July 24, 2021

Lemongrass: Product Highlight

Plant Details

Lemongrass, or Cymbopogon flexuosus, is one of the multiple varieties of grasses in the Poaceae family. It has fibrous stalks that extend into long, slender leaves that are bright green to grayish-green in color. Lemongrass grows in dense bunches and typically reaches two to three feet in height but can grow up to six feet. It is native to tropical areas in Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Australia and thrives in warm and moist climates. Lemongrass grows best in full sun in well-draining soil that maintains a temperature around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit as too much water retention in the soil will lead to lower oil content.

History

Lemongrass as well as lemongrass essential oil have been used traditionally for culinary and medicinal purposes for many years in the regions of Africa, Asia, and Oceania where it is native. In several Asian countries, including India, China, and Thailand, it has been used as a flavoring agent in many culinary preparations for its unique and pleasing flavor as well as its ability to promote better digestion. Some cultures refer to Lemongrass as “fever grass” due to its ability to reduce fever and inflammation. It has been historically used in eastern India and Sri Lanka to make soups, and curries, as well as a local drink called “fever tea.” This drink was used to help reduce fevers but was also helpful for soothing stomach aches and diarrhea and regulating menstruation. In 1905, a Sri Lankan researcher named J.F. Jovit acquired several Lemongrass plants in southern India and planted them at a farm to conduct research. This is when it is believed that knowledge of the therapeutic benefits of Lemongrass and its essential oil began to spread outside of its native areas. Lemongrass essential oil would eventually see commercial cultivation in Florida and Haiti in 1947. Citronella essential oil, which is closely related to Lemongrass, was displayed at the 1951 World’s Fair. This display is attributed to helping Lemongrass essential oil successfully reach the global market. Lemongrass continues to be used in Cuba and the Caribbean today to aid digestion and to lower blood pressure.

Extraction

Lemongrass that is cultivated for essential oil production can be harvested as soon as six to nine months after planting. It may then be harvested as frequently as once every six to eight weeks during the growing season. Repeated cutting during the harvest season stimulates new growth and prevents the plant from growing too large which would reduce the oil yield. Lemongrass is often harvested mechanically, using sharp tools that make a clean cut and avoid splitting of the leaves. The best quality of oil is located in the higher parts of the leaves so cutting too low must be avoided to ensure the most oil is retained. Lemongrass is harvested in the morning and ideally dried within 24 hours to ensure retention of the plant's green color and optimal oil quality. Lemongrass essential oil is extracted through steam distillation of the dried grass. The resulting oil is thin in viscosity and ranges from pale yellow to yellow. Lemongrass essential oil has a sweet, fresh, and lemony aroma.

Benefits and Uses

Lemongrass essential oil has many aromatherapeutic benefits that we can access when diffusing in addition to its fresh and deodorizing scent. It works to soothe headaches and relieve tension while promoting an overall sense of calm in the body and mind. Lemongrass is known to relieve stress, reduce nervousness and uplift negative moods, helping to prevent the onset of anxiety and depression. In contrast to its calming and soothing qualities, Lemongrass essential oil can also boost energy and help maintain alertness for a refreshed and focused feeling.

Ingredients

Instructions

Add all the ingredients to the bottle and shake well to combine. Spray on minor cuts and scrapes to ease pain and facilitate quick healing.

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