Huile Essentielle Lemon Grass Cymbopogon Flexuosus

Need a natural mosquito repellent or an effective anti-inflammatory ally?Lemongrass essential oil is a must. Appreciated for its lemony fragrance and purifying properties, it can be added to your well-being routine to purify the air, relax tension and care for your skin naturally.

What are the benefits of Lemongrass essential oil?

Botanical name and characteristics:

• Latin name: Cymbopogon flexuosus
• Botanical family: Poaceae (or Grasses)
• Productive organ: Leaves and rhizomes
• Main active ingredients: Geranial (citral a), Neral (citral b), geraniol, limonene

Lemongrass, sometimes confused with other lemons, is a tropical herbaceous plant 1 to 2 meters tall, forming long, upright clumps. Its leaves are thin, sharp, pale bluish-green and give off a strong, characteristic lemon scent. Its essential oil is extracted from the leaves and rhizomes by steam distillation.

Lemongrass has been cultivated and used for thousands of years, notably in India, China, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. It is prized for both its culinary and medicinal qualities. Like other lemon essential oils, it is included in aromatic repertoires recognized for their medicinal and traditional applications. In Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, it is used to flavor soups, curries, fish and sauces. In traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, it is prescribed to relieve digestive disorders, joint pain, fever and infections.

In Madagascar, this plant is ubiquitous in gardens, where it is infused to promote sleep, calm restlessness and aid digestion. It is also used in many local preparations for skin care and insect repellent.

Which lemongrass varieties are different?

The Cymbopogon genus includes several species often referred to under the same generic name of "lemongrass", even though they differ both botanically and chemically:

• Cymbopogon citratus: known as Indian lemongrass or Indian verbena, reputed for its calming, digestive and lipolytic properties.
• Cymbopogon flexuosus: Lemongrass from eastern India, rich in citrals, used for its antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
• Cymbopogon nardus: Ceylon citronella, used mainly as a mosquito repellent.
• Cymbopogon winterianus: Java lemongrass, very rich in citronellal, an essential ingredient in anti-insect formulations.
• Cymbopogon martinii: also known as Palmarosa, used for its antifungal, dermoregulatory and anti-infectious effects.

Each variety has its own specific chemotype, making targeted use in phytotherapy and aromatherapy essential.

What pharmacological properties does Lemongrass have?

Lemongrass(Cymbopogon flexuosus) essential oil is rich in citral (geranial and neral), the molecules responsible for its antimicrobial, antioxidant and antiviral effects. It also contains geraniol, linalool, limonene and sesquiterpenes, in lower concentrations.

Antibacterial and antifungal

Lemongrass has a powerful inhibitory effect on many bacterial strains, including those resistant to antibiotics. Its antifungal spectrum extends to yeasts such as Candida albicans and filamentous fungi such as Aspergillus fumigatus.

Antiviral and immunomodulating

Citrals and geraniol have a notable antiviral action against certain RNA viruses, in particular Herpes simplex type 1. The essential oil may also stimulate the activity of certain immune cells, although this has yet to be confirmed in clinical trials.

Anti-cancer properties

In the laboratory, citral has shown cytotoxic activity on various human cancer lines. It promotes apoptosis (programmed cell death), reduces tumor proliferation and limits angiogenesis. These effects are particularly interesting in the context of natural prevention.

Sedative and calming effect

Lemongrass essential oil has a relaxing effect on the central nervous system. It is used to ease tension, promote sleep and reduce mild anxiety. Its inhalation is sometimes recommended in cases of stress or minor sleep disorders.

Other actions :

• Febrifuge
• Antispasmodic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Mucolytic
• Lipolytic
• Mosquito repellent (especially Aedes aegypti)

How to use Lemongrass as a treatment or diffuser?

For external use:

• For cellulite: in synergy with oils such as cypress or Atlas cedar.
• As a toning massage: diluted in a vegetable oil to stimulate venous and lymphatic circulation.
• As a purifying treatment: on oily or blemished skin.

Diffusion use:

• Purifying atmosphere: the lemony scent repels insects, deodorizes and purifies the air.
• Relaxation: inhalation soothes nervous tension.

Culinary use:

In the Asian tradition, fresh stems are chopped or crushed to flavor broths, infusions, meat dishes, fish and desserts.

