Lemongrass essential oil is distilled from two varieties of cultivated fresh grass (Cymbopogon citrates and C. flexuosus, West Indian lemongrass and East Indian lemongrass, respectively). While originally from India, it also grows in other tropical areas including Brazil, China, Guatemala, Sri Lanka, parts of central Africa, and the West Indies. The grass grows to three feet in height and can be harvested twice yearly.
The main constituent of the oil is citral which accounts for 65-85%. The grass is multifunctional, not only in its various uses, but once the oil has been distilled, the grass can be fed to cattle.
The oil can be used in a foot bath (dilute first with a carrier oil) to refresh tired feet and can aid in excessive sweating. One of the main benefits of lemongrass oil is as an insect repellant for both humans and animals (fleas and ticks).
