Lemongrass essential oil is one of our best sellers. There are people ordering it from all over the world, and they often become regular customers. As regular lemongrass essential oil is a fairly easy product to source, we had a look at why Bhutan’s lemongrass essential oil is so popular abroad.
Why are essential oils gaining popularity?
We first looked at essential oils in a broader sense. Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. They have concentrated plant extracts that retain the natural smell and flavor, or “essence,” of the plant from which they were made. Essential oils have been used for their health-promoting properties throughout history.
With the current trend of holistic approaches to self-care, essential oils are being rediscovered for their profound health benefits. These natural oils are also gaining popularity today due to the increasing scientific validation of alternative health practices. It’s more like seeking solace again in nature for yourself and your family.
Lemongrass essential oils
We then looked at lemongrass essential oil and discovered that it has myriad benefits and uses. Lemongrass essential oil has a light and fresh lemony smell with earthy undertones. This oil is soothing, stimulating, and balancing. It’s extracted from the leaves and stalks of the lemongrass plant and has a powerful citrus scent that will truly leave an impression on your senses.
Lemongrass is a tropical, grassy plant used in cooking and herbal medicine. It’s been used by healthcare providers to treat digestive problems and high blood pressure. It has many other potential health benefits, too! Lemongrass essential oil is a popular tool in aromatherapy to help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression.
Bhutan's treasured lemongrass essential oil
In Bhutan, lemongrass flourishes as the natural undergrowth of pine trees in Mongar, Lhuentse, Trashigang, and Trashiyangtse, the eastern parts of Bhutan. For over 25 years, farmers here have been harvesting the aromatic grass by hand before distilling the essential oil from it. Most households use the natural essence of lemongrass oil and lemon grass air spray to purify and refresh homes. For the local farmers, distilling lemon grass oil has proven to be a successful business.
Lemongrass found in Bhutan (Cymbopogon Bhutanicus), belongs to the family Poaceae (Gramineae) and is known as East Indian Lemon Grass.
The essential oil was first produced in Bhutan in 1981 by the Bhutan Aromatic and Phyto-Chemicals Section (BAPC) of Tashi Commercial Corporation. They operated a large distillation unit utilising steam distillation, as well as a cottage-type distillery. In the late 80s, His Majesty commanded to expand the scope of distillation plants further. Then, in 1990, two essential oil distilleries were established, in Mongar and Trashigang Districts.
The harvest area lies in the eastern part of Bhutan under the care of BIO BHUTAN. Currently, it is one of the largest enterprises that specialise in producing natural and organically certified lemongrass oil from raw materials supplied by farmers. The organisation has so far benefitted many rural people of Eastern Bhutan in earning their livelihoods.
The main advantage of Bhutan is that lemongrass is grown on extremely fertile soil. A soil that has not been polluted by herbicide or pesticide due to the strict regulations in place.
Bio-Bhutan - the most trusted lemongrass oil producer
Bio Bhutan creates, produces, and sells natural and organic goods from all parts of Bhutan. In 2005, it became a privately owned Bhutanese business registered with the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Thimphu. Only the finest, most genuine products are created and distributed by Bio Bhutan. Lemongrass essential oil is the product that everyone adores the most.
After a heartfelt collaboration and friendship with PRIMAVERA, a worldwide enterprise that promotes health through pure herbal essences, lemongrass essential oil production in Bhutan became commercially acclaimed.
The founders of Bio Bhutan and PRIMAVERA visited Bhutan in 1990 in quest of the essential oil of lemongrass. And it has now become one of their most popular goods. They were enthralled by the incredible beauty and variety of the natural world. Not only did they discover the priceless lemongrass oil, but also the motivation to help the local farmers. They wanted to help people who work in lemongrass production become self-sufficient. Since that time, their bond has remained as solid as ever thanks to the perennial grass’s enlivening scent. Additionally, the collaboration has aided in boosting the nation’s economy and fostering a rich cultural exchange.
Why Bio Bhutan’s Lemongrass Oil?
Lemongrass Oil from Bio Bhutan does not contain any photodynamic agents. The oil is characterised by a beautiful floral scent. Additionally, only ethical and reputable harvesters collect the raw materials. Most households use pure essence and lemongrass air spray to purify and refresh homes. 100 % purity and high-quality essential oil
- sustainably gathered/harvested by farmers from wild, unspoiled forests
- they pay it back directly into the value chain, thus benefiting the local communities.
- Projects are supported and partnered with a worldwide business like PRIMAVERA.
- Organic certified by the “Organic Standard under Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 & Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 and the Swiss Organic Farming Ordinance (SR 910.18).
