Lemongrass

Health properties

Antimicrobial & antifungal: essential oil (rich in citral) shows broad-spectrum activity against bacteria and fungi; used for mild topical infections and deodorizing.
Anti‑inflammatory & analgesic: topical applications (diluted) can reduce localized inflammation and muscle/joint pain; used in massage blends for tension relief.
Astringent & toning: helps tighten pores and reduce excess oil, useful in scalp and oily-skin formulations (diluted).
Digestive/supportive: traditional infusions of lemongrass tea aid digestion, relieve bloating, and have mild carminative effects.
Circulatory/stimulant: warming, can increase local circulation when used in massage.
Cautions: Oral ingestion of concentrated essential oil is not recommended.

Asian, African, and Latin American folk medicine: used as tea for digestive complaints, fever, and relaxation; steam or poultices for colds; topical oil for massage and muscle pain.
Culinary: fresh or dried leaves used to flavor soups, teas, curries, and marinades.
Domestic: used as an insect repellent, household deodorizer, and cleaning infusion.

Botanical/source: typically Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) or Cymbopogon flexuosus (East Indian lemongrass) for the essential oil; derived from leaves/stems via steam distillation (oil) or infusion (tea).
Appearance/texture: essential oil—pale yellow to amber, light, watery oil; tea—pale straw infusion.
Chemistry: high in citral (neral + geranial), with geraniol, citronellal, limonene, myrcene, and other terpenes.
Solubility/stability: oil‑soluble; blends well with carrier oils and other essential oils (lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus). Store in cool, dark place; citral is somewhat oxidation‑sensitive.
Cosmetic compatibility: used in soaps, deodorants, scalp treatments, body oils (diluted), and room sprays; good as an aromatic stimulant and preservative adjunct.

Cleansing & clarity: associated with purification, mental clarity, and clearing stagnant energy.
Energizing & uplifting: used to boost mood, focus, and motivation in aromatherapy and ritual sprays.
Protection & purification: employed in folk rituals for cleansing spaces and repelling negativity or insects.