Lemongrass Essential Oil: Uses, Benefits, How to Use It & What You Should Know
Lemongrass essential oil is one of those oils that is easy to recognize. Its bright citrus aroma has a fresh, clean, slightly herbal character that can instantly make a room feel more refreshing. It is widely used in aromatherapy, home fragrance, soaps, candles, massage blends, and personal care products.
But lemongrass essential oil is more than just a pleasant fragrance. The oil contains naturally occurring aromatic compounds that have been investigated for antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, while human research has also explored its potential role in aromatherapy and relaxation.
If you are considering adding lemongrass oil to your daily routine, the most important thing is understanding what it is, how it can be used safely, and what the scientific evidence actually says.
What Is Lemongrass Essential Oil?
Lemongrass essential oil is an aromatic oil obtained from the leaves of the lemongrass plant. The botanical name listed for Aroma Moris Lemongrass Essential Oil is Cymbopogon citratus.
According to the product information, Aroma Moris produces this oil using steam distillation, with listed as the country of origin. It is intended for aromatherapy and cosmetic applications and can be used in diffusers, soaps, candles, and home fragrance products.
The characteristic lemon-like scent comes largely from aromatic compounds such as citral. Research into lemongrass essential oil has found citral to be one of its major components, although the exact chemical composition can vary depending on the plant variety, growing conditions, harvesting practices, and extraction process.
That variation is one reason it is useful to distinguish between lemongrass as a plant, lemongrass extracts, and lemongrass essential oil. Research involving one form should not automatically be interpreted as evidence for every other form.
Aroma Profile of Lemongrass Oil
The easiest way to describe lemongrass essential oil is fresh, citrusy, green, and herbal.
Unlike sweet orange or lemon essential oil, lemongrass has a sharper herbal character. It can work particularly well when you want a fragrance that feels:
- Fresh and energizing
- Clean and crisp
- Citrus-forward without being overly sweet
- Herbal and natural
- Suitable for daytime spaces
- Refreshing in home fragrance blends
Because of this distinctive profile, lemongrass oil is commonly used in candles, soaps, diffusers, room fragrances, and aromatic blends.
Key Details About Aroma Moris Lemongrass Essential Oil
If you are specifically looking for the Aroma Moris product, here are the important details in one place:
Product: Lemongrass Essential Oil
Botanical name: Cymbopogon citratus
Extraction method: Steam distillation
Country of origin: India
Intended uses: Aromatherapy, diffusers, soaps, candles, and home fragrance
Product price listed: $25
Recommended use: Diffuse in small amounts or dilute before cosmetic use
Product positioning: Aromatherapy and cosmetic use only
The manufacturer also states that the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. That distinction is important when discussing essential oils because traditional uses and laboratory findings should not be presented as medical treatment.
What Is Lemongrass Essential Oil Used For?
There are several practical ways to incorporate lemongrass essential oil into your routine.
1. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is probably one of the simplest ways to enjoy lemongrass oil.
The bright citrus-herbal aroma can be used when you want to create a fresh atmosphere at home, during meditation, while working, or as part of a relaxing evening routine.
There is also some human research specifically involving lemongrass aroma. A 2015 randomized study involving 40 healthy male volunteers found that brief exposure to lemongrass aroma was associated with reductions in reported state anxiety and subjective tension during an experimental anxiety task. The researchers also noted that further investigation was needed to establish its clinical relevance.
More recently, a 2025 randomized clinical trial involving 38 dental patients reported reductions in anxiety scores and certain cardiovascular measures among participants who inhaled lemongrass aroma during periodontal treatment. However, this was a specific clinical setting and should not be interpreted as proof that lemongrass oil treats anxiety disorders.
In other words, the research is interesting, but it is still more accurate to describe lemongrass aromatherapy as a potentially calming or refreshing aromatic experience, rather than a medical treatment.
2. Diffusing at Home
Lemongrass is particularly suitable for home diffusers because its aroma is strong and distinctive.
