Lemongrass.

Description

Lemongrass is an effective as an antibacterial, effective against both gram- and gram+ pathogens.The citral in lemongrass makes it a skin irritant. Recent research indicates that Lemongrass vapors, by diffusion, are more effective against MRSA than those of any other essential oil tested. This indicates that diffusing Lemongrass to cleanse an area, or inhaling from a personal inhaler could be an effective part of an anti-staph or anti-MRSA routine.

Historically, the herbal form of Lemongrass has been used in traditional Indian medicine for infectious illnesses and fever.

The essential oil is stimulating and invigorating. It is helpful for treating symptoms of jet lag, clearing the head, and relieving fatigue.

Lemongrass essential oil is considered an excellent physical tonic. It is said to boost the parasympathetic nervous system which hastens recovery from illness. Battaglia states that Lemongrass stimulates glandular secretions and muscles to aid in digestion. Thus it could be useful for colitis, indigestion, and gastroenteritis.

Lemongrass is an effective skin toner, said to be effective for tightening open pores. There are those who recommend it for treating acne and oily skin. I do not recommend using it on troubled skin since it can be a skin irritant. Maximum safe dermal dilution is 0.7%.

WARNING: Contains citral, a strong sensitizer. Avoid use on broken skin. Avoid use during pregnancy (see this blog post on High Citral Oils vs Pregancy. Maximum dilution for topical use: 0.7% (4 drops per fluid ounce). Please also see our blog post on the benefits of inhalation vs. ingesting essential oils. Caution: it may affect diabetes.

SHELF LIFE: Approximately 2 to 3 years after you open the bottle. Storing in the dark, refrigerated, and decanting half full bottles into smaller, full bottles will extend shelf life.

GC/MS Analysis:
April 2013
Batch No. HA-48600
Batch No. GU-58908
Batch No. GU-59038
Batch No. NP-59223
Batch No. NP-59397
Batch No. NP 59481 (Current Batch)

Lemongrass blends well with Bergamot, Cedarwood (all types), Geranium, Lemon, Niaouli, Palma Rosa, Petitgrain, Rosemary, and Tea Tree. Blended with Rosemary it makes a wonderfully invigorating morning shower blend. Some people substitute the scent for Lemon EO in blends since Lemongrass is a middle, not a top note.