Lemongrass Essential Oil Benefits

Lemongrass essential oil is a popular essential oil that has many benefits. It can be used for skin, hair, and more.

Lemongrass essential oil is one of the most popular herbs used around the world. It can be found in various forms, from steam distilled to cold-pressed and even as an ointment or cream.

Most of us would never believe that this delightful thready grass has so much healing potential within its fibrous stalks, apart from being a pleasant citrusy flavor in Southeastern Asian food!

Lemongrass essential oil is used as aromatherapy to ease muscular discomfort, as well as physically to kill germs, repel insects, and relieve body pains, and internally to aid digestion. It also gives a lovely natural smell to cosmetics, soaps, and homemade deodorizers, as well as flavoring tea and soups.

Lemongrass essential oil contains chemicals that have antifungal, insecticidal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, lemongrass has antibacterial and antifungal qualities and antioxidant capabilities. It also includes ingredients that relieve muscular pain, lower temperature, and stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow.

Lemongrass Essential Oil

What is lemongrass, first and foremost, before we get into further detail regarding lemongrass oil? Lemongrass is a grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. Lemongrass is also known as Cymbopogon, a genus of grasses that includes roughly 55 species.

Lemongrass grows in thick clusters that may reach a height of six feet and a width of four feet. It is found in warm, tropical areas including India, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. It is a frequent ingredient in Asian cuisine and is used as a medicinal plant in India. In addition, it is often used to make tea in African and South American nations.

Lemongrass oil is extracted from the leaves or grasses of the Cymbopogon flexuosus or Cymbopogon citratus lemongrass plants. The scent of the oil is light and fresh, with earthy undertones. It has a stimulating, calming, soothing, and balanced effect on the body. Lemongrass essential oil’s chemical makeup varies depending on its origin; the chemicals commonly comprise hydrocarbon terpenes, alcohols, ketones, esters, and mostly aldehydes—about 70 to 80 percent of the essential consists of citral.

Lemongrass essential oil contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, folate, and vitamin C. Magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, copper, potassium, calcium, zinc, and iron are among the minerals found in them.

Uses & Benefits

What is the purpose of lemongrass essential oil? Let’s take a look at some of the possible lemongrass critical oil applications and benefits right now! Lemongrass essential oil has several well-known advantages, including:

1. Natural Cleaner and Deodorizer

Lemongrass oil may be used as a natural air freshener or deodorizer. You may make a mist with the oil by mixing it with water, or you can use an oil diffuser or vaporizer. In addition, you may personalize your natural smell by adding different essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil.

Cleaning with lemongrass essential oil is also a good option since it not only deodorizes but also sanitizes your house organically.

2. Skin Care

Is lemongrass oil beneficial to the skin? The skin-healing effects of lemongrass essential oil are one of its main advantages. The benefits of a lemongrass infusion on the skin of animal subjects were studied in one study. The information is created by pouring boiling water over dried lemongrass leaves. To test lemongrass as a sedative, the infusion was applied to the paws of rats. Lemongrass’ pain-relieving properties imply that it might be utilized to treat skin irritations.

Shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, soaps, and lotions may all benefit from lemongrass oil. Lemongrass oil is an efficient cleanser for all skin types, and its antibacterial and astringent characteristics make it ideal for achieving smooth and beautiful skin. It should thus be part of your natural skin care regimen. It can cleanse pores, act as a genuine toner, and strengthen skin tissues. In addition, you may relieve headaches and muscular discomfort by massaging this oil into your hair, scalp, and body.

3. Hair Care

Lemongrass oil may help strengthen your hair follicles, so if you have hair loss or an itchy, irritated scalp, massage a few drops into your scalp for two minutes before rinsing. Your hair will be lustrous, fresh, and odor-free, thanks to its relaxing and bacteria-killing characteristics.

4. Bug Repellent 

Lemongrass oil repels pests like mosquitoes and ants due to its high citral and geraniol content. This natural repellent has a pleasant scent and may be applied straight to the skin. You may also use lemongrass oil to kill fleas; mix around five drops of oil with water to make your spray, then spritz your pet’s coat with it.

5. Anxiety and Stress Reduction

Lemongrass is one of several essential oils that may help with anxiety. Lemongrass oil has a relaxing and pleasant scent that is believed to help with anxiety and agitation.

According to a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, when subjects were exposed to an anxiety-inducing situation and smelled the scent of lemongrass oil (three and six drops), the lemongrass group experienced a reduction in anxiety and emotional tension immediately after treatment administration, unlike the control groups.

Make your lemongrass massage oil or add lemongrass oil to your body lotion to ease tension. You may also enjoy the relaxing lemongrass tea advantages by drinking a cup of lemongrass tea before bed.