What is Lemongrass essential oil used for?

What precautions should I take with Lemongrass essential oil?

Lemongrass essential oil is a powerful concentrate that requires strict precautions for use:

• Dermocaustic in its pure state: always dilute before applying to the skin.
• Do not use on pregnant or breast-feeding women.
• Forbidden for children under 6.
• Do not swallow: internal use only under medical supervision.
• Caution in case of asthma, epilepsy or neurological pathologies.
• Not recommended for people sensitive to terpene derivatives.
• Never pour into bath water.
• Incompatible with certain autoimmune pathologies.
• For adult use only.
• Risk of interaction with drug treatments (enzyme inhibition).

A sunny plant par excellence, Lemongrass combines aromatic freshness with therapeutic power. Behind its apparent simplicity, this tropical herb hides a remarkable chemical richness and an age-old medicinal tradition. From Asian cuisine to natural care rituals, it has crossed continents and centuries, bringing relief, purification and well-being. In phytotherapy as in aromatherapy, Cymbopogon flexuosus has earned a place of choice among the major essential oils. For safe and optimal use, however, it is essential to observe the precautions for use, and to consult a health professional when considering therapeutic use.

Which essential oils are included in the Soin-et-Nature Index?

The Soin-et-Natureessential oil index contains a rigorous selection of single essential oils classified by botanical name. Each dedicated sheet presents the biochemical characteristics, therapeutic properties and recommended uses of the essential oil concerned. This directory is a reliable, structured tool to guide users in a rational, safe and scientifically-based approach to aromatherapy.

• To effectively sanitize and disinfect, Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil is a must for mycosis, acne and ENT infections.
• To support circulation and calm bronchial spasms, Cypress essential oil (Cupressus sempervirens) is indicated for venous and respiratory disorders.
• To repel insects and relieve skin inflammation,Ceylon citronella essential oil (Cymbopogon nardus) is an effective natural solution.
• To soothe anxiety and accompany infectious conditions, Frankincense Olibanum (Boswellia carterii) essential oil is used for its calming and immunostimulant effects.
• To relax the nervous system and relieve digestive spasms, Marjoram (Origanum majorana) essential oil is ideal for chronic stress or insomnia.
• To soothe joint pain, Gaultheria (Gaultheria procumbens) essential oil is particularly prized for its high methyl salicylate content.
• To energize the body, calm headaches and aid digestion, Peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil is one of the most versatile.
• To disinfect mucous membranes and accelerate healing, Bitter Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) essential oil is recommended for oral and dental care.
• To stabilize mood and improve sleep quality,Himalayan Spikenard essential oil (Nardostachys jatamansi) is indicated in cases of mental agitation or profound nervousness.
• To soothe emotional tension and revitalize the skin, Neroli (Citrus aurantium) essential oil acts both as a nervous relaxant and skin tonic.
• To prevent viral infections and strengthen natural defenses, Ravintsara essential oil (Cinnamomum camphora CT cineole) is well tolerated and suitable for the whole family.
• To relieve muscular aches and pains and boost circulation, Rosemary Camphor essential oil (Rosmarinus officinalis CT camphor) supports sports care.
• Damask Rose (Rosa damascena)essential oil is valuable in both cosmetics and emotional aromatherapy, helping to regenerate the skin and relieve emotional distress.
• To fight stubborn infections, Mountain Savory (Satureja montana) essential oil has a powerful anti-infectious action, to be used with care.
• To balance the skin and soothe inflammation, Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) essential oil is indicated for skin care and mild hormonal disorders.
• To soothe dental pain and disinfect the oral cavity, clove (Eugenia caryophyllus) essential oil is appreciated for its local analgesic properties.
• To gently support the immune system, Thyme à Thujanol essential oil (Thymus vulgaris CT thujanol) is effective against ENT infections in adults and children.
• To relax, promote healing and improve sleep,True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)essential oil is suitable for everyday family use.
• To relieve inflammation and tone tissues, Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) essential oil is indicated for muscle and joint pain.
• To improve venous return and decongest tissues, Pistachio Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) essential oil is used in cases of varicose veins or water retention.

This index is an essential resource for all users wishing to deepen their knowledge of aromatherapy and make informed use of essential oils for care, prevention and natural well-being.