most likely the Citral content is lower. People use this component as a pain reliever and antibacterial treatment.
Uses
Lemongrass oil can be digested as a pill, ingested by breathing in fumes or applied directly to the skin. It is used for fighting jet lag, eliminating ticks and fleas from pets and as a relaxation tool to combat headaches, nervousness and stress. People also use lemongrass oil for respiratory infections, skin toner, antiseptic and to relieve muscle pain.
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