Lemongrass (Cymbopogon)

Lemongrass is a perennial plant from the Poaceae (grass) family. A point of interest...grasses are in fact flowers without the beautiful petals and sepals because they are wind instead of insect pollinated.

The key constituents in lemongrass oil are Geranial, Geraniol, Neral, Geranyl Acetate, Citronellal, Terpeniol, Citral and Limonene. Its antioxidant measurement is 1,780 uTE/100g. These constituents gives lemongrass oil its anti fungal, antibacterial, anti inflammatory, purifying and antiseptic properties. 

Lemongrass adds a beautiful tangy, potent flavour to dishes and is a source of Vitamins A, C, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorus,calcium and manganese.

There are a few varieties of lemongrass; Lemongrass Cymbopogon Citratus is commonly used for cooking whilst Cymbopogon Flexuosus is used for perfumery and essential oil applications. 

Lemongrass promotes digestion and absorption of nutrients. It's antimicrobial properties helps maintain a healthy digestive tract and has been used in Asian cultures to alleviate indigestion, bloating, cramps and heartburn. 

The diuretic nature of Lemongrass tea promotes the elimination of toxins and uric acid from the kidneys.

Further the cleansing properties of this herbal tea help purify the liver, kidneys, bladder and pancreas. It also plays a key role in increasing blood circulation, which is important for overall health.

It's Citral and Geraniol constituents make it useful as an insect repellant. Use diluted on the skin or as a spray around the home.  

The analgesic properties in lemongrass helps with muscle spasms, pain and inflammation. 

As an antimicrobial, analgesic and digestive agent,  lemongrass helps combat respiratory and sinus infections and relieve flu symptoms.  

In a 2008 study, 91 essential oils were tested against MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ) and Lemongrass ranked highest in inhibitory activity against the bacteria. 

Incorporate lemongrass into dishes or drink it as a tea. Lemongrass essential oil should always be used diluted. Apply diluted lemongrass oil on affected areas for muscle pain or as an insect repellant.

To top it off, the citrusy aroma of lemongrass essential oil energises and relieves stress.Add it to your vaporiser to purify the air or inhale deeply to combat respiratory infections.

Here's our pick of lemongrass products:

- Lemongrass essential oil by Earth Yard

- Eau Well Fleur by Orli

- Eau Well Zeste by Orli

- Eau Well Verve by Orli