Last week, I wrote part one of Essential Oils with Lemon-like Aromas and discussed citronella, may chang, and melissa essential oils in place of lemon essential oil for a slightly different lemon-like aroma. This week I am comparing lemon verbana, lemongrass, and lemon myrtle essential oils with regard to their lemon-like aroma – although you will probably find that they have beneficial properties too, depending upon your purpose.
Remember to dilute all essential oils before dermal application; consult a certified aromatherapist for further information on safe use of essential oils.
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)essential oil is closely related to citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) essential oil, being of the same genus and plant family. Lemongrass, like citronella, is an aromatic perennial grass from which an essential oil is steam distilled. Lemongrass essential oil has either a fresh, grassy-citrus aroma or a fresh, grassy-lemon aroma depending on the type. West Indian lemongrass is usually more lemon-like due to a higher citral content.
CAUTIONS: Possible skin sensitivity.
TIPS FOR USE: Use in an aromatherapy diffuser to repel mosquitoes, add to a custom perfume blend, use in aromatherapy practice for muscle pain, fevers, headaches, and stress.
Lemon Verbana Essential Oil
Lemon verbana (Aloysia triphylla) is similar in use to melissa (Melissa officinalis), although the two species are not related. Lemon verbana is a medium-sized perennial shrub with lanceolate, aromatic leaves and small purple flowers. Lemon verbana essential oil is steam distilled from the plant and it has has a lemon-like, fruity-floral aroma.
CAUTIONS: Possible skin sensitivity. Photo-toxic.
TIPS FOR USE: Add to a custom perfume or cologne blend, use in aromatherapy practice for insomnia, anxiety, and stress.
Lemon Myrtle Essential Oil
Lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is closely related to myrtle (Myrtus communis). Lemon myrtle is a tall flowering plant with cream-colored flowers and lance-shaped leaves. It is indigenous to Australia. Lemon myrtle essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and it has a strong lemon aroma.
CAUTIONS: Possible skin sensitivity. Do not use in pregnancy. Do not use with babies and children under two years of age.
TIPS FOR USE: Use in an aromatherapy diffuser to uplift or calm, use in aromatherapy practice for chest congestion.
Learn More About Essential Oils with Sedona Aromatherapie
If you are interested in learning more about essential oils, and the plants from which they are extracted, consider one of the Sedona Aromatherapie home study aromatherapy courses. For further information, visit the courses home page.
References:
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Lawless, Julia, 1995, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, UK: Thorsons
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Tisserand, R., Young, R., 2014, Essential Oil Safety (2nd Edition), UK: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier
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Author is a UK-certified aromatherapist, published author in aromatherapy, an approved education provider for the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), an aromatherapy business owner, and Chief Editor for the NAHA Aromatherapy Journal.