6. Muscle Relaxant

Are you suffering from aching muscles, cramps, or muscular spasms? Lemongrass oil can treat muscular pains, cramps, and spasms, among other things. It may also aid in circulation improvement.

Try massaging your body with diluted lemongrass oil or making your own lemongrass oil foot bath. Take a look at some of the easy-to-make recipes below.

7. Antifungal Abilities Detoxification

In numerous nations, lemongrass oil or tea has been utilized as a detoxifier. The digestive system, liver, kidneys, bladder, and pancreas are all known to be detoxed. In addition, lemongrass oil may help you drain dangerous toxins out of your body since it functions as a natural diuretic.

Add lemongrass oil to your soup or drink to keep your system clean. Lemongrass tea may be made by steeping lemongrass leaves in boiling water or adding a few drops of essential oil to the tea. The effects of lemongrass oil on fungal infections and yeast from Candida albicans species were investigated in one research. Candida is a fungus that may cause infections in the skin, genitals, throat, mouth, and blood. In addition, lemongrass oil was tested for its antifungal qualities using disk diffusion tests, and research reveals that it has high in vitro action against candida.

According to this research, lemongrass oil and its main active component, citral, can diminish fungal infections, particularly those caused by the Candida albicans fungus.

8. Menstrual Cramp Relief

Lemongrass tea has been shown to relieve period cramps and nausea and irritation in women.

To reduce period discomfort, drink one to two cups of lemongrass tea every day. Although there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, lemongrass is known to be inwardly relaxing and stress-relieving, so it seems logical that it may aid with severe cramps.

9. Stomach Assist

Lemongrass has been used anecdotally for ages to treat stomach upset, gastritis, and gastric ulcers. This long-known support and remedy are currently being researched.

Lemongrass essential oil (Cymbopogon citratus) was shown to protect the stomachs of animal subjects from gastrointestinal damage induced by ethanol and aspirin in a 2012 study. Lemongrass oil “may serve as a lead chemical for future development of innovative therapeutics that fight nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-associated gastropathy,” according to the study’s conclusion.

Lemongrass oil may also aid with stomach discomfort and diarrhea when added to tea or soup.

10. Pain Relieving

Lemongrass oil is also often advised for headache treatment. Lemongrass oil’s relaxing and soothing properties may help to ease the discomfort, pressure, and tension that often trigger headaches.

Massage diluted lemongrass oil into your temples and inhaled the soothing lemon scent.

11. Bacteria Killer

Lemongrass’ antimicrobial properties were investigated in research conducted in 2012. A disk diffusion technique was used to test microorganisms; lemongrass essential oil was introduced to a staph infection. The findings showed that lemongrass oil disturbed the condition and acted as an antibacterial (or bacterium-killing) agent.

Lemongrass oil contains citral and limonene, killing or suppressing bacteria and fungal development. This can help you prevent diseases like ringworm, athlete’s foot, and other fungal illnesses. In addition, lemongrass essential oil is an efficient antifungal and antibacterial agent in rats. Make your own body or foot scrub to take advantage of these lemongrass oil benefits.

12. Fever Reducing Supplement

Despite its cooling characteristics, lemongrass oil has a long history of usage as a natural fever reliever. In addition, lemongrass is known to contain compounds that are thought to help lower fevers and discomfort and swelling.

13. It helps to strengthen your immune system

Lemongrass oil’s antibacterial and medicinal characteristics might aid in enhancing your immune system. However, in vitro studies have also demonstrated that the oil may lower pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body, which can cause sickness.

14. Assists with Digestive Issues

Lemongrass oil may help reduce stomach and intestinal discomfort caused by gas irritation. It has also been shown to have anti-diarrheal properties. In addition, lemongrass may aid in decreasing diarrhea, according to studies published in 2006. In this investigation, lemongrass was shown to lower fecal production in mice with castor oil-induced diarrhea.

15. It Helps to Reduce Inflammation

Lemongrass oil has been demonstrated to have potent anti-inflammatory properties in vitro when administered both orally and topically. This is significant, given that Inflammation is at the basis of almost all illnesses.

16. Potent Antioxidant Action

Lemongrass oil has been demonstrated in studies to have potent antioxidant activity and the potential to combat disease-causing free radicals. In a 2009 research, one of the primary components of lemongrass oil, citral, was shown to suppress the development of the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 in vitro.

17. Helps to Lower Cholesterol

The effects of administering high cholesterol animal animals lemongrass essential oil by mouth for a total of 21 days were investigated in a study published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology. Lemongrass oil was administered to the mice at doses of 1, 10, or 100 mg/kg.