The process of oil extraction
You can get this plant’s delightful lemon-like scent by crushing the leaves in your palms. The plant’s freshly cut leaves are used to make lemongrass essential oil.
Bio Bhutan’s lemongrass essential oil is made from the lemongrass species “Cymbopogon bhutanicus”, which is native only to Bhutan. The aromatic perennial lemongrass is harvested by skilled farmers in the pristine mountains of the eastern region. They are usually harvested using sharp tools to cut them accurately. The leaves are handled carefully to avoid splitting as they contain priceless oil.
Following the meticulous harvest of the priceless leaves, the oil is derived through the method of steam distillation. The extraction work is done by the Lemongrass Oil Cooperative members and farmers from Mongar, Lhuntse, Trashigang, and Trashiyangtse Districts. Once the aromatic chemicals have been extracted, they are combined with carrier oil to create a product that’s ready for use.
Application of lemongrass essential oil
The stalky grass with a fresh, citrusy flavor, grown by family farmers, is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine. But when you’re not eating some delish lemongrass chicken soup or seafood, the herb also makes a stellar essential oil that can be used topically or inhaled.
Here’s a deep dive into the application and safe usage of lemongrass essential oil.
Aromatherapy
When used in aromatherapy, lemongrass essential oil has the potential to release a pleasant scent into the air. As a result, it functions as a powerful, all-natural, zero-toxin air freshener. It imparts freshness and creates a rejuvenated environment when used in a diffuser. You will instantly notice an improvement in your mood which will aid in getting rid of depressing thoughts.
Experience the fragrant advantages of this oil by adding 3–4 drops to a diffuser or vaporizer. Another simple way to use the oil for its aroma is to pour a few drops onto a cotton ball and place it in a corner of the room. Change the cotton as needed.
Lemongrass air spray
By adding roughly 8 to 9 drops of the oil to a spray bottle of water, this oil can also be used as a natural disinfectant or room freshener.The lemongrass air spray from Bio Bhutan is the perfect solution for reviving and purifying the air in your home and office. It fosters a serene, energizing, and revitalizing environment. This strong scent works as a natural disinfectant and insect repellant, particularly for mosquitoes.
Skincare and Massage
The anti-inflammatory qualities of lemongrass essential oil help to reduce swelling, itching, redness, and inflammation. It is frequently found in cosmetics designed to promote soft, toned, and luminous skin because of its abundant antibacterial and astringent characteristics.
Add one or two drops of lemongrass essential oil to any carrier oil, such as coconut, almond, or jojoba oil, to relieve joint and muscular pain. Next, massage the affected area with this combination to quickly relieve any cramping or pain.
You can also use it as a moisturizer or toner for cosmetic purposes. You can blend some heated shea butter with a few drops of essential oil. Apply it over the skin, wherever you wish to moisturize.
Haircare
To improve the entire hair-oiling experience, it is advised to massage the scalp with 1-2 drops of lemongrass oil combined with any carrier oil, such as coconut, almond, or sesame. It will help to strengthen the roots of the hair and promote hair growth.
Holistic benefits of lemongrass essential oil
Most of us would never believe that this delightful thready grass has so much healing power hidden inside its fibrous stalks! For years, lemongrass has been used as a delicious, citrusy flavor in Southeast Asian cuisine. However, the uses for lemongrass oil extend far beyond the kitchen.
Medicinal properties
Applying lemongrass topically when diluted with a carrier oil of one’s choice provides excellent relief from joint and muscular aches and pains. It even alleviates stomach pain and gives a cure for digestive ailments. This oil can clean wounds and fend off any bacterial or fungal infection because of its high antiseptic component.
Insect repellent properties
Lemongrass essential oil contains citronella, which is known to naturally repel insects. Spraying this oil in places with infestations could assist in getting rid of them without anyone inhaling any toxic compounds. It provides the safest natural protection against mosquitoes and other insect bites.
Stress and anxiety relief
People use lemongrass essential oil to help them relax due to the refreshing, herbaceous aroma of the oil. It’s a well-liked complement to yoga, mindfulness, and aromatherapy exercises. There’s a possibility that it will enhance the anti-stress effects of massage therapy. Diffusing Lemongrass essential oil can also help to overcome feelings of nervousness, or eliminate mental fatigue.
Safety precautions before you use
Lemongrass essential oil has the potential to itch and rash the skin. A person should avoid applying lemongrass essential oil to the skin if:
- they have allergies or skin conditions, such as eczema
- they have not diluted the oil first
- they have damaged or sensitive skin
