Lemongrass Essential Oil: A Practitioner’s Guide
Plant Part & Extraction
Steam distilled from the fresh or partially dried leaves of Cymbopogon citratus (most commonly used for therapeutic aromatherapy applications).
Lemongrass essential oil is a strong, lemony, grassy, and sharply herbal oil known for its powerful cleansing, toning, and circulation-supportive properties.
It is part of the Cymbopogon genus, a group of aromatic grasses widely used in traditional medicine, culinary practices, and perfumery.
Properties of Lemongrass Essential Oil
Traditionally described as:
Analgesic (pain-relieving)
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Antiviral (traditional use)
Anti-inflammatory
Antiseptic
Antioxidant
Insect repellent
Revitalizing
Sedative (nervous system calming)
Tonic
Vasodilator
Traditionally recognized for:
circulation support and vascular toning
lymphatic stimulation and drainage support
muscle and connective tissue support
digestive balance (carminative action)
respiratory cleansing
nervous system regulation (calming + stimulating balance)
tissue repair support (traditional use)
Aromatic & Emotional / Energetic Benefits
Aromatically, Lemongrass is traditionally associated with:
purification of mental and energetic “clutter”
increasing focus and clarity
promoting intuition and heightened awareness
grounding overstimulation while enhancing alertness
emotional clearing and renewal
supporting nervous system balance between calm and focus
strengthening perception and inner “signal clarity”
It is often described as an oil that “clears stagnation and sharpens awareness.”
Common Uses for Lemongrass Essential Oil
Traditionally used for:
air purification and odor control
carpal tunnel support (topical blends)
circulatory sluggishness and poor circulation
digestive discomfort (gas, bloating, gastritis)
lymphatic congestion and fluid retention
headaches and tension discomfort
sore throats (gargle use only under guidance in diluted systems)
varicose veins (topical dilution)
fevers and immune support
tendon and ligament support (traditional topical use)
respiratory congestion
muscle soreness and stiffness
water retention and edema support
Additional traditional applications include:
insect repellent (fleas, ants, mosquitoes, cockroaches)
surface and environmental cleansing
supporting connective tissue tone
emotional fatigue and nervous exhaustion support
French Medicinal Aromatherapy Uses
In traditional French aromatherapy systems, Lemongrass has been used for:
lymphatic drainage support
vascular strengthening and venous support
edema and fluid retention
connective tissue support
bladder and urinary discomfort (traditional use)
kidney and detox support concepts
parasympathetic nervous system balancing
circulation and vascular wall toning
Historical & Cultural Uses
The Cymbopogon genus (lemongrass family) has a long history of traditional use:
Used in India for over 2,000 years in Ayurveda for digestive and febrile conditions
Known locally in parts of India as “choomana poolu” (referring to red grass stems in related species)
Traditionally used in herbal teas for fever, digestion, and calming effects
Used in Guatemala and Caribbean folk traditions for fever, flatulence, and digestive discomfort
Widely used in Asian cuisine for flavoring and digestive support
Industrially used in perfumery, cosmetics, soaps, detergents, and fragrance synthesis
The genus name Cymbopogon comes from Greek:
kymbe = boat
pogon = beard
(referring to the shape of the flower spike)
Esoteric & Energetic Uses
Astrological Association
Mercury (communication, clarity, nervous system, perception)
Character
Yang (active, cleansing, sharpening energy)
Elemental Associations
Water (flow, emotion, purification)
Light (clarity, awareness)
Earth (grounding, physical repair)
Number
7 (insight, refinement, intuition)
Chakra Associations
3rd Chakra — Solar Plexus (willpower, digestion, identity)
6th Chakra — Third Eye (intuition, perception, awareness)
Lemongrass is traditionally associated with:
sharpening intuition and inner perception
clearing energetic stagnation
supporting emotional clarity and decision-making
restoring nervous system balance
strengthening mind-body coordination and awareness
Contraindications
Not recommended for children under 6
Use caution with children over 6
Always dilute before topical use
May be irritating to sensitive skin in higher concentrations
Use caution in pregnancy or medical conditions (professional guidance recommended)
Practitioner Notes
Lemongrass essential oil is widely valued for:
connective tissue and ligament support blends (traditional use)
circulation and vascular toning formulations
lymphatic drainage protocols
insect-repelling natural formulations
mental clarity and focus blends
digestive and abdominal comfort support
It is considered a strong, fast-acting “clearing” oil in aromatherapy systems, often used for both physical stagnation and mental fog.
Source References
Reference Guide for Essential Oils — Connie and Alan Higley
Shah et al., 2011
Rodrigues and Carlini, 2004
Devi et al., 2011
Selvi et al., 2011
Ganjewala, 2008
Akhila, 2010
Jayasinha, 1999
traditional Ayurvedic and ethnobotanical records
Healing Drops Wellness Lemongrass Blends:
This blend is designed to support healthy circulation and vascular strength. It may help maintain strong capillaries, promote blood flow, and support overall cardiovascular wellness.
Apply 1 drop to each leg to address varicosities, and 1 drop to the back of the neck as a preventative measure for strokes. Reapply as needed, up to once per hour.
Formerly called Varicose Blend
This effective blend targets mold in your home, with a bright, fresh aroma. Apply to A/C filters, diffuse in your home or office, or mix with water for a spray.
In addition to mold removal, it helps fight odors, anaerobic bacteria, and mildew, repels insects, and minimizes reactions from bites by spiders or bees. It is also effective against candida albicans (body fungus or yeast infections).
Apply 2 drops to the body as needed, up to once per hour. Use a carrier oil for sensitive skin or for broader application.
Formerly called Anti-Mold #2
A strong citronella smell designed to repel mosquitoes. This potent formula provides long-lasting, plant-based protection. Apply 1–2 drops to exposed skin with coconut oil for full coverage, or add 20–30 drops to distilled water in a 2 oz spray bottle for a convenient spray. Can also be diffused to create a mosquito-free, aromatic environment.
This blend is designed to support a flea-free environment for pets.
Cats: Apply 1 drop to the back of the neck and rub into the skin. This placement helps prevent licking and allows circulation through the body.
Dogs: Apply 1–3 drops, depending on size, to the back of the neck, or mix with a small amount of coconut oil and apply to paw pads or the inside of the ear flap.
A spray may also be made with distilled or filtered water and lightly applied to the fur before walks.
Formerly called Flea Repel
This targeted blend combines Wintergreen for bone support and inflammation, Basil to ease muscle tension, Lemongrass to nourish ligaments and clear lymph, and Clove for natural pain relief. Apply directly or with a carrier oil to joints, lower back, or neck as needed. Excellent for arthritis and daily aches. Apply 2 drops to affected area every hour, if needed.
Formerly called Joint and Muscle Relief…Now with Cypress added for Circulation!
This blend is designed to discourage unwanted household pests and repels ants, roaches, spiders, and mice.
Saturate cotton balls and place them in corners, along baseboards, near garbage cans, and around entry points. For a spray option, dilute with distilled or filtered water and apply to problem area.
Formerly called No More Bugs
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