Lemongrass - Huile essentielle

Lemongrass - Essential Oil

Lemongrass essential oil is invigorating and citrusy, boosting energy and purifying the air. Its intense, fresh scent makes it a versatile essential oil, ideal for revitalizing the mind, toning the skin, and naturally purifying the home.

Avertissement

Les propriétés, indications et modes d’utilisation présentés sont tirés d’ouvrages et de sites de référence en aromathérapie, hydrolathérapie et phytothérapie. Ces données sont fournies à titre informatif et ne constituent pas un avis médical. Elles ne remplacent en aucun cas un diagnostic, une consultation ou un suivi médical et n’engagent pas notre responsabilité. Avant toute utilisation, consultez le guide des huiles essentielles pour connaître les précautions d’emploi. En cas de doute, demandez l’avis d’un médecin.

Properties

Natural repellent
Natural repellent
Refreshing
Refreshing
After-meal well-being
After-meal well-being

Uses

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icone-site-diffusion-utilise-born-to-bio
icone-site-inhalation-utilise-born-to-bio

  • Properties, uses & synergies

  • Precautions for use

  • History of the plant and characteristics

Properties

Lemongrass essential oil is particularly appreciated for its many traditional virtues. According to specialised aromatherapy literature, it is known for:

• Tonic and refreshing properties: brings energy and vitality
• Air-purifying action: freshens the air
• Natural repellent effect: keeps mosquitoes and insects away
• Deodorising properties: neutralises bad odours
• Astringent action on the skin: traditionally used to balance oily skin
• Digestive properties (traditional use in Asia): supports digestive comfort
• Relaxing effect: in massage, helps release tension

These qualities make Lemongrass a versatile essential oil, used as much in diffusion as in cosmetics and natural household care.

Traditional uses

Aromatherapy

When diffused, Lemongrass essential oil creates an invigorating, stimulating atmosphere. It is particularly recommended for fighting tiredness and bringing mental clarity.

Cosmetics and natural care

Used in homemade lotions or gels, it is appreciated for its astringent, purifying action on oily skin. It is also used in shampoos to revitalise the scalp.

Household care

Its intense lemony fragrance makes it an ingredient of choice for homemade sprays, multi-purpose cleaners and natural air fresheners.

Well-being and relaxation

Its fresh fragrance encourages clarity of mind and accompanies practices such as yoga or meditation, blended with other relaxing oils.

Other possible uses

In Asia, Lemongrass is widely used in cooking for its characteristic lemony notes. In perfumery, it adds a lively, zesty touch to natural compositions.

Uses

Diffusion

A few drops in a diffuser are enough to freshen the air and liven up the atmosphere.

⚠️ Do not exceed 30 minutes of diffusion per session.

Skin application

Always dilute in a vegetable oil (e.g. jojoba, sweet almond).

Recommended dilution: 1 to 2% maximum.

⚠️ Never apply undiluted: risk of irritation.

Inhalation

For dry inhalation, put 1 drop on a tissue and breathe in for a stimulating effect.

Aromatic bath

Always dilute in a dispersing base (Solubol, powdered milk) before adding it to hot bath water.

Homemade recipes

Widely used in purifying sprays, liquid soaps and natural deodorants.

Synergies

Lemongrass blends particularly well with:

• Rose Geranium for a floral, balancing blend
• Lemon or Lemon Verbena for a tonic, refreshing blend
• True Lavender to temper its strength and add a relaxing touch
• Scots Pine for invigorating, purifying preparations

Essential oils are powerful active ingredients that should be used with caution.

Lemongrass essential oil is powerful and must be used with care:

• Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women (unless advised by a doctor)
• Not to be used for children under 6
• ⚠️ Dermocaustic when undiluted: always dilute before use
• Skin test essential in the crook of the elbow before application
• Internal use reserved for qualified healthcare professionals

The plant

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), also called East Indian lemongrass, is a tropical herbaceous plant of the Poaceae family. Native to India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, it grows naturally in hot, humid climates.

The fresh leaves are steam-distilled to obtain an essential oil with an intense lemony fragrance.

Anecdotes & History

In India, Lemongrass is nicknamed "fever grass", as it was traditionally used in decoctions to ease fever and pain.

In Thailand, it remains an essential ingredient in traditional cooking, giving dishes their characteristic lemony flavour.

Introduced to Europe in the 20th century, it quickly found its place in exotic perfumery and homemade cosmetics, where it is appreciated for its intense freshness and purifying power.

Physical and olfactory characteristics

Lemongrass essential oil has the following characteristics:

• Appearance: fluid, clear liquid
• Colour: pale yellow to golden yellow
• Scent: lemony, fresh and invigorating, with a herbaceous, slightly earthy touch

Its zesty, powerful fragrance makes it an ideal oil for bringing energy and neutralising bad odours.

Biochemical composition

Lemongrass is particularly rich in terpene aldehydes, including:

• Citral (geranial + neral): 65 to 85%
• Geraniol
• Myrcene
• Limonene
• Linalool
• Farnesol
• β-caryophyllene

This composition gives Lemongrass its purifying, toning and repellent properties.

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