Single Oil Look: Lemongrass

Lemongrass which is a native plant to India goes by many names including Indian Lemongrass, Cochin Lemongrass, Native Lemongrass, Vervaine Indienne and Britush Lemongrass, Melissa Grass and Sereh to name a few. Along with India, Lemongrass is now heavily grown and oil produced in the West Indies, Africa and parts of Tropical Asia. A part of traditional Indian medicine, Ayuveda, Lemongrass was used for soothing fevers and various illnesses. Researchers have found that Lemongrass does hold antidepressant, anti-oxidant, astringent, bactericidal, fingucidel, nervine and sedative properties. It also can be used as a deodorant and body tonic.

Lemongrass is very helpful for treating certain skin conditions such as Acne, rough skin patches, open pores and the link. Many have found that adding a few drops to OTC skin treatment products had greatly enhanced them. Skin oils may also be made by mixing Lemongrass with Sweet almond or jojoba oil.

Used in a messageoil, Lemongrass may help headaches, stress related conditions, muscular pain, sagging body skin, poor circulation and muscle ton. To create a simple message oil, use about 4 tablespoons of a light oil such as jojoba and add 4 to 6 drops of essential oil. Mix well and apply in a circular motion (see Aromassage Article for more information on the subject) to spot in need of relief. Lemongrass is also gentile enough to be added to baths, in bathoil form or straight from the bottle.

Having a fresh , green almost lemon like scent, Lemongrass can be blended with other essential oils such as Lavender, Juniper, Rose, Geranium and Eucalyptus. Lemongrass is a top note oil (see Perfume Making article for more information) and will evaporate quickly in a blend. To help prevent this and add extra aromatic qualities, pure, natural honey may be added.

Today, as with many other essential oils, it is used as flavoring for food, alcoholic and softdrinks, a compound in soaps, detergents and cosmetics, the fresh leaves have been traditionally used in Thai cooking for many years to give dishes a lemon flavor. The perfume industry has found that Lemongrass can give almost the same effect in blends as more expensive scents such as verbena and melissa, therefore making the price of the product less expensive. Make sure you read labels of the aforementioned essential oils carefully to be certain they haven't been adulterated with Lemongrass which will diminish their effects.

-MAM

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