Essential oils (EOs) are concentrated plant extracts used for aromatherapy. Lavender (\(Lavandula\) \(angustifolia\)) and Lemongrass (\(Cymbopogon\) \(flexuosus\) or \(C.\) \(citratus\)) are two of the most popular essential oils, valued for their distinct aromas and properties. These two oils can be mixed, allowing for a combined aromatic experience and synergistic effect.
Understanding the Aromatic Compatibility
The successful blending of Lavender and Lemongrass is due to their complementary aromatic profiles, which create a balanced scent structure. Lavender oil is considered a middle to top note, contributing a soft, herbaceous, and floral aroma that provides body to a blend. Its main chemical constituents, linalool and linalyl acetate, belong to the alcohol and ester chemical families.
Lemongrass, by contrast, is a bright, intense top note dominated by a fresh, lemony, and grassy scent. Its dominant component is citral, an aldehyde, giving it a strong, sharp aromatic intensity. When blended, the gentle, floral notes of Lavender soften the powerful citrus-aldehyde note of Lemongrass.
This blending creates an olfactory synergy where the individual aromas are enhanced and smoothed into a more complex, unified fragrance. The combination is often described as a “clean” scent, where the herbaceous-sweetness of the Lavender rounds out the brightness of the Lemongrass. Chemically, the alcohol and ester components of Lavender blend well with the aldehyde-rich Lemongrass.
Therapeutic Benefits of the Combined Blend
The combination of Lavender and Lemongrass offers a unique duality of effects, merging the qualities of a calming oil with an uplifting one. Lavender is recognized for its linalool content, which contributes to its anxiolytic and sedative properties, promoting relaxation and aiding restful sleep. Lemongrass provides an immediate counterpoint, as its citral content has been associated with mood-lifting and clarifying effects.
Blending the two creates an ideal atmospheric oil that can promote a state of relaxed alertness or focused calm. Beyond mood management, the combined oils are also highly effective as a natural insect repellent. Both Lemongrass and Lavender contain components known to deter various insects, making the blend a functional choice for outdoor use. When properly diluted for topical application, the blend is also sought after for soothing tired muscles and supporting skin health.
Critical Safety Requirements for Topical Use
While the blend is aromatically pleasing, Lemongrass essential oil requires careful handling, as it poses a risk for skin sensitization and irritation (dermal toxicity). This risk is attributable to its high concentration of the aldehyde component, citral. Topical application without proper dilution can easily lead to contact dermatitis, redness, or burning, particularly on sensitive skin.
Lemongrass must be diluted far more than many other essential oils for skin contact. It is recommended to keep the concentration of Lemongrass at or below 0.7% of the total topical blend. Although Lemongrass is not phototoxic, the oil is highly sensitizing, and sun exposure can aggravate any existing irritation.
Contraindications for the blend include use on damaged or highly sensitive skin, and it should be avoided entirely for infants and young children. Pregnant or nursing individuals should consult a health professional before using this or any other essential oil blend.
Practical Guidelines for Blending and Application
Creating a balanced and safe blend requires adhering to guidelines for both the aromatic ratio and the final dilution percentage. For a pleasant aromatic profile, a common ratio is to use more Lavender than Lemongrass, such as a 2:1 or 3:2 ratio of Lavender drops to Lemongrass drops. This ensures the strong Lemongrass aroma does not overpower the delicate floral notes of the Lavender.
When preparing a topical product, the entire blend must be incorporated into a carrier oil like jojoba or fractionated coconut oil. A safe dilution for most adult body applications is 1–2%, which translates to 6–12 total drops of the essential oil blend per one ounce (30 mL) of carrier oil. For facial applications or for individuals with sensitive skin, a 0.5% dilution rate is safer, using only 3 drops of the total blend per one ounce of carrier oil.
The blend can be used in a passive or active diffuser without the need for a carrier oil. Users should still respect the strong nature of Lemongrass and start with a lower number of drops.
Summary of Blend
The blending of Lavender and Lemongrass is feasible and results in an effective aromatic profile that is both complex and pleasing. This combination unites the soothing qualities of Lavender with the invigorating effects of Lemongrass to offer a balanced experience. The blend delivers benefits for mood and is also recognized for its utility as a natural insect repellent. Safe use requires strict adherence to low dilution rates for topical applications, minimizing the risk of skin irritation associated with Lemongrass’s high citral content.