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.

Lemongrass Essential Oil Used with a carrier oil its clean, refreshing scent helps ease the effects of a long, vigorous day. Its cleansing and soothing properties have been used for centuries. read reviews

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:

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.

Lemongrass