I love Lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratus. The thing is, it can be skin irritating. I use it carefully, being sure to dilute it well.
One great quality of Lemongrass is that it’s anti-fungal, due to the high levels of citral (neral and geranial). Sometimes I choose to use Geranium, Pelargonium graveolens, instead–its geraniol content is anti-fungal, but the oil is also skin nourishing. Sometimes I blend Geranium and Lemongrass together.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered this new Lemongrass chemotype, Cymbopogon citratus ct. rhodinol.
It is made up primarily of rhodinol (a combination of geraniol and citronellol).
I had never seen a monoterpenol-rich Lemongrass before. I had only ever know Lemongrass as rich in aldehydes (citral), and therefore potentially skin irritating. Most monoterpenol components are not skin irritating, and often oils high in monoterpenols are skin nourishing!
Discovering this monoterpenol chemotype, I felt like such an aroma nerd–I was crazy happy! An anti-fungal oil made up of 70% citronellol and geraniol? Heaven!
Here are the research properties of each component, revealing the potential effects of our new Lemongrass chemotype:
Citronellol
- anti-inflammatory
- antianxiety
- antifungal
- antifungal (candida)
- antioxidant
- kills dust mites
- central nervous system sedative
Geraniol:
- airborne antimicrobial
- anti-inflammatory
- antibacterial
- antifungal
- antifungal (candida)
- antioxidant
- cooling
- kills dust mites
The oil has a softer scent, less herbaceous, with a citrus aroma and an added rosy note. It is a beautiful addition to my collection!
Latest posts by Andrea (see all)
- 5 Lavender Essential Oil Recipes - May 13, 2013
- Aromatherapy Certification Online? - December 26, 2011
- Community Farms in South Africa: A Small Miracle - February 28, 2011
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Of course I see this a few hours after placing my order with Aromatics International! O well, I guess I’ll have to wait till next time
Gretchen, the good news is Karen will have this lemongrass for years to come!!
I love lemongrass as the scent in my homemade deodorant. Smells great and uplifting!
Great blog post Andrea!
Is it possible that one of the lemongrass assists the transverse and alar ligaments to heal from an old whiplash?
Any data available?
Thank you,
Dawn