Lemon Grass oil is derived from a tropical plant native to Southern India and Srilanka. It is used in a number of products for its taste and fragrance. The oil colour varies from dark yellow to reddish tinge and has a water like viscosity. Lemongrass oil is extracted by steam distillation method from fresh or partly dried leaves.

Chemical composition
The oil consists of certain natural chemical components including myrcene, citronellal, geranyl acetate, nerol, geraniol, neral and traces of limonene and citral.

Two types of lemon grass essential oils dominate the market :

• Cympobogon Flexnosus, a lemon grass originated from Eastern India
• Cympobogon Citratus, a lemon grass originated from Western India

World Trade in Lemon Grass Oil
The lemon grass essential oil is directly used in a wide range of low grade, inferior quality perfume and household products. The natural lemon grass essential oil market is facing stiff competition from the synthetic oil market. Chinese essential oil made from Litsea Cubeba, also competes with the natural oil in the international market. India is one of the largest producers of lemon grass oil, but it consumes a large percentage domestically, which has created uncertainty and constant commercial disputes. Guatemala is a another leading exporter of natural oil, followed by China. USA, UK, Japan are the major importing countries.

Use of Lemon Grass Oil

• Food flavoring : The oil is also used for its aroma and flavor in food processing industry.
• Perfumery : The lemon like fragrance makes it useful in manufacturing perfumes and deodorants.
• Medicine : The oil has antiseptic properties and is used in treatment of acne, flatulence, muscle aches, oil skin etc. The oil is used in the traditional system of medicine like Ayurveda for reducing fever and treating infectious illnesses.
• Agriculture : The oil is also used as a natural insect repellent in a spray from.
• Personal hygiene products including soaps, shampoos, detergents and other household cleaning products.
• Aromatherapy : The oil is used in combination with other essential oils to relax the mind and remove stress.