Katrina Rosales
Lemongrass essential oil is easily accessible online and in stores, but it can be rewarding to make your own at home. It is not as difficult as one may think, and the process is incredibly affordable if you grow lemongrass in your herb garden. The homemade oil can be used as a topical solution to treat certain fungal infections and inflammation, as well as a bug repellent. To make the oil, you can use the cold or hot-infusion method. The oil should be stored in a dark glass bottle in a cool, dark place and will last up to 12 months.
How to Make Lemongrass Fragrance Oil
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lemongrass Species | Cymbopogon citratus or Cymbopogon flexuosus |
| Method | Cold- or hot-infusion |
| Oil | Grape seed or rice bran oil |
| Storage | Dark glass bottles with eyedropper lids |
| Storage Location | Cool, dark place |
| Shelf Life | Up to 12 months |
| Preservation | Add a few drops of vitamin E oil |
| Usage | Topical only |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right lemongrass
When choosing the right lemongrass, there are several factors to consider, especially if you plan to use it for fragrance or essential oil.
First, it is important to distinguish between the different types of lemongrass. While there are 55 species in the genus Cymbopogon, only two are typically used for cooking: East Indian lemongrass (C. flexuosus) and West Indian lemongrass (C. citratus). East Indian lemongrass, also known as Cochin or Malabar grass, is native to India, Sri Lanka, Burma, and Thailand. It has a strong, sweet, and minty lemon scent. West Indian lemongrass, on the other hand, is the variety most commonly used for cooking and is native to Malaysia. It has a milder and more subtle citrus aroma. For fragrance oil, either variety can be used, depending on your preferred scent profile.
When selecting lemongrass, it is important to choose fresh, high-quality stalks. Look for firm, fresh-looking stalks with the tapered root end intact. Avoid stalks that appear dried out or discoloured, as these may not have a strong fragrance. The best place to find fresh lemongrass is at a farmer's market, where you can often find bundles of 7 to 10 stalks. You can also find lemongrass at grocery stores, supermarkets, or Asian markets, but the quality may vary. If you cannot find fresh lemongrass, you can also purchase it online or grow your own from trimmed stalks.
When preparing lemongrass for fragrance oil, it is important to clean the stalks thoroughly. Peel away the outer layers and slice the bulb end into thin pieces, sticking to the parts with purple rings. The white bottom part of the stalk is typically used for fragrance, but the upper green woody parts can also be used if needed. Crush the stalks to release the oils, and then follow your chosen method for infusing the oil.
By following these steps and choosing the right lemongrass, you can create a beautiful, natural fragrance that can be enjoyed in diffusers, soaps, candles, and more.
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Preparing the stalks
To make lemongrass fragrance oil, you'll need to start by harvesting the stalks from your herb garden. The most commonly used species of lemongrass for making essential oil are Cymbopogon citratus and Cymbopogon flexuosus, with the latter being preferred.
Once you've harvested your stalks, cut and crush two of them using a mortar and pestle to release the oil. If you don't have a mortar and pestle, you can use a rolling pin or any other suitable substitute.
After crushing the stalks, add them to a jar and cover them with oil. Place the jar in a sunny spot for two days.
After two days, open the jar and strain the mixture to remove the stalks and as much oil from them as possible before discarding the stalks. Transfer the strained oil to another jar, add more crushed lemongrass stalks, and return the jar to a sunny spot for another two days.
Repeat this process of infusing and straining as many times as desired or needed to achieve your desired fragrance level.
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Infusing the oil
Preparing the Lemongrass
First, you will need to cut and crush the lemongrass stalks. Cut up two stalks and use a mortar and pestle to crush them to release the oil. If you don't have a mortar and pestle, a rolling pin or similar tool can be used to crush the stalks. This step is crucial to release the aromatic compounds from the lemongrass and infuse them into the oil.
Place the crushed lemongrass stalks into a clean jar. Then, cover the stalks with your chosen oil. Grape seed or rice bran oil are good options, but you can also use other types of carrier oils. Ensure that the oil completely covers the lemongrass.
Seal the jar tightly and place it in a sunny spot for two days. The warmth from the sun will help speed up the infusion process. After two days, open the jar and strain the mixture to remove the stalks, making sure to get as much oil off the stalks as possible before discarding them.
Repeating the Process
For a stronger infusion, you can repeat the process with fresh lemongrass stalks. Prepare the lemongrass as before, and add it to the oil that has already been infused. Return the jar to a sunny spot for another two days.
You can repeat this process as many times as desired to achieve your preferred potency. Keep in mind that the oil's fragrance will become more potent with each cycle. Test the fragrance by smelling it after each cycle to determine when it reaches your desired strength.
Storing the Oil
Once you are satisfied with the potency of your lemongrass fragrance oil, it's time to store it properly. Strain the oil one final time through a cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove any remaining plant material. Then, transfer the oil to a dark glass bottle, as this type of container will help extend its shelf life.
Store the bottle in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cabinet. Your homemade lemongrass fragrance oil should remain fresh and usable for up to 12 months when stored properly. Adding a few drops of vitamin E oil can also help extend the shelf life of your infusion.
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Straining the oil
After two days, open the jar and start to strain the mixture. You will want to remove all the stalks and try to get as much oil off these pieces as possible before discarding them. You can use a strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter for this step. A wine press fitted with a clear plastic tube can also be used to strain the oil into a jug. Secure a cheesecloth to the rim of the wine press. Repeat the process as many times as desired or as needed for all the lemongrass.
Your essential oil is ready when it has reached the desired fragrance level. You can test this by smelling it. Once done, transfer the oil to a dark glass bottle and store it in a cool, dark place. The oil should be used within twelve months. To extend the life of your lemongrass oil, add a few drops of vitamin E oil. If there is any concern that the oil has spoiled, discard it.
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Storing the oil
When storing lemongrass fragrance oil, it is important to use the correct type of container and to keep it in a suitable environment. The best containers for storing fragrance oils are glass bottles, ideally in a dark brown or blue colour. These types of bottles are optimal as they protect the oil from light and heat, which can reduce its effectiveness over time.
Make sure to fill the bottles to the top, leaving no air space, and seal them tightly with their lids. Store the bottles in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or a cupboard. The ideal storage temperature is room temperature or slightly cooler, and the oil should not be exposed to direct sunlight or heat sources.
Additionally, it is a good idea to label the bottles with the date and contents. This helps to keep track of how long the oil has been stored and ensures you know what is in each bottle.
Fragrance oils can be stored for up to 12 months if stored correctly. However, it is important to note that the oil will eventually break down, so it is best to use it within a year.
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Frequently asked questions
Lemongrass essential oil is for topical use only. It can be used to treat certain fungal infections and inflammation. It can also be used as a topical bug repellent but it is advised to test the skin for sensitivity before use.
Cymbopogon flexuosus is the most commonly used species of lemongrass for creating essential oil.
Grape seed or rice bran oil are both good options for making lemongrass essential oil.
First, cut and crush two lemongrass stalks with a mortar and pestle to release the oil. Add the stalks to a jar and cover them with oil. Place the jar in the sun for two days. After two days, strain the mixture and fill another jar with stalks and oil. Repeat this process until the oil reaches the desired level of potency.
Store the oil in a dark glass bottle with a tightly fastened lid in a cool, dark place. The oil should be used within 12 months.
