Lemon Grass - Cymbopogon citratus

As a medicinal herb, lemon grass is mildly diuretic and a stimulant tonic. The herb promotes digestion of fats, and in Ayurvedic medicine a preparation of lemon grass with pepper has been used for relief of menstrual troubles and nausea.

Abundant in the Philippines, and 65- to 85-% citral, Cymbopogon citratus contains active ingredients like myrcene, an antibacterial and pain reliever, citronella, citronellol and geranilol. Hydro steam distillation, condensation and cooling were used to separate the oil from the water. Hydrosol or Hydrolat, as a by-product of the distillation process, is a pure natural water or plant water essence used for the production of Skin Care products such as lotions, creams and facial cleansing toner in its pure form.

LEMONGRASS OIL is prepared from Cymbopogon citratus, formerly known as Andropogon Schoenanthus, a species growing abundantly in India and cultivated in Ceylon and Seychelles. It owes its scent almost entirely to its chief constituent, citral, and is one of the chief sources of the citral used in the manufacture of Tonone or artificial violet perfume. It is sometimes called Oil of Verbena from its similarity to the odour of the true Verbena Oil which is rarely found in commerce. It is frequently used to adulterate Lemon Oil.

Lemongrass essential oil has been used to support digestion, purification and regeneration of tissues. Lemongrass may be one of the most broadly therapeutic, all-around anti-microbial Essential Oils available, with other important actions that support the immune system. It is a well known analgesic & anti-inflammatory as well, with recent data suggesting its Inflammation reduction occuring through cox-2 production inhibition.

Lemongrass oil may help improve circulation, digestion, and eyesight, while combating headaches, infections and fluid retention. Spiritually, the aroma of Lemongrass oil is thought to promote psychic awareness and purification. High-quality lemongrass is an excellent oil to difffuse by itself for clearing the air, and can be topically applied in dilution on the feet for support of immune response.

Samples of the oil produced experimentally in the West Indies, Uganda, and new districts of India were examined in the laboratories of the Imperial Institute in 1911, and as a result of the recommendations made, the production of Lemongrass has been taken up on a considerable scale in Uganda.