Lemongrass Essential Oil: Insect Repellent, Energy & Pet Considerations
Dr. Maya ChenShare
Last updated: May 2026
Lemongrass is the bright, citrusy-grassy oil most associated with Thai and Indonesian cuisine and natural insect repellent products. Less-researched than peppermint or lavender, but with solid evidence for the things it's known for: mosquito repellent, energizing diffuser blends, and antimicrobial cleaning.
What Is Lemongrass Essential Oil?
Lemongrass essential oil is steam-distilled from the leaves of Cymbopogon citratus (West Indian lemongrass) or Cymbopogon flexuosus (East Indian lemongrass). Both are tropical grasses cultivated in India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.
Active compounds:
- Citral (a + b geranial/neral, combined 60-85%) — citrus aroma, antimicrobial, insect repellent
- Myrcene, geraniol, limonene (10-20% combined) — supporting compounds
Evidence-Based Uses
1. Mosquito & Insect Repellent
Strongest documented use. Studies show 32% lemongrass oil solution provides 95% mosquito protection for ~3 hours — comparable to 10% DEET. Less effective than DEET for ticks but useful for mosquito-heavy outdoor settings.
How to use: 5-10% diluted in carrier oil, applied to exposed skin every 1-2 hours. Or DIY spray: 30 drops lemongrass + 4 oz water + 1 tbsp witch hazel.
2. Energy & Focus (Diffuser)
Bright citrus + grassy notes are alerting. Useful for morning energy or afternoon slumps.
3. Antimicrobial Cleaning
Citral has documented activity vs many household pathogens. Useful in DIY cleaning sprays.
4. Muscle Pain (mild)
Topical (0.5-1% dilution!) provides modest analgesic effect for sore muscles.
5. Air Freshener
Excellent diffuser oil for kitchens, bathrooms, gyms. Bright, fresh, masks odors.
6. Anti-Anxiety (preliminary)
Limited research, but some anxiolytic effects documented. Less established than lavender or bergamot.
Lemongrass — bright, grassy, the natural mosquito repellent. From $12.99.
Shop Lemongrass →DIY Recipes
Mosquito Repellent Spray
- 30 drops lemongrass
- 10 drops eucalyptus (or citronella)
- 4 oz water
- 1 tbsp witch hazel (helps oil disperse)
Spray on exposed skin every 1-2 hours. Patch test first.
Energizing Diffuser Blend
- 3 drops lemongrass
- 2 drops peppermint
- 2 drops rosemary
For morning or afternoon energy support.
Kitchen Cleaning Spray
- 25 drops lemongrass
- 15 drops tea tree
- 4 oz water
- 4 oz white vinegar
Spray surfaces, wipe with microfiber cloth.
Bathroom Air Freshener
- 5 drops lemongrass
- 3 drops bergamot
- 2 drops eucalyptus
In ultrasonic diffuser. Excellent for masking bathroom odors.
How to Use Lemongrass Oil
Topical (KEEP DILUTION LOW)
- Insect repellent: 5-10% (1-2 drops per teaspoon — high for repellent purposes only)
- Muscle: 0.5-1% maximum (1 drop per 2 teaspoons)
- Patch test ALWAYS — lemongrass is more skin-irritating than most EOs
Diffuser
4-6 drops in ultrasonic diffuser. Don't run longer than 60 minutes — citrus oils degrade quickly.
Cleaning
20-30 drops per 8 oz total liquid (water + vinegar/dish soap base).
Quality Identification
- Latin name: Cymbopogon citratus or C. flexuosus
- Citral content: 60-85% (published GC/MS)
- Country of origin: India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Brazil
- Color: Pale yellow to amber
- Smell: Sharp citrus + grassy undertone, distinctive
- Price: $4-10 per 15 mL
AP stocks:
Safety
Skin sensitization: Lemongrass is among the more skin-irritating essential oils. ALWAYS dilute (0.5-1% for daily use, 5% maximum). Patch test 24 hours before larger application. Common allergen for sensitive skin.
Pregnancy: Avoid in 1st trimester. Use cautiously thereafter — limited safety data.
Children: Avoid topical use under 6. Diffuser at half-strength OK for ages 6+.
Glaucoma: Some evidence lemongrass can elevate intraocular pressure. Avoid if you have glaucoma.
Diabetes medication: Lemongrass may have mild blood-sugar-lowering effects. Monitor blood sugar if on diabetic medications.
Pets: Cats — moderate toxicity, avoid concentrated topical and diffusion in cat spaces. Dogs — generally tolerated in moderation.
Bottom Line
Lemongrass is the bright, grassy oil for insect repellent, energy support, and cleaning applications. Strong skin-irritation potential — keep dilution low. Browse /collections/essential-oils.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does lemongrass oil really repel mosquitoes?
Yes — studies show 32% lemongrass oil solution provides about 95% mosquito protection for approximately 3 hours, comparable to 10% DEET. The active compound is citral. Less effective than DEET for ticks but useful for outdoor settings where DEET feels too harsh.
How do I make lemongrass mosquito spray?
Combine 30 drops lemongrass essential oil + 10 drops eucalyptus or citronella oil + 4 oz water + 1 tablespoon witch hazel (helps oil disperse) in a spray bottle. Apply to exposed skin (not face) every 1-2 hours during outdoor exposure. Patch test first as lemongrass can be irritating.
Is lemongrass oil safe to put on skin?
Only well-diluted. Lemongrass is among the more skin-irritating essential oils. For daily use, 0.5-1% dilution maximum (1 drop per 2 teaspoons of carrier oil). For insect repellent, up to 5%. Always patch test 24 hours before broader application.
Is lemongrass oil safe for cats?
Moderately toxic to cats. Avoid concentrated topical contact and diffusion in cat-accessible spaces. The citral content can cause GI upset, drooling, and lethargy in cats. Dogs are more tolerant but should still avoid concentrated exposure.
Can I diffuse lemongrass oil all day?
No — citrus oils like lemongrass degrade quickly and lose potency after about 60 minutes of diffusion. For continuous fragrance, use multiple shorter sessions (60 minutes on, 30 minutes off). Also avoid overnight diffusion — citrus oils are mildly alerting.
What's the difference between lemongrass and citronella oil?
Both are Cymbopogon species but different members of the genus. Lemongrass (C. citratus or C. flexuosus) is sweeter and more lemony — used in cooking and aromatherapy. Citronella (C. nardus) has a sharper, more grassy profile — used almost exclusively for insect repellent in candles and outdoor sprays. Both contain citral but in different ratios.
Does lemongrass oil have health benefits beyond insect repellent?
Yes — energizing diffuser oil for focus and alertness, antimicrobial cleaning applications, mild anti-inflammatory effects in topical muscle rubs, and emerging evidence for anxiolytic effects. The clinical research base is thinner than for lavender or peppermint but consistent.
Can I drink lemongrass tea instead of using essential oil?
They're different products with different uses. Lemongrass tea (made from dried lemongrass leaves) provides mild herbal benefits and is generally safe to drink. Lemongrass essential oil is much more concentrated and should NOT be ingested — it can cause GI upset, liver stress, and other issues. For health benefits, drink the tea; for aromatherapy, use the essential oil topically (diluted) or via diffusion.