Lemongrass is the all-natural insect repellent you've been wishing for

Many of us think of lemongrass as a fresh and delicious ingredient found in Indian and other South Asian cooking but lemongrass has many benefits when used topically or therapeutically.

A close relative of another grass commonly known as citronella, lemongrass has a fresh, clean scent with a hint of lemon. Lemongrass is native to tropical regions such as Africa, Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Oceania where it has been used traditionally for medicinal, cosmetic and culinary purposes.

I chose this versatile essential oil for my Outdoor Body Spray because not only is it an effective insect repellent, but I think it has a much softer, more appealing fragrance than citronella. If you have to use bug spray why not use one that smells delicious? In fact, the Outdoor Body Spray smells so good your friends will be asking if they can use it too. Just ask anyone on our team who has brought it with them to a bonfire and they will tell you, bring two!

The benefits of lemongrass do not end there, this essential oil is loved for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, invigorating, soothing, and cleansing properties too.

Used medicinally, lemongrass essential oil stimulates circulation and helps to eliminate lactic acid, helping to relieve muscle and joint pain caused by overexertion through exercise. It is also known to boost energy and to reduce fever as well as headaches caused by viral infections such as the flu.

Cosmetically, lemongrass oil is highly prized for its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Meaning it’s really good at inhibiting the growth of bacteria on the skin, while at the same time it tones and purifies. On top of that its anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and swelling due to acne. That triple threat is the reason I love lemongrass and why I added it to the Balancing Cream for people with oily or acne prone skin.

In aromatherapy, lemongrass works well as a non-toxic air freshener that creates a relaxing atmosphere and deodorizes unpleasant scents. It is known to be beneficial for creating a feeling of being refreshed and renewed, for uplifting negative moods and for relieving anxiety and stress.

They say that lemongrass is one of the most popular essential oils in use today. It’s easy to see why, but you’ll have to try it to really believe it!

Plant Family: Poaceae (Gramineae)
Method of Extraction: The oil is produced from the fresh, or partly dried, leaves of the grass.
Main Therapeutic Properties: Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Digestive stimulant, Insecticide.
Fragrance profile: Lemongrass has a fresh, clean, citrus aroma.
Chakra: Throat and Base.
Chinese Element: Earth (& Fire)
Blending: Lemongrass blends well with cedarwood, geranium, jasmine, lavender, neroli, palmarosa, rosemary and tea tree.