Lemongrass Essential Oil

1. Lemon Essential Oil Lemongrass has a fresh, invigorating scent that’s very inviting. It is an extremely fragrant herb traditionally used in Thai and Indian cuisine. Other than it’s amazing aroma, lemongrass also has many other health benefits such as; fever relief, antiseptic aid and circulation support. While lemongrass will add zest to your kitchen pantry, with its wide spread uses, its also a great essential oil to have on hand as part of your aromatherapy kit. Plant Information Plant History The origins of lemongrass come from tropical climates such as; Africa, Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia and Oceanic countries. There are two main types of lemongrass, Cymbopogon Citratus and Cymbopogon Flexuosus. C. Citratus is often used in Indian, Chinese and Thai cuisine to aid in digestion and C. Flexuosus is mainly used in essential oil therapy. Lemongrass grass” because it can help break high body temperatures when lemongrass leaves are muddled into tea. This plant has also been used for it’s antimicrobial properties and can treat infection, kill pesky bugs, help in cold and flu recovery and can alleviate muscle stiffness by increasing circulation. In 1905, thetherapeutic properties of this plant peaked and in 1947, lemongrass began to be grown commercially in Florida & Haiti. is sometimes referred to as “fever

2. 2 Botanical Information Lemongrass belongs to the Poaceae family which is also home to 55 other plant species. These plants are a perennial herb and grow in clusters, often reaching 2 meters in diameter, with leaves that can grow up to 1 meter in length. These plants can also have a fragrant aroma, bringing freshness to the areas they are grown. Growing Information Lemongrass needs a warm, humid climate with full sunlight in order to survive. In North America this plant would thrivebest in southern USA. You can grow lemongrass indoors or in a greenhouse, just ensure to replicate a tropical environment and plant in a pot using rich, well-draining soil and ensure the roots don’t dry out. This plant also needs to be fertilized every couple of weeks during its growing season. Parts Used Once lemongrass blades reach 12” in height and the base of the stems are 1/2” thick, they can be harvested. The whole shoot can be used, the base of the stalk is edible and used in many dishes, suc as coconut curries and the leaves can be used in teas or for oil extraction. Oil Information Extraction Method Lemongrass oil is extracted through steam distillation, as are most essential oils. Fresh leaves or freeze dried leaves are used in the extraction process. The leaves are placed in a chamber of the steaming still and as the steam heats up, it pulls the essential oil out of the leaves. The steam and oil then travel through the apparatus and when they reach a holding chamber, the temperature cools, causing it to re-liquify. The mixture is then carried through to the separator and the oil is siphoned off the water and used in essential oils, while the fragrant water is commonly used in cosmetics and to scent products. Active Ingredients The main active ingredients in Lemongrass are; Mycrene, Citronellal, Geranyl Acetate, Nerol, Geraniol, Neral, Limonene and Citral.

3. 3 Applications REVITALIZING Lemongrass oil is very uplifting and invigorating. It’s citrusy scent helps boost energy and mood. If you’re looking for a mid-afternoon energy boost, you can incorporate lemongrass oil to your daily routine: Add 10-12 drops of lemongrass essential oil to a diffuser Mix 1 drop of lemongrass essential oil with 1 drop carrier oil (grapeseed, jojoba oil) and rub onto your wrists and neck Fill a spray bottle with water and add 3-4 drops lemongrass oil, shake and use as a make up setting spray or skin freshener to help energize your spirit and skin. Mix 3-4 drops lemongrass oil to a spray bottle filled with water, shake and use as a room freshener. • • • • BYE, BYE BUGS Lemongrass oil makes for a great insect repellant because it’s not only effective and chemical free, but it smells great too. To use as an insect repellant: Mix 5 drops lemongrass oil to a rollerball filled with jojoba oil and rub on wrists, ankles and behind the ears or anywhere else that’s exposed Diffuse 10 drops of lemongrass oil in a diffuser in your backyard or house to keep mosquitos, flies and fleas out of your home Mix 5 drops lemongrass oil and 3 drops citronella oil in a spritz bottle filled with witch hazel and water, shake well and spray over clothing as needed. • • • COLD AND FLU SUPPORT Lemongrass has great anti-bacterial properties and can fight bacteria that causes cold and flu. Lemongrass can also help regulate body temperature. To use lemongrass to help combat the cold season: Add 3-5 drops of lemongrass essential oil in 3 cups of boiling water, place face 14 inches from bowl, close eyes and slowly inhale the steam. Diffuse 10 drops of lemongrass oil in a diffuser and use as you would a vaporizer Add 2 drops of lemongrass oil per 2 drops of (tamanu, jojoba) and apply it to your temples and chest to inhale during sleep. • • • your favourite carrier oil