The researchers discovered that the group given the most significant lemongrass oil had lower blood cholesterol levels. Overall, the data “confirmed the safety of lemongrass ingestion at the quantities utilized in folk medicine and revealed the favorable impact of lowering blood cholesterol levels,” according to the research.

18. Fights Colds and Flu

“As a vaporizer, the oil acts as an excellent panacea against germs, flu, and colds,” according to a research paper released in 2011. Lemongrass oil has antibacterial properties and may aid in treating airborne infections such as the common cold, mainly when used with a vaporizer. Lemongrass oil might also help to cool you down if your body temperature is more significant than usual.

Lemongrass and geranium essential oil vapors were used to see whether they might lower bacteria levels on surfaces and in the air. The results varied depending on the techniques utilized; for example, after 20 hours of exposure to the essential oil mixture, bacteria growth on seeded plates was decreased by 38% in a sealed box environment. Within 15 hours, there was an 89 percent decrease in airborne bacteria in an office setting. According to this research, lemongrass essential oil can be utilized to sanitize the air.

In vitro, the essential oil vapors also suppressed the development of antibiotic-sensitive and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, according to the research.

Used to treat ailments

In traditional medicine, what is lemongrass essential oil used for? Lemongrass essential oil has been used as a natural antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, anxiolytic (anxiety reduction), and antioxidant for centuries.

Lemongrass is one of the most often used plant remedies in the South American nation of Brazil to cure gastrointestinal problems and neurological illnesses. In addition, lemongrass is appreciated in the Amazon for its sedative properties. The Carib people of Guatemala produce tea from lemongrass leaves to treat fevers, flatulence, and gripe.

Lemongrass Essential Oil vs. Lemon Essential Oil

Although both lemongrass oil and lemon oil include the term “lemon,” they are two very different oils obtained from entirely different plants. Lemongrass oil is extracted from the leaves of the lemongrass plant, while lemon oil is removed from the peel of a lemon. Nevertheless, lemongrass, lemons, and lemon juice all have a zesty flavor and may be used in various cuisines. In addition, both oils have a vibrant citrus aroma, which is unsurprising.

Lemongrass essential oil is used to decrease cholesterol and alleviate muscular spasms, while lemon oil is utilized to improve dental health and purify the body.

Lemongrass and lemon essential oils are antimicrobial, making them beneficial for skin issues. They’re also suitable antibacterial additives to DIY cleaning solutions and may deodorize your house or workplace organically.

Both kinds of oils are high in antioxidants and are beneficial to the immune system. Colds and flu may be fought with lemongrass and lemon oil. Diffusing lemongrass oil has been shown to help eliminate viruses in the air, and a few drops of lemon oil combined with hot water and raw honey makes a fantastic tonic for sore throats.

Both oils have stimulating scents that deliver a comparable but distinct boost. Lemon oil is considered to be uplifting and uplifting, while lemongrass oil is believed to be anti-anxiety.

How to Use It

If you want to learn how to utilize lemongrass oil, there are various options available to you right now:

• Is it possible to diffuse lemongrass essential oil? Yes, you may use an oil diffuser or vaporizer to spread it around your house.
• Topically: Before using lemongrass oil straight to your skin, it should always be diluted in a 1:1 ratio with a carrier oil such as coconut oil. Because this is a potent oil, start gently and use a few drops at a time. If you’re wondering how I apply lemongrass oil to my face, here’s how. Lemongrass oil may trigger skin responses in those with sensitive skin, so don’t use it on your face, neck, or chest unless you’ve done a patch test to ensure you don’t respond negatively. Is lemongrass good for acne? It’s possible because of its antimicrobial qualities. What is the best way to use lemongrass oil for acne? To destroy germs that might cause outbreaks, add a drop or two to face cleansers or DIY face masks.
• Internally, the FDA considers pure lemongrass oil safe for human ingestion (21CFR182.20), but only when utilizing 100% therapeutic-grade, high-quality oil brands. Make sure you get your fat from a reliable source and read the ingredient list thoroughly. You may use it as a nutritional supplement by combining it with raw honey or putting it in a smoothie.

Do you want to know what you can do with lemongrass essential oil? Basil, bergamot, black pepper, cedarwood, clary sage, cypress, fennel, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, orange, patchouli, rosemary, tea tree, thyme, and ylang-ylang essential oils combine beautifully with lemongrass essential oil.

If you’re seeking a lemongrass equivalent in the kitchen, lemon zest is an excellent option. One lemon’s zest is about equivalent to two stalks of lemongrass. Citronella essential oil is a suitable lemongrass necessary oil alternative since it has many properties as lemongrass essential oil, including a comparable fragrance.

