How to Make Lemongrass Potpourri

Make lemongrass potpourri to scent your home with aromatic fragrance.

Lemongrass potpourri is both beneficial in scenting a room as well as for aromatherapy. Lemongrass oil has been found to be analgesic, antiseptic, insecticidal and a sedative. Combined with other aromatic ingredients such as lavender, your homemade lemongrass potpourri will create a soothing and refreshing fragrance for your home. Spices and fruit peels not only add depth to the potpourri's fragrances, they also help the potpourri hold in the essential oils longer.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups cut lemongrass
• 2 cups rose petals
• 2 cups lavender
• 2 cups sunflower petals
• 1 cup chrysanthemum flowers, whole
• 2 cups uva ursi leaves
• 1/2 cup dried lemon peel
• 1 cup 1-inch cinnamon sticks
• 1/8 cup allspice whole
• 1/4 cup whole cloves
• 1 tbsp. orris root
• Lemongrass essential oil
• Lavender, jasmine or lemon essential oil
• Large plastic or paper bag
• Large glass jars or non-metallic containers with lids

Instructions

1. Add the cut lemongrass, rose petals, lavender,sunflower petals, chrysanthemum flowers, uva ursi leaves, dried lemon peel, cinnamon sticks, allspice whole, whole cloves and orris root in a large bag. All these ingredients can be purchased from a supplier of dried herbs and potpourri supplies (see Resources). This makes about 12 1/2 cups of potpourri.

2. Add 1/2 to 3/4 oz. essential oils to the dry ingredients and mix the ingredients thoroughly by shaking bag gently or tossing them by hand. The desired effect is to have the ingredients spread evenly through the potpourri and not any clumped up in bunches. If using your hands to mix, wash them well afterward to prevent skin irritation.

3. Place the lemongrass potpourri in airtight containers and let cure for four to six weeks. Letting it cure allows the potpourri to be at its best fragrance and will last longer than being used immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• The orris root, fruit peels and spices help retain the fragrance of the essential oils.

• Experiment with different dried ingredients and oils to create a fragrance you like best.

• Cedar, lavender, geranium, jasmine and tea tree work well with lemongrass oil in aromatherapy.

References

• Organic Facts: Health Benefits of Lemongrass Oil
• Peaceful Harmony: Homemade Potpourri Blends
• Easy Homemade Recipes: Easy and Inexpensive Recipes to Make Your Own Simmering Potpourri

Resources

• Atlantic Spice: Exotic Potpourri Recipes