A Great Gentle Lemongrass Chemotype
Embracing the Gentler Side of Lemongrass: The Rhodinol-rich Chemotype
Lemongrass, or Cymbopogon citratus, is a staple in my collection of essential oils. Despite its invigorating, lemony aroma and anti-fungal properties, attributed to the high levels of citral (neral and geranial), it's known to be a potential skin irritant. As such, careful usage and thorough dilution are necessary when incorporating it into my blends.
On occasions, I've opted for Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) as an alternative. It also exhibits anti-fungal properties owing to its geraniol content, and offers the added benefit of being skin-nourishing.
However, my aromatic journey took a delightful twist when I came across a new lemongrass chemotype – Cymbopogon citratus ct. rhodinol. This variant is dominated by rhodinol, a compound derived from geraniol and citronellol.
In all my experiences with lemongrass, I've known it to be high in aldehydes (citral), which could potentially irritate the skin. But this rhodinol chemotype, being rich in monoterpenols, is typically non-irritating and skin-nourishing!
This discovery brought out the true aroma enthusiast in me, eliciting a wave of excitement. Imagine an anti-fungal oil with a composition of 70% citronellol and geraniol – it seemed too good to be true!
Let's dive a bit deeper into the constituents of this lemongrass chemotype and their potential therapeutic properties:
Citronellol:
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-anxiety
Antifungal, including against candida
Antioxidant
Effective against dust mites
Acts as a sedative to the central nervous system
Geraniol:
Airborne antimicrobial
Anti-inflammatory
Antibacterial
Antifungal, including against candida
Antioxidant
Cooling effect
Effective against dust mites
With a gentler scent than the traditional lemongrass, this chemotype is less herbaceous, exhibiting a pleasant citrus aroma with a lovely rosy note. It truly is a delightful and versatile addition to any essential oil collection!
In the world of aromatherapy, new discoveries like these remind us that there's always something more to learn and experience. And as someone who's perpetually curious about these natural wonders, I couldn't be happier to share this with you all.
Discovering this monoterpenol chemotype, I felt like such an aroma nerd--I was crazy happy!