Where to Buy It + DIY Recipes

Make your lemongrass oil recipes or body items to get the advantages of this beautiful oil. Lemongrass is a popular ingredient in teas, soups, and curries, as well as chicken, fish, and shellfish. Would you want to attempt a simple lemongrass essential oil recipe? 1–2 drops of lemongrass essential oil may be used for my Secret Cucumber Detox Soup Recipe.

Lemongrass essential oil may also be used in my Lemon Roasted Cauliflower recipe and my Sautéed Pesto Mahi Mahi recipe. Lemongrass goes excellent with any soup made with coconut milk, such as my Mushroom Soup. You may use lemongrass oil instead of lemon in these recipes or combine the two for a more citrus and acidic taste.

Pour two cups of boiling water over 10 leaves to brew your lemongrass tea. Drink one cup of lemongrass tea every eight hours or so if you’re using it to relieve stomach, head, or muscular pains. You may also add a dash of honey, a squeeze of lemon, or a piece of ginger.

Another approach to getting lemongrass oil’s advantages is to make your body scrub. Combine 10 drops of lemongrass oil with Epsom salt, then add enough coconut oil to cover the salt since this oil is fantastic for generating a calming and ache-free sensation. Rinse after rubbing the scrub all over your body (including your face) in the shower.

Make your footbath by adding around 10 drops of lemongrass essential oil to warm water if your feet are sore after a long day. This bath will help reduce any muscular soreness in your feet and have antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Interesting Facts and History

Lemongrass has long been a staple in Thai, Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Indonesian cuisines. Lemongrass essential oil has also been used as a natural food preservative because of its antibacterial properties.

West Indian lemongrass or lemongrass (English), hierba Limon or Zacate de limón (Spanish), Citronelle or verveine des indes (French), and Xiang mao (Chinese) are some of the worldwide common names for the lemongrass plant (C. citratus) (Chinese). Today, India is the world’s leading producer of lemongrass oil, accounting for over 80% of total yearly output.

Lemongrass essential oil is one of the most widely utilized essential oils today due to its many health benefits and applications. It’s recognized for fighting the heat and constricting body tissues because of its cooling and astringent properties.

“It affects notably the connective tissue, where structural and immunological processes intersect,” according to the New York Institute of Aromatic Studies. Lemongrass helps with edema and lymphatic congestion by acting on the lymphatic capillaries and arteries that drain away from the skin.”

Precautions for Lemongrass Oil

Is lemongrass essential oil harmful? Some individuals have reported hazardous side effects such as lung difficulties after breathing lemongrass oil. When using lemongrass oil in an aromatherapy diffuser, keep in mind that a little goes a long way.

If you apply lemongrass essential oil topically on sensitive skin, you may experience a rash, irritation, or burning sensation. Do a patch test first and dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil to ensure no offenses.

Lemongrass promotes menstrual flow. Thus it should not be taken by pregnant women since there is a potential it can induce a miscarriage. In addition, lemongrass oil should not be used topically on children under two, nor should it be used during nursing.

Before using lemongrass oil, particularly internally, consult with your healthcare practitioner if you’re being treated for a medical condition or are presently taking medication.

Last Thoughts

• Lemongrass oil is extracted from the leaves of the Cymbopogon flexuosus or Cymbopogon citratus lemongrass plants.
• Citral is one of the most prevalent (70-80 percent) and therapeutic components of lemongrass essential oil.
• The following are some of the advantages and applications of lemongrass essential oil:
  • Deodorizer and cleanser made from natural ingredients
  • The state of your skin
  • The state of your hair
  • Bug repellant made from natural ingredients
  • a stress reliever
  • Relaxant for the muscles
  • Antifungal that detoxifies
  • Relief from menstrual cramps
  • Protector for the Stomach
  • Relieves headaches
  • Bacteria-killing bacteria
  • Anti-fever medication
  • Supporter of the immune system
  • Digestive support
  • Reduces Inflammation
  • Strong antioxidant properties
  • Cholesterol-lowering agent
  • Defends against colds and flu
• Aromatically, topically (always dilute with a carrier oil), or orally, lemongrass essential oil may be utilized (only one single drop is needed)
• Always get therapeutic-grade lemongrass essential oil that is 100 percent organic and certified organic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is lemongrass oil used for?

A: Lemongrass oil is an essential oil that can be used for cooking or as a natural remedy. Its often referred to as lemongrass, its native to tropical and subtropical areas around the world, especially Southeast Asia, where it has been used historically in folk medicine.

What does lemongrass essential oil do for the skin?

A: Lemongrass essential oil has been used on the skin for centuries as a natural and effective cleanser. It can be an ingredient in soaps, lotions, and other beauty products to help treat acne, dry skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, oily skin problems such as excessive sebum production by reducing its ability to collect dirt particles that can clog pores.

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