A few drops can help create a fresh-smelling environment in areas such as:
- Living rooms
- Home offices
- Bedrooms
- Entryways
- Meditation spaces
- Bathrooms
Aroma Moris specifically recommends diffusing the oil in small amounts.
You do not need a large quantity to create a noticeable aroma. Start with a small amount and increase only if necessary according to your diffuser’s instructions.
3. Home Fragrance
If you enjoy fresh, citrus-inspired scents, lemongrass can be a useful ingredient in homemade fragrance projects.
It can be incorporated into suitable fragrance formulations for:
- Room sprays
- Scented candles
- Wax melts
- Reed diffuser blends
- Other home fragrance applications
The important point is to use an appropriate formulation for the specific product rather than simply adding undiluted essential oil to anything that happens to smell good.
4. Soaps and Personal Care Products
Lemongrass essential oil is also popular in soapmaking and cosmetic formulations because of its strong fragrance.
Its fresh scent can make body washes, soaps, scrubs, and other personal care products feel particularly refreshing.
However, essential oils are highly concentrated. Applying lemongrass oil directly to the skin is not the same as using a properly formulated cosmetic product.
Aroma Moris recommends diluting the oil before using it in cosmetic products.
Lemongrass Essential Oil and Antimicrobial Research
One of the most interesting areas of lemongrass essential oil research involves its antimicrobial activity.
Laboratory studies have investigated lemongrass oil and citral against different bacteria and fungi. One study published in 2016 found antimicrobial activity from lemongrass essential oil and citral against tested strains of Acinetobacter baumannii. The researchers also observed cytotoxic effects at certain concentrations in cultured human dermal fibroblasts, highlighting why concentration and safety need to be considered carefully.
Another study investigated lemongrass essential oil and citral against mixed biofilms involving Staphylococcus aureus and Candida species. The researchers found reductions in biofilm biomass and cell viability under laboratory conditions.
These findings are promising for research, but there is an important distinction:
Laboratory antimicrobial activity does not mean lemongrass essential oil should be used as a substitute for medical treatment or disinfectant products.
The concentration used in a laboratory experiment, the formulation, the method of application, and the real-world environment can all be very different.
Potential Antioxidant Properties
Lemongrass essential oil has also been investigated for antioxidant activity.
A recent review of lemongrass essential oil research discussed compounds including citral, geraniol, and citronellal and summarized research into antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, and other biological activities. The review also highlighted applications of lemongrass oil in areas such as cosmetics, food preservation, and pharmaceutical research.
Again, this research helps explain why lemongrass oil continues to attract scientific interest. It does not mean that applying or inhaling lemongrass essential oil will necessarily produce a specific medical outcome.
For everyday consumers, the more practical takeaway is simple: lemongrass is a naturally aromatic plant with compounds that have demonstrated interesting properties in laboratory and experimental research.
How to Use Lemongrass Essential Oil
For Diffusion
Use the oil according to your diffuser manufacturer’s instructions.
Start with a small amount. Lemongrass has a relatively powerful aroma, so adding more oil is not necessarily better.
Make sure the room has appropriate ventilation and avoid prolonged exposure if the aroma becomes irritating.
For Cosmetic Products
Lemongrass essential oil should be diluted before topical cosmetic use.
Do not assume that because an essential oil comes from a natural plant it can automatically be applied directly to the skin.
A properly formulated cosmetic product should account for the concentration of essential oil and the intended area of application.
Aroma Moris specifically instructs customers to dilute the oil before using it in cosmetic products.
For Soap and Candle Making
Lemongrass can be incorporated into soaps and candles as part of a suitable formulation.
For these applications, follow the recommended usage rates for your specific product type and the relevant supplier or formulation guidance. Essential oils can behave differently depending on the base material and concentration.
Can You Apply Lemongrass Essential Oil Directly to Your Skin?
