Lemongrass essential oil is one of the most versatile oils you can keep on hand, useful for everything from easing muscle soreness to freshening a room to repelling insects. The key to using it well is knowing the right dilution for each method, because undiluted lemongrass oil is potent enough to irritate skin on contact. Here’s how to use it safely across the most common applications.
Diffusing Lemongrass Oil
Diffusing is the simplest way to use lemongrass oil. For a standard 300 ml ultrasonic diffuser, start with 3 to 4 drops in a full water tank. If you want a stronger scent or are using a larger room, you can increase to 3 to 5 drops per 100 ml of water. Lemongrass has a bright, citrusy smell that works well on its own but also blends naturally with peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus.
Run your diffuser in 30- to 60-minute intervals rather than continuously. This gives your body breaks from inhalation and prevents the scent from becoming overwhelming. Keep windows crackable if possible, especially in smaller rooms.
One important note: if you have cats, dogs, or horses, be cautious with diffusing. The ASPCA classifies lemongrass as toxic to all three. In cats and dogs, exposure can cause stomach upset. In horses, the risk is more serious, potentially including difficulty breathing and weakness. If you share your home with pets, diffuse only in rooms they don’t access, or skip diffusing entirely and use topical methods instead.
Topical Use and Dilution Ratios
Lemongrass oil should always be diluted in a carrier oil before touching your skin. Coconut oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and grapeseed oil all work well. The dilution percentage you need depends on where and why you’re applying it.
- Face and sensitive areas: 0.5% to 1.2%. This translates to roughly 3 to 7 drops of essential oil per tablespoon (15 ml) of carrier oil. Use this range for facial skincare or anywhere skin is thinner or more reactive.
- Body massage and general use: 1% to 3%. This is the standard range aromatherapists have used for over 50 years. Around 9 to 18 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil covers most body applications.
- Reactive or damaged skin: 0.2% to 1%. If your skin is already irritated, sunburned, or prone to reactions, keep the concentration low. One to 6 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil is sufficient.
Drop counts are always approximate because essential oil drops vary in size depending on the bottle’s dropper and the oil’s viscosity. Measuring by percentage (using a small kitchen scale) is more precise, but drop estimates are fine for everyday home use.
Before applying any new blend to a large area, do a patch test. Rub a small amount on the inside of your forearm, cover it lightly, and wait 24 hours. If you see redness, itching, or a rash, increase the carrier oil ratio or choose a different essential oil.
Using It for Muscle and Joint Soreness
One of the most popular uses for lemongrass oil is rubbing it into sore muscles or stiff joints. The oil’s main active compound, citral, has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce localized pain when absorbed through the skin. A small study of 30 people who applied lemongrass oil daily for 30 days found a gradual reduction in self-reported pain scores over the course of the trial, with the most noticeable improvement occurring after the second and third weeks of consistent use.
For a simple muscle rub, mix lemongrass oil at a 2% to 3% dilution in a carrier oil and massage it into the affected area. You can also add a few drops to an unscented lotion. Apply it after a warm shower when your pores are open and circulation is already increased. This isn’t a replacement for medical treatment if you have a diagnosed condition, but it can complement your routine as a soothing topical.
Bath and Shower Products
Adding lemongrass oil to bath products calls for a slightly higher concentration, in the range of 2% to 4%. You can mix 5 to 10 drops into a tablespoon of carrier oil or unscented bath gel before adding it to running water. Never drop essential oil directly into bathwater without a dispersant, since oil floats on the surface and can contact your skin undiluted.
For a quick shower aromatherapy experience, place 2 to 3 drops on the shower floor (away from where you stand) and let the steam carry the scent. You can also mix a few drops into an unscented body wash.
Antifungal and Cleaning Uses
Lemongrass oil is one of the strongest antifungal essential oils available. In lab testing, it outperformed seven other aromatherapy oils (including basil, citronella, and ginger) at killing Candida, a common fungal organism. It was particularly effective at disrupting biofilms, the protective layers fungi form on surfaces, and at blocking the early growth stages that allow fungal colonies to take hold.
For a simple household surface spray, combine about 15 to 20 drops of lemongrass oil with one cup of water and a teaspoon of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use, since oil and water naturally separate. This works well for wiping down kitchen counters, bathroom surfaces, or yoga mats. It’s not a registered disinfectant, but it adds antimicrobial action on top of your regular cleaning routine.
For a foot soak targeting fungal concerns, add 4 to 5 drops mixed into a tablespoon of carrier oil to a basin of warm water. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
Insect Repellent
Citral, the same compound responsible for lemongrass oil’s sharp scent, is a natural insect deterrent. To make a simple repellent spray, mix lemongrass oil at a 2% to 3% dilution in a carrier oil or witch hazel base and apply it to exposed skin. Reapply every one to two hours, since essential oil repellents evaporate faster than synthetic ones. You can also place a few drops on cotton balls near doorways or windowsills to discourage insects from entering.
Safety and Storage
Lemongrass oil is not classified as phototoxic the way some cold-pressed citrus oils are, so you don’t need to avoid sun exposure after applying it. However, it can still cause skin irritation or sensitization in some people, especially at higher concentrations. Rare cases of allergic reactions have been reported.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid using lemongrass oil. Two of its compounds, citral and myrcene, have shown potential for maternal toxicity in animal studies at high doses, and its effects on human pregnancy haven’t been adequately studied. One of the oil’s components also interacts with liver enzymes involved in drug metabolism. No specific drug interactions have been documented in clinical reports, but if you take prescription medications and plan to use lemongrass oil frequently or in large amounts, it’s worth mentioning to your pharmacist.
Regarding the FDA’s classification: lemongrass oil is listed as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) as a food flavoring agent. This means tiny amounts used to flavor food are considered safe, but it’s not an endorsement for drinking drops of the essential oil. Concentrated essential oils are far more potent than the trace amounts used in cooking.
Store your lemongrass oil in a dark glass bottle, tightly sealed, in a cool place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Heat accelerates the breakdown of citral, which is the oil’s most active compound. Research on thermal degradation found that the oil’s antioxidant effectiveness drops significantly after about 30 days of heat exposure, with a clear decline in its key chemical ratios. At room temperature with proper storage, most lemongrass oil stays effective for about two to three years. If the scent becomes flat, sour, or noticeably different from when you bought it, the oil has likely oxidized and should be replaced, especially for skin applications.