What is Lemongrass Essential Oil?

Lemongrass Essential Oil is the steam-distilled essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus, in the Poaceae family,. It is drawn from the leaves and stalks of the plant. It comes from the citrus-scented grass widely used in Southeast Asian cooking.

About the oil

Lemongrass essential oil is distilled from the leaves and stalks of Cymbopogon citratus, the tropical grass used in Thai, Vietnamese, and other Southeast Asian cooking. The oil is dominated by citral, typically 75 to 85 percent, the same aromatic compound that gives lemon its scent, which is why lemongrass reads as intensely lemony.

Lemongrass belongs to the same genus (Cymbopogon) as citronella and shares a bright, grassy citrus character.

Aroma and character

The aroma of lemongrass oil is bright, lemony, grassy, and fresh.

Related essential oils

• Citronella Essential Oil — a close relative in the same genus.

Lemongrass Essential Oil: form and size

We carry Lemongrass Essential Oil bottled as a single, unblended essential oil.

Safety and handling

Lemongrass oil is a skin irritant because of its high citral content, so it should be well diluted in a carrier oil before any topical use and kept away from the eyes. Store it tightly capped and out of reach of children and pets. This oil is not intended for internal use.

Lemongrass Essential Oil at a glance

Botanical name

Cymbopogon citratus

Family

Poaceae

Plant part

leaves and stalks

Extraction

Steam-distilled

Primary compound

Citral (75-85%)

Aroma

bright, lemony