Lemongrass essential oil has quietly earned its place in natural households across the country. Whether it's the fresh citrusy scent, its ability to keep bugs away, or the many DIY uses around the home, lemongrass has proven itself to be more than just a trendy essential oil.
At Cedar Oil Store, we're all about safe, natural, and effective ways to care for your home, your pets, and your family. That’s why we’re such big fans of lemongrass essential oil it aligns with our values of clean living and pest control without synthetic chemicals.
Let’s explore six solid reasons this natural oil deserves a permanent spot in your cabinet.
Why Lemongrass Essential Oil Belongs in Every Home
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia, and its essential oil is extracted from its fragrant leaves and stalks. Known for its crisp lemony aroma, it carries compounds that are useful for everything from freshening your home to repelling unwanted pests.
It’s not just about scent. This oil supports wellness, helps clean surfaces naturally, and keeps certain insects at bay. Paired with cedarwood oil (which is our specialty at Cedar Oil Store), it becomes a strong ally in your natural pest control plan.
1. Natural Insect Repellent
One of the biggest reasons people keep lemongrass oil handy is because it’s an effective plant-based repellent against mosquitoes, flies, ants, and other insects. The oil contains citral and geraniol, both of which are known to interfere with insect scent receptors.
When used properly, lemongrass essential oil can help keep your home and outdoor areas bug-free without resorting to synthetic repellents that contain harsh chemicals.
Ways to use lemongrass oil for pest control:
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Mix a few drops with water and spray it around doors, windows, and baseboards
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Add to homemade lotions or oils and apply to exposed skin before going outdoors
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Use with cedarwood oil to create a balanced, family-safe insect deterrent
At Cedar Oil Store, we often recommend blending lemongrass with cedar oil for added pest-fighting power.
2. Antifungal and Antibacterial Properties
Lemongrass essential oil does more than repel bugs it helps clean and protect your home naturally. The oil contains powerful components that fight bacteria and fungi, making it useful in everything from surface sprays to foot soaks.
Several studies have shown that lemongrass oil has strong activity against organisms like E. coli, Salmonella, and Candida. That makes it a great addition to your natural cleaning products.
DIY uses around the home:
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Kitchen Spray: Mix 10 drops of lemongrass oil with 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of water for a natural disinfectant
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Foot Soak: Add 5 drops to a basin of warm water and soak feet to help with odor or fungal concerns
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Laundry Rinse: Add a couple of drops to your laundry cycle for fresh-smelling clothes and mildew resistance
3. Fresh, Uplifting Aroma
Let’s be honest one of the first things you notice about lemongrass oil is its bright, lemony fragrance. Unlike synthetic air fresheners, which can irritate the skin and lungs, lemongrass provides a clean scent that comes straight from nature.
It’s a favorite for diffusers, natural candles, and room sprays. Its scent is said to help with mental clarity and provide an energizing atmosphere, making it a great choice for your home office or kitchen.
Favorite scent uses:
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Add a few drops to a diffuser for a clean, energizing vibe
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Combine with cedarwood oil for a warm, balanced scent
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Use in homemade candle recipes or wax melts
4. Stress Relief and Mental Focus
While lemongrass oil is best known for its pest-fighting and scent properties, it also plays a role in emotional wellness. When inhaled, it may help calm the nerves and improve focus.
Many people find that diffusing lemongrass oil during work or meditation helps create a clear-headed environment. It has also been used traditionally in massage oils to relieve muscle tension and anxiety.
Simple ways to use for stress relief:
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Add to bath water with a carrier oil for a calming soak
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Rub diluted oil onto wrists or temples during stressful moments
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Diffuse in the background during yoga or deep work
5. Skin and Hair Care Support
Lemongrass essential oil has astringent and antibacterial qualities, which makes it helpful in skincare especially for oily or acne-prone skin. It can be used in diluted form as a toner or spot treatment.
In hair care, it can help reduce scalp oil and dandruff while adding a fresh scent to your routine. Just be sure to dilute it properly before use, as essential oils can be too strong on their own.
Natural beauty uses:
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Facial Toner: 2 drops of lemongrass oil in 1 oz witch hazel
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Scalp Cleanser: Add 3 drops to your regular shampoo
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Deodorant Spray: Mix 5 drops with witch hazel and distilled water in a spray bottle
These applications show how versatile this oil can be not just for cleaning or pest control, but for self-care as well.
6. Multi-Purpose Use Around the House
One of the best things about lemongrass essential oil is how flexible it is. From pest control to cleaning, mood-setting to skin care, it does a bit of everything. For families trying to reduce their use of synthetic products, this is a go-to natural solution.
Quick list of ways to use it around your home:
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Natural bug spray
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Yoga mat disinfectant
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Floor cleaner (mixed with vinegar and water)
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Car air freshener
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Drawer and closet scent sachets
If you're already using Cedar Oil Store products for pest control, adding lemongrass oil can give your routine an extra layer of freshness and functionality.
How to Use Lemongrass Oil Safely
Although it’s natural, lemongrass oil should be used carefully. Essential oils are highly concentrated, and using them directly on the skin or around sensitive pets without dilution can cause reactions.
Safety tips to keep in mind:
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Always dilute with a carrier oil before applying to skin
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Do a patch test first, especially for sensitive skin
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Keep away from the eyes and mucous membranes
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Avoid using around cats and birds in high concentrations
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Store it in a cool, dark place away from children
You can also consult a healthcare provider or holistic practitioner before using it regularly in personal care.
Final Thoughts
Lemongrass essential oil offers a powerful mix of freshness, function, and natural support. Whether you're looking to clean your home, care for your skin, or keep bugs away, this citrusy plant extract has something for everyone.
At Cedar Oil Store, we love how well it complements our cedarwood oil-based solutions. It fits right in with our mission of safe, family-friendly pest control and natural living.
If you haven’t tried lemongrass essential oil yet, this might be the perfect time to add it to your home routine.