4. 4 HEADACHE SUPPORT Lemongrass oil makes a great headache remedy and can revitalize your mood at the same time. If you find yourself being effected by headache pain, but don’t have time to nap it off, these remedies can help: Diffuse 10-15 drops of lemongrass oil in a diffuser Mix 3 drops lemongrass oil to a rollerball filled with jojoba oil and massage on temples and base of neck Add 3 drops of lemongrass oil to a bowl of hot or cold water and place a cloth in the water. Wring it out and lay or tie the cloth on forehead or at the base of your neck, depending where the headache tension is coming from. Inhale deeply for 15-20 minutes. • • • INSOMNIA AND STRESS SUPPORT Revitalizing as lemongrass can be, it can also have calming properties depending on how it’s used. Many spas use lemongrass infused oils and creams to create a relaxing atmosphere. To help feel more relaxed with lemongrass: In a small spray bottle; add 1 ounce of witch hazel, 10 drops of lemongrass oil and 5 drops lavender essential oil. Mix with 3 ounces of water and just before bed, spray on your bed linens or pajamas for a restful nights sleep. • Diffuse 10-12 drops of lemongrass oil and 5 drops jasmine oil 30 minutes before bed and let it run into the night • Apply 2-3 drops of lemongrass oil into your favourite unscented body cream or lotion and massage over body before bed. •

5. 5 Recipes Cuts & Scrapes In a 30ml aromatherapy bottle mix: 3 drops Lemongrass oil 3 drops Basil oil 3 drops Oregano oil 13ml Tamanu oil 2 drops Lavender oil 13 ml Vitamin e oil • Shake and apply to cuts and scrapes and cover with bandage. Oily Skin Toner In a 100ml aromatherapy bottle mix: 3 drops Lemongrass oil 3 drops Eucalyptus oil 3 drops Rosemary oil 5 drops Tamanu oil 1/2 tsp pure aloe vera juice or jelly 2 drops Lavender oil 5 drops Hemp seed oil Fill remainder of bottle with Witch Hazel • Shake well to mix and apply to face morning and night, using organic cotton pad. Avoid eye & mouth area. Sore Muscle Cream In a jar mix: 10 drops Lemongrass oil 10 drops Lavender oil 6 drops Black Pepper oil 1/2 cup unscented body cream/lotion or shea butter 6 drops Ginger oil 12 drops Jojoba oil • Rub and massage into sore muscles. Diffuser Blends BLEND ESSENTIAL OILS REMEDY Lemongrass Oil (5 Drops) Orange Oil (5 Drops) Ginger Oil (5 Drops) Basil Oil (3 Drops) Add Essential Oils To Diffuser Water And Diffuse In The Morning Or When Need Of A Pick Me Up. Wake Up & Go-Go Lemongrass Oil (6 Drops) Lavender Oil (5 Drops) Jasmine Oil (5 Drops) Mix These Essential Oils In Your Diffuser And Transport Yourself To A Southeast Asian Spa To Escape Daily Stress. Serene Oasis

6. 6 BLEND ESSENTIAL OILS REMEDY Lemongrass Oil (5 Drops) Lavender Oil (5 Drops) Eucalyptus Oil (2 Drops) Orange Oil (7 Drops) Mix Essential Oils In Diffuser To Have A 30 Minute Aromatherapy Session To Help Clear Head And Revitalize Body After Being Sick. Illness Recovery Pine Oil (10 Drops) Lemongrass Oil (7 Drops) Orange Oil (3 Drops) Oregano Oil (10 Drops) Grapefruit Oil (10 Drops) Mix Essential Oils In Diffuser And Diffuse For 30 Minutes To Clean The Air In Your Home. Breathe Easy Topical Oil Blends APPLICATION ESSENTIAL OILS CARRIER OIL NOTES Vanilla Oil (20 Drops) Lavender Oil (15 Drops) Lemon Oil (3 Drops) Lemongrass Oil (3 Drops) Grapefruit Oil (15 Drops) Tamanu Oil Coconut Oil In A Roller Ball Or Small Spritz Bottle, Mix Essential Oils. If Using A Roller Ball, Fill The Rest With Equal Parts Of The Carrier Oils. If Using A Spritz Bottle, Add 20 Drops Of Each Carrier Oil And Fill The Rest With Witch Hazel. Shake And Apply As Necessary. Deodorant Lemongrass Oil (10 Drops) Lavender Oil (10 Drops) Rosemary Oil (4 Drops) Peppermint Oil (10 Drops) N/A This Is Great To Spray Indoors Around Windows, Doors And On Screens, Or To Spray Plants Or Garden. Fill A Small Bottle With Water And Essential Oils, Let It Steep For One Day, Shaking It Periodically. The Next Day, Add Mixture To A Spray Bottle Filled With Water, Shake And Spray Where Needed. Insecticide Peppermint Oil(7 Drops) Ginger Oil (10 Drops) Lemongrass Oil (4 Drops) Jojoba Oil In A Roller Ball Mix Essential Oils Then Fill With Carrier Oil. Rub On Abdomen In A Clockwise Direction And Continue Massaging With Hands In A Clockwise Direction For A Couple Minutes. Indigestion & Bloating Topical Support Lemongrass Oil (5 Drops) Lavender Oil (5 Drops) Peppermint Oil (2 Drops) Jojoba Oil Rollerball: Mix Essential Oils In Rollerball, Add Carrier Oil And Use As Necessary. Spritz Bottle (50ml): Add Essential Oils To Spritz Bottle And Fill The Bottle With Water. Spray 1” Above Head As Necessary And Inhale Deeply. Arrive Awake

7. 7 Cautions When not diluted properly, essential oils can cause severe skin irritation, gastrointestinal upset and even liver damage in the long term. If you have pets, make sure you’re using essential oils that have been deemed safe to use around animals.