Make Lemongrass Aroma Oil: A Step-By-Step Guide

Lemongrass essential oil is easily accessible, but making it at home can be rewarding and affordable. The process involves using fresh lemongrass stalks, a large glass container, a carrier oil, and a few other easily available materials. There are two main methods for making lemongrass oil at home: the hot method and the canning jar method. Both methods require different steps and equipment, but they ultimately produce a fragrant and beneficial lemongrass oil that can be used for various purposes.

Gather lemongrass stalks and crush them with a mortar and pestle

To make lemongrass aroma oil, you'll need to start by gathering some lemongrass stalks. The number of stalks you'll need will depend on your desired level of potency, but as a general rule, 4-5 stalks should be sufficient. You can either harvest the lemongrass from your own herb garden or purchase it from a store. Once you have your stalks, use a mortar and pestle to crush them. If you don't have a mortar and pestle, you can use a rolling pin or any other tool that will allow you to gently crush the stalks to release the oil without destroying them. The crushing process is important because it helps to release the oils from the stalks, which is essential for infusing the oil with the lemony fragrance.

When crushing the stalks, remember that you don't want to turn them into a pulp; a gentle crush will do the trick. You may also want to remove any leaves from the stalks, as only the stalks contain the oil. Once the stalks are crushed, you can move on to the next step of the infusion process. This usually involves adding a carrier oil and allowing the mixture to infuse in a warm, sunny spot for a couple of days.

The process of crushing the lemongrass stalks with a mortar and pestle is a key step in releasing the aromatic oils from the plant. The lemongrass plant contains essential oils in its stalks, and by crushing them, you are helping to release these oils, which will then infuse into your carrier oil of choice. This is a simple and effective method for creating homemade lemongrass oil, and it is a fun and rewarding process that anyone can try.

While it may seem straightforward, there are a few important tips to keep in mind when crushing the lemongrass stalks. First, be sure to use fresh stalks, as these will produce the best fragrance. Additionally, if you are using a mortar and pestle, work in small batches to ensure that you are effectively releasing the oils from the stalks. Finally, don't be tempted to skip this step, as crushing the stalks helps speed up the infusion process and ensures a more potent final product.

Add stalks to a jar and cover with a carrier oil

To make lemongrass aroma oil, you'll need to start by preparing the stalks. Take 4-5 fresh stalks of lemongrass, or more if you want a stronger fragrance. Remove any outer leaves, as the stalks are the only part of the plant that contains the oil. Clean the stalks thoroughly and cut them into one-inch sections.

Next, you'll need a large glass container or jar with a tight-fitting lid. You can use an old, cleaned food container or a canning jar. Add the stalks to your jar and cover them with a carrier oil. Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils and make them safe for use on the skin. Good options include sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, grape seed oil, or rice bran oil. Choose a carrier oil with a pale colour and a mild scent so that it doesn't overpower the lemongrass fragrance.

You won't be able to fit all the stalks into the jar at once, so simply add as many as you can while still completely covering them with oil. Once you've added the stalks and oil, secure the lid on the jar and give it a good shake. Place the jar in a warm, sunny spot and leave it for about two days, remembering to shake the jar occasionally.

After two days, open the jar and strain the mixture to remove the stalks and as much oil from them as possible before discarding them. Repeat this process as many times as desired or needed to achieve your desired fragrance level. The more times you repeat the process, the stronger the fragrance will be.

Leave in a warm, sunny place for 48 hours

Once you've crushed the lemongrass stalks and covered them with oil in your jar, it's time to let the mixture infuse. Place the jar in a warm, sunny spot for 48 hours. This location should receive plenty of sunlight and heat throughout the day. The warmth and sunlight will help to release the oils from the lemongrass and infuse them into the carrier oil.

It's important to choose the right spot to place your jar. Look for an area that receives direct sunlight for a significant portion of the day. A windowsill or shelf in a sunny room can be ideal. If you don't have access to a sunny location, you can also place the jar outside, such as on a balcony or in a garden, as long as it's protected from wind and debris.

During these 48 hours, you can occasionally shake the jar to help mix the contents and ensure maximum infusion. The longer you leave the mixture in the sun, the stronger the lemongrass fragrance will become. However, 48 hours is the recommended minimum time for effective infusion.

After 48 hours, you can strain the oil to separate it from the lemongrass stalks. This will give you your first batch of lemongrass-infused oil. However, if you want a stronger fragrance, you can repeat the process by adding more crushed lemongrass stalks to the oil and infusing for another 48 hours. Each subsequent infusion will increase the potency and fragrance of your oil.

Strain the oil and store in a dark glass bottle

Once you have reached the desired fragrance level, it is time to strain the oil and transfer it to a storage container. Place a strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter over a funnel and slowly pour the oil through it into your chosen storage container. You can also use a wine press for this step if you have one.

It is important to use a dark glass bottle for storing your lemongrass oil. Dark glass bottles help protect the oil from ultraviolet rays, which can reduce its effectiveness over time. Make sure the bottle has a tight-fitting lid to prevent oxidation and ensure your oil stays fresh for longer.

After straining and bottling your lemongrass oil, store it in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry. Your homemade lemongrass oil should stay fresh for up to 12 months when stored properly.

Always label your homemade products clearly, including the date of creation, and perform a patch test before using the oil to ensure it does not irritate your skin.

Use within 12 months

Lemongrass aroma oil should be used within 12 months. This is because essential oils do have a shelf life and will deteriorate, oxidize, and lose their effectiveness over time. In fact, some sources suggest that citrus fruit, frankincense, lemongrass, neroli, spruce, tea tree, and pine essential oils can last for only 1 to 2 years.

To maximize the shelf life of your lemongrass aroma oil, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, store the oil in a cool, dark place, as ultraviolet rays will reduce its effectiveness over time. Exposure to sunlight will also cause the oil to deteriorate faster. Keep the oil in a sealed, airtight container, and avoid exposure to air except when the oil is in use.

Additionally, opt for dark glass bottles for storage, as this will help the oil stay fresh for longer. You can also add a few drops of vitamin E oil to extend the life of your lemongrass oil.

If you notice any changes, changes in the aroma, consistency, or appearance of the oil may be an indication that it has expired. Oxidized or expired essential oils may have a different smell or become cloudy.

By following these storage guidelines and regularly checking the quality of your oil, you can ensure that your lemongrass aroma oil remains effective and safe to use within the recommended 12-month period.

Frequently asked questions