The base of lemongrass can be squeezed for oils.
Lemongrass oil is made by steam-distilling dried lemongrass or by squeezing a stalk of fresh lemongrass. The beneficial properties of lemongrass are transferred as constituent parts of its oil, including citronellal, myrcene, geranyl, acetate, neral, nerol, citral, geraniol and limonene. From great flavor to insect repelling, the properties of lemongrass are numerous and provide a compelling reason to incorporate lemongrass oil into your cupboard, cosmetics collection and medicine cabinet.
Insect Repellent
Lemongrass oil is a powerful insect repellent. It is a good alternative to Deet insect repellents for those sensitive or allergic to Deet, or concerned about Deet's potential adverse health effects. While botanical oils are generally effective for a shorter duration than Deet, they still cut down on mosquito bites. Lemongrass contains a citronella oil that is even more effective as an insect repellent than true citronella. To use lemongrass as an insect repellent, you can either rub a blend of lemongrass oil (25 percent) and jojoba oil (75 percent) onto your skin, hair and clothing, or you can bend the bottom of a fresh lemongrass stalk until its juices are squeezed out, and rub these juices on your skin, hair and clothing.
Anti-Microbial
Due to its antibacterial properties, lemongrass oil may be diffused into the air to cut down on bacterial presence in a room. The oil may be taken internally as a mild antimicrobial for stomach bugs. It can also be rubbed on the hands to kill everyday bacteria, or under the armpits as a deoderant. In a 5 or 10 percent dilution, lemongrass oil may also be applied to parts of the body afflicted with fungal infections, such as athletes' foot.
Carminative
Lemongrass is known as an herbal carminative, meaning that it is soothing the gut, relieving gas and aiding in digestion. It calms spasmodic abdominal muscles to allows for downward passage of food through the digestive tract. It also aids in the digestion of fats.
Sedative and Anti-Depressant
Lemongrass oil's aroma is a sedative and anti-depressant, providing a soothing effect as it uplifts the spirit. It is often used in aromatherapy for these purposes, and herbalists may administer it in tea for the same results.
Lemony Flavor
Thai soup uses lemongrass flavor.
The lemony flavor of lemongrass oil is an essential in many Thai soups and curries. It can also be incorporated in other dishes that require a sweet, mellow lemon flavor. The oil can be extracted ahead of time, or allowed to enter foods as fresh or dried lemongrass is cooked or stewed. The pieces of intact lemon grass may be removed before serving.
Lemony Scent
Lemongrass oil may scent perfume.
Lemongrass oil is used for its rich yet refreshing lemony scent in cosmetics, hygiene products and aromatherapy. Soaps, lotions and bathwater can all benefit from the addition of lemongrass oil. The effect of the scent is awakening, centering and calming.
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