Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass essential oil is a plant that has a similar smell to actual lemon essential oil and indeed the lemons that you would find in your supermarket. But the difference between lemongrass and the lemon itself is that lemongrass actually is a plant. There are many reasons that people use lemongrass in place of lemons, but one of the most common is the improvement in fragrance. Lemongrass has a much different smell than lemon essential oil, sweeter and quite a bit milder. Lemongrass can be a wonderful scent for aromatherapy because it is sweet and pleasing to the nose.
The Basics about Lemongrass Essential Oil
What you need to know about lemongrass essential oil is that it is an herb that has been used for many thousands of years, throughout history. Lemongrass is used in a variety of foods and beverages, just like the citrus fruit that it is named after. Anywhere that lemon is not available, lemongrass can be used in place of it, and some people prefer lemongrass to lemon anyway because of the milder flavor. One thing that is definitely an advantage is the fact that lemongrass grows very fast and it is a common item that you can probably find at somewhere like Whole Foods or any organic store or Farmer’s Market. In addition, lemongrass has a number of helpful properties when it comes to health and wellness.
How is Lemongrass Essential Oil Manufactured?
Unlike its counterpart, lemongrass essential oil is manufactured using the process of steam distillation, which is a common one when it comes to essential oils. Citrus fruits are usually made through the process of cold-pressing, and the rinds are used. Lemongrass is much more like a traditional essential oil in this sense. However, if you don’t have any way to distill lemongrass, you can easily create a lemongrass-infused concoction by soaking the lemongrass in any carrier oil.
Types of Lemongrass Essential Oil
There are two main types of lemongrass that are used in essential oils these days. The first type is Cymbopogon citratus and it is one of the most popular lemongrass varieties used for cooking. The other type of lemongrass used in essential oils is Cymbopogon flexuosus. Both of these herbs can be used to create essential oils but Cymbopogon flexuosus is much more well-known for adding to perfumes, soaps and other cosmetic products.
How to Use Lemongrass Essential Oil
There are many ways that you can use lemongrass essential oil. First of all, it can be used in a diffuser or any other sort of air-freshening or inhalation process that you want to try out. Lemongrass essential oil is also one of the essential oils that are ingestible and as long as you take precautions, it is perfectly safe. You can also apply lemongrass essential oil to the skin and add it to a carrier oil that you can them massage deeply into the affected area. If you do take this essential oil internally, make sure it is diluted first, and this should only be done after consulting with your doctor.
Composition of Lemongrass Essential Oil
Here are the components of lemongrass essential oil, which provide the antiseptic, antifungal and insecticidal properties that it has:
- geranyl acetate
- myrcene
- nerol
- citronellal
- terpineol
- methyl heptenone
- dipentene
- geraniol
- neral
- farnesol
- limonene
- citral
Aromatic Description of Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass essential oil has a fragrance that is very similar to lemons. After all, that’s why the plant was named what it was. But lemongrass is also different than the standard citrus scent that lemons carry. It is a much sweeter and milder flavor that you will probably like. Ivory brand of soap uses lemongrass as its fragrance, so if you use that brand, you already know what lemongrass smells like.
Precautions & Side Effects of Lemongrass Essential Oil
There are a few things that you will want to keep in mind when it comes to safety and health when using lemongrass essential oil. First of all, while lemongrass essential oil can be ingested, you should make sure that you know what you are doing and always dilute it before ingesting. In addition, it will burn your eyes if you get it in them and it may irritate the skin. Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid this essential oil (and most others) and they should never be given to children.
Attributes of Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass essential oil has a bunch of attributes that you will find useful.
Attribute | X | Definition |
analgesic | X | Reduces pain in muscles and joints |
anti-arthritic | Reduces arthritis symptoms | |
anti-infectious | Prevents infection | |
anti-inflammatory | X | Reduces inflammation |
antibiotic | Keeps biotic infections from developing | |
antidepressant | X | Helps to alleviate depression |
antiemetic | Prevents nausea and vomiting | |
anti-galactogogue | Reduces milk supply in the body | |
antifungal | X | Kills harmful fungal life forms |
antimicrobial | X | Kills microbial life forms that cause disease |
anti-neuralgic | Counteracts nerve pain | |
anti-rheumatic | Counteracts pain from rheumatism | |
antiseborrhoeic | Keeps the body from making an unhealthy amount of sebum | |
antiseptic | X | Prevents growth of organisms which cause disease |
antispasmodic | Prevents spasms from occurring | |
antiviral | Kills viral agents | |
aperient | Relieves constipation | |
aphrodisiac | Increases sexual desires | |
astringent | X | Causes skin tissue to contract – to counter lines and wrinkles |
bactericidal | Kills bacterial agents | |
carminative | X | Prevents formation of gas in the GI tract |
cholagogue | Assists with the discharge of bile | |
cicatrisant | Assists in the formation of healthy scar tissue | |
circulatory | Promotes healthy circulatory system function | |
diaphoretic | Induces perspiration | |
decongestant | Reduces or eliminates congestions of nasal cavities | |
deodorant | Eliminates and prevents body odor | |
depurative | Helps to detoxify the body | |
Digestive | Helps with the digestion of food | |
diuretic | X | Removes excess water from the body |
expectorant | Loosens mucous and helps clear it from the body | |
emenagogue | Promotes healthy menstrual discharge | |
febrifuge | X | Aids in the reduction of fever |
hepatic | Promotes healthy liver function | |
hypotensive | Helps to lower blood pressure | |
Insecticide | X | Kills certain types of insects or pests |
muscle relaxant | Relaxes tight muscles and prevents muscle spasms | |
nervine | X | Reduces anxiety and calms the nerves |
sedative | X | Aids in calming or induces sleepiness |
stimulant | Increases physiological or nervous system activity | |
stomachic | Aids in a healthy appetite or digestion | |
sudorific | Promotes or aids in activation of sweat glands | |
tonic | X | Tones the skin or muscles |
vermifuge | Kills parasitic worms | |
vulnerary | Promotes rapid healing of wounds |
What is Lemongrass Essential Oil Primarily Used For?
There are several things that lemongrass essential oil is primarily used for. First of all, the essential oil is used for pain of many different types. Whether it is a stomachache or a headache, lemongrass essential oil is a great choice to use. It is also good for abdominal pain and nausea when used as an inhalant and helps to relieve sore muscles when it is used topically. All of the antiseptic properties of lemongrass also make it a perfect solution to any sort of germ problem. It also helps to increase your energy and reduces inflammation.
Other Uses for Lemongrass Essential Oils
Lemongrass is also an antidepressant, helping to restore balance and combat feelings of sadness or low-energy levels. It treats fungal infections, bacterial infections and problems with digestion. It has also had success for many people with their cellulite. Lemongrass essential oil is a tonic, which means that it helps to tone up the skin and the muscles, something that is very helpful for those who are using it to treat aged skin and to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles.
Recommended Combinations Involving Lemongrass Essential Oil
There are a few essential oils that you can blend lemongrass with. But you can also check for essential oils that blend with citrus and try some of them, even though not all will work. Here is a list of some essential oils that you can combine with lemongrass to get a great result:
- Basil
- Cedar Wood
- Coriander
- Geranium
- Jasmine
- Lavender
- Lavandin
- Tea Tree Oil
The Final Word on Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass essential oil is a terrific substance that is used to for a variety of applications, some of them quite useful in your total health. Because there are so many healthy attributes that are associated with lemongrass essential oil, it is easy to see that it would take the place of many other essential oils that have the same benefits. Plus, lemongrass is an oil that is easy to create aromatherapy fragrances with and treats a large number of medical conditions.