It is better not to use undiluted lemongrass essential oil directly on the skin.
Essential oils are concentrated substances, and topical exposure can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people. General safety information from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that essential oils can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, particularly with prolonged skin contact.
For cosmetic use, dilute lemongrass oil appropriately in a suitable carrier or use it as part of a properly formulated cosmetic product.
If you have sensitive skin, consider performing a small patch test before wider use.
Can You Drink Lemongrass Essential Oil?
No. Aroma Moris Lemongrass Essential Oil is not intended for ingestion.
The product page states that it is intended for aromatherapy and cosmetic use and does not recommend oral consumption.
This is an important distinction because lemongrass the culinary herb and lemongrass essential oil are not interchangeable.
Lemongrass is commonly used as a food ingredient and in tea, but an essential oil is a highly concentrated aromatic product. Do not assume that an essential oil is safe to consume simply because the plant itself is edible.
Lemongrass Essential Oil Safety
Using essential oils responsibly is just as important as choosing a good fragrance.
Keep the following points in mind:
Do not use it undiluted on the skin. Dilute it appropriately for cosmetic applications.
Do not ingest it. Aroma Moris lists the product for aromatherapy and cosmetic use rather than oral use.
Avoid contact with the eyes. Essential oils can cause significant irritation.
Keep it away from children and pets. Store the bottle securely and follow appropriate household safety practices.
Stop using it if irritation occurs. If you experience skin irritation, discomfort, breathing difficulty, or an allergic reaction, discontinue use and seek appropriate medical advice.
Use ventilation when diffusing. If the aroma feels overwhelming, reduce the amount or stop diffusion.
Check with a healthcare professional when appropriate. People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, have allergies, or have specific medical conditions should discuss essential oil use with a qualified healthcare professional before using it therapeutically.
The goal is to enjoy the fragrance without treating an essential oil as a replacement for professional medical care.
What Makes Steam Distillation Important?
Aroma Moris lists steam distillation as the extraction method for its Lemongrass Essential Oil.
Steam distillation is a common method used to obtain essential oils from aromatic plant material. During the process, steam passes through the plant material and helps carry volatile aromatic compounds into the distillation system, where the oil can subsequently be separated.
The extraction method matters because essential oil composition can be influenced by the plant material and processing conditions.
For consumers, checking the botanical name and extraction method can provide more useful information than simply seeing a product labeled “lemongrass oil.”
Lemongrass Essential Oil vs. Lemon Essential Oil
These two oils are often confused because of their names and citrus-like aromas.
They are not the same.
Lemongrass essential oil comes from Cymbopogon citratus, a grass, and generally has a strong citrus-herbal aroma.
Lemon essential oil comes from the lemon fruit, Citrus limon, and typically has a sweeter, brighter citrus peel aroma.
If you want a fragrance that feels green, crisp, herbal, and citrusy, lemongrass is a very different experience from traditional lemon oil.
Lemongrass Oil vs. Citronella Oil
Lemongrass and citronella can also smell similar because both have prominent lemon-like aromatic characteristics.
However, they come from different plants and should not automatically be treated as interchangeable products.
The Aroma Moris product is specifically identified as Cymbopogon citratus lemongrass essential oil.
Always check the botanical name when buying an essential oil rather than relying only on the common name printed on the label.
How to Choose a Lemongrass Essential Oil
When comparing different lemongrass essential oils, look beyond the front of the bottle.
Consider:
Botanical Name
Look for the botanical name, such as Cymbopogon citratus. This helps you understand exactly which plant species the product represents.
Extraction Method
Knowing whether the oil was steam distilled or produced through another extraction method provides useful information about how the aromatic material was obtained.
Intended Use
Choose an oil that is appropriate for your intended purpose. An oil sold for aromatherapy and cosmetics should not automatically be assumed to be suitable for ingestion.
Product Information
A transparent product page should provide useful information about the oil rather than making broad claims about treating diseases.
