The benefits of essential oils extend beyond aromatherapy and culinary purposes. Essential oils such as lemongrass oil have proven to be a valuable healing and treatment remedy for various health conditions and can even fight certain cancers.
What Is Lemongrass Oil?
Lemongrass is similar to lemon fruits, but are milder and sweeter in taste. Lemongrass is frequently used in Thai and Chinese recipes.
Lemongrass essential oil is derived from dried lemongrass through the process of steam distillation and has medicinal properties that provide a range of health benefits.
Lemongrass essential oil contains citral, nerol, myrcene, geraniol, limonene, geranyl acetate and citronellal.
Uses of Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil blends well with other essential oils such as lemon, lavender, jasmine, coriander, basil, geranium, tea tree, lavandin and cedarwood.
Used with a carrier oil or in combination with another essential oil, lemongrass oil has several health benefits that are good for both the mind and body.
Lemongrass oil has several uses such as the following:
- In aromatherapy
- As an insecticide
- In antiseptic creams and lotions
- In face masks
- In painkillers
- To treat heartburn
- As a muscle relaxant
Benefits of Lemongrass Oil
The health benefits of lemongrass oil can be attributed to its fungicidal, antimicrobial, antidepressant, analgesic, astringent, diuretic, galactagogue, sedative, antiseptic, deodorant and carminative properties.
The main health benefits include:
1. Reduces depression
Lemongrass essential oil is popularly known to boost mental strength, self-esteem and confidence. Lemongrass oil acts as an antidepressant that drives away depression and anxiety by calming the mind and nerves and uplifting your mood.
2. Increases urination
Lemongrass oil has diuretic properties that increase the frequency and output of urine. By this process, lemongrass oil helps eliminate fats, excess salts, excess water and harmful toxins from the body.
Increased urination also promotes digestion and reduces the incidences of gas formation. Additionally, lemongrass oil helps to cleanse the kidneys and lower blood pressure.
3. Promotes lactation
Lemongrass oil is a galactagogue that increases lactation and improves the quality of milk. This oil is beneficial for lactating mothers who require more milk to feed their babies.
4. Reduces flatulence
Lemongrass oil is considered to be an excellent remedy to treat flatulence. It effectively removes gas from the intestine and prevents its formation in the future. Using lemongrass oil regularly also aids digestion and prevents constipation.
5. Acts as an astringent
Oils that contain astringent properties can help stop blood flow by contracting blood vessels. Astringent agents help to clot blood in cases of profuse bleeding.
Lemongrass oil is a natural astringent that speeds up blood clotting, promotes contraction of blood vessels, prevents hair loss and prevents falling of teeth.
6. Inhibits microbial growth
Lemongrass oil contains antimicrobial properties that inhibit any form of microbial growth in the body. It helps fight infections in the stomach, colon, respiratory system, urinary tracts and external wounds.
This essential oil is also commonly used to treat malaria, typhoid, skin diseases and food poisoning.
7. Cures nervous disorders
Lemongrass oil acts as a tonic for the nervous system. It calms the nerves and helps treat several nervous disorders like vertigo, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and stroke. Lemongrass oil also reduces sluggishness and convulsions.
8. Fights cancer
Lemongrass oil is rich in the component, limonene, that has anticarcinogenic properties and also contains luteolin that, when combined with limonene, can help to combat cancer cells.
Furthermore, this oil also helps treat multiple sclerosis and reduce symptoms of lung infections.
Side Effects of Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil is considered safe when used in the right concentration. A patch test is recommended to check sensitivity before using lemongrass oil.
- Skin irritations and allergies are seen in those having sensitive skin.
