Amazing Uses and Benefits of Lemongrass Oil

Source of lemongrass oil

Extraction of lemongrass oil is done from the lemongrass plant, which is also referred to as Cymbopogon. The oil extraction is mainly from the leaves of the lemongrass or the whole plant. The best common way of extracting the lemongrass oil is through steam distillation. The distilled lemongrass oil has a yellow color and a water-like thinness. Lemongrass belongs to the Poaceae family and has close to fifty-five species. Lemongrass grows to a maximum height and width of six and four foot respectively.

The grass flourishes in warm tropical regions such as South East Asia, Southern America, and India. Particular species of the grass are grown for clinical and culinary purposes due to their scent that resembles that of lemon. In the African continent and countries in Southern America, lemongrass is used in preparing herbal tea and soups. The lemongrass scent is calming, stimulating, balancing and pacifying.

 Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass essential oil contains high levels of terpenes, antioxidant compounds, alcohols, and ketones. However, the chemical composition of lemongrass essential oil depends on the geographical origin of the lemongrass. The antioxidant compounds make lemongrass essential oil a good product to prevent yeast and bacteria growth. Besides these, lemongrass essential oil has other chemical compounds that are used as, pain relievers, menstrual flow stimulant, and fever reliever. Additionally, lemongrass essential oil also contains strong aroma, tonics, and other stimulating agents.

 Benefits of Lemongrass Oil

Lemongrass essential oil is rich in vitamins namely, vitamin A, B, and C. The oil also contains macro-minerals such as magnesium, zinc, calcium and phosphorous. Lemongrass oil has the following benefits:

• It relieves stomach upsets and headaches.
• It is an energy booster.
• This oil is a strong germ killer
• It eases muscle and abdominal pains
• It can also act as an acerbic.
• Very helpful in ensuring proper digestion.
• It is very useful for individuals with a urine problem.
• Lemongrass oil reduces the occurrence of rheumatisms and seizures.

 Lemongrass oil uses

This oil has a broad range of uses ranging from household uses to clinical uses. These uses are discussed below.

Home Uses

• Making homemade air fresheners by mixing the lemongrass oil with water and lavender. The mixture is then sprayed in the house to bring natural cologne.
• Lemongrass oil is used to make natural repellents for bugs and other pests in the house. This is done by adding a few drops of the oil to water and then spraying it in the affected parts of the house.
• The citric compound found in the lemongrass oil is an effective germ killer. It is used to prevent one’s feet against fungal infections and athlete’s foot by using the oil when scrubbing your feet.
• The oil can also be used in cooking.

 Medical Uses

The following are the medical applications of lemongrass oil:

Used to control the cholesterol levels of individuals. People with low cholesterol levels have a better blood flow and lesser chances of acquiring cardiac-related ailments.

When used together with a diffuser, lemongrass oil can be very effective in curing diseases such as influenza and common colds. In case the flu had given you a higher body temperature, the vaporized lemongrass oil will give a cooling effect by stabilizing your temperature.

• The citral compounds found in lemongrass oil is vital in preventing the growth of cancer cells especially skin cancer.
• Contains anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce the chances of contracting asthma, Parkinson’s disease, high blood pressure and cardiac arrest.
• Boosts your immune system by enabling high nutrient intake into the body.
• The oil also promotes proper functioning of the vital body organs such as liver, heart, and kidneys.
• Essential in the prevention of gastric and intestinal complications such as gastric and stomach ulcers.
• Relieving stomach irritation as well as bowel disorders.
• Intake of lemongrass oil controls fever and feverish conditions.
• Lemongrass oil is added to warm water or tea to treat nausea and diarrhea.
• Effective in reducing menstrual cramps and enabling an easy flow of the menstrual debris.

 Other Uses of Lemongrass Oil

• Lemongrass oil is added to shampoos, body lotions and deodorants for skin soothing and itch-relieving. Lemongrass oil is a good cleanser of all kinds of skins and is rarely allergic to adults.
• Applying lemongrass oil on your hair can help in maintaining fresh, strong and thick hair free from odor. The oil can also remove lice found in the hair as well as treating an itchy scalp.
• The calming scent of lemongrass oil is used to relieve occasions of insomnia and anxiety.
• To reduce stress and improve the quality of sleep, inhale vaporized lemongrass oil and inhale as you go to sleep.
• Applied on feet to give them a relaxing touch.
• It is used as an additive in fish and poultry feeds.

Side Effects of Lemongrass Oil

Despite the many benefits and uses of lemongrass oil, it may have some negative repercussions for some users. These side effects are clearly outlined below.

• Pregnant women should avoid using Lemongrass oil during the entire gestation period since its application stimulates menstruation and can, therefore, lead to miscarriages.
• You may develop slight lung complications due to inhaling the oil in its vaporized form.
• Lemongrass oil may cause skin irritation, rashes, and scalp discomfort if not diluted with the proper amounts of water due to the high citric amounts. However, you may first apply the oil on a small skin surface to see whether you may develop an allergic reaction.
• It is also advisable for infants and lactating mothers to avoid using lemongrass oil as it may pose some unforeseen dangers to the child.
• Individuals suffering from diabetes and hypertension are advised to avoid applying the lemongrass oil because it can drastically lower the levels of glucose in the blood, which can be fatal.
• If you suffer from any kidney or liver complications, it is advised that you seek consultation with your doctor before using lemongrass oil.

Read more on other Essential Oils