Aroma Moris identifies its lemongrass oil’s botanical name, extraction method, country of origin, intended uses, and basic usage instructions on the product page.
Ways to Enjoy Lemongrass Oil at Home
You do not need complicated recipes to make use of lemongrass essential oil.
Here are a few simple ideas:
Morning diffuser: Use a small amount in a diffuser to create a fresh atmosphere while starting your day.
Home office: Diffuse lemongrass while working if you enjoy bright citrus-herbal scents.
Fresh home fragrance: Incorporate it into an appropriate room fragrance formulation.
Soap making: Add it to a properly formulated soap recipe at the recommended concentration.
Candle making: Use it as part of a suitable candle fragrance formulation.
Aromatic blends: Combine it with other compatible essential oils to create your preferred fragrance profile.
The best use ultimately comes down to the experience you want. If you like clean, green, citrus-forward aromas, lemongrass is a versatile option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is lemongrass essential oil good for?
Lemongrass essential oil is commonly used for aromatherapy, diffusers, home fragrance, soaps, candles, and cosmetic formulations. Aroma Moris specifically lists these as intended uses for its product.
Is lemongrass essential oil good for relaxation?
Lemongrass aroma has been studied in human research involving anxiety and stress-related responses. Some studies have reported reductions in subjective anxiety following exposure to lemongrass aroma, but more research is needed before making medical claims.
Can I use lemongrass essential oil in a diffuser?
Yes. Aroma Moris specifically lists diffusers as an intended use and recommends diffusing the oil in small amounts.
Can I apply lemongrass oil directly to my skin?
It is recommended to dilute essential oils before topical cosmetic use. Aroma Moris specifically advises dilution before using its lemongrass oil in cosmetic products.
Can I ingest lemongrass essential oil?
The Aroma Moris product is intended for aromatherapy and cosmetic use, not ingestion. Do not consume it unless a qualified professional specifically advises you to do so for an appropriate product.
Does lemongrass essential oil have antimicrobial properties?
Laboratory research has found antimicrobial activity from lemongrass essential oil and its constituents against various microorganisms. However, laboratory findings do not mean the oil should replace approved medical or disinfectant treatments.
What is the botanical name of Aroma Moris Lemongrass Essential Oil?
The botanical name listed by Aroma Moris is Cymbopogon citratus.
How is Aroma Moris Lemongrass Essential Oil extracted?
The product page states that the oil is produced using steam distillation.
Where does Aroma Moris Lemongrass Essential Oil come from?
Aroma Moris lists India as the country of origin for this product.
Is lemongrass essential oil the same as lemon oil?
No. Lemongrass oil comes from a grass species, Cymbopogon citratus, while lemon essential oil is derived from the lemon plant. Their aromas are both citrus-like, but their botanical sources and fragrance profiles are different.
The Bottom Line
Lemongrass essential oil is a practical choice if you enjoy fresh, citrus-herbal aromas and want an oil that can be used across aromatherapy, home fragrance, soaps, candles, and cosmetic formulations.
Aroma Moris Lemongrass Essential Oil is identified as Cymbopogon citratus, is steam distilled, and lists India as its country of origin. The product is intended for aromatherapy and cosmetic applications, with the manufacturer recommending small amounts for diffusion and dilution for cosmetic use.
Scientific research makes lemongrass particularly interesting because its constituents, especially citral, have demonstrated antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies, while human research has also explored the effects of lemongrass aroma on anxiety-related responses. However, these findings should be kept in context. Essential oils are not substitutes for medical treatment, and promising laboratory or small clinical studies do not establish that lemongrass oil can diagnose, prevent, or cure a disease.
If your goal is simply to bring a crisp, refreshing citrus-herbal scent into your home or personal care routine, lemongrass essential oil offers a versatile and enjoyable option.
Explore Aroma Moris Lemongrass Essential Oil and discover a fresh citrus-herbal aroma for your everyday aromatic routine.