eLemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) is one of the most popular essential oils being used today. It’s bright, fresh and uplifting scent make it a great addition to a variety of recipes. From digestive issues to respiratory problems, lemongrass essential oil has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes and in aromatherapy to treat a variety of concerns. Today, this versatile oil is gaining in popularity in the beauty and wellness industries for its potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Let’s explore the many uses for lemongrass essential oil.
Lemongrass essential oil is derived from the leaves of Cymbopogon flexuosus, a tropical grass native to India, Southeast Asia, and Africa. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, lemongrass has been used for centuries to help digestion, circulation and the immune system. The grass is also known as “fever grass” as it has been used as a tea to treat fever, diarrhea, unsettled stomach, and irregular menstrual cycles. In other countries, such as India, China, and Thailand, lemongrass is used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages.
The plant’s citrusy, uplifting scent also makes it a popular choice for aromatherapy and perfumery. Lemongrass has a wide variety of uses due to the number of chemical constituents that appear in the oil in high quantities.
1. Skin Care
Lemongrass essential oil can be beneficial for skin care, as it has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. These properties make it useful in treating a variety of skin conditions, including acne, oily skin, and large pores. When added to a skin toner it can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by toning and tightening the skin. As an anti-inflammatory it relieves itching and redness. Lemongrass can be a bit harsh for the skin, so make sure that this oil is well diluted, and add some skin loving essential oils. like lavender, to your blend for balance.
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2. Foot Care
Another best use of lemongrass essential oil is for footcare. When sandal season is upon you and you are considering pedicure time, looking after your feet can be very luxurious self-care. Foot care provides a relaxing sensation and a feeling of overall emotional well-being while giving your feet some well needed TLC. It is well known that you can alleviate tension throughout your body by massaging different pressure points in your feet.
Lemongrass essential oil has antifungal properties, which makes it an effective treatment for fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Blend the oil at 3% with a carrier oil such as black seed oil or sesame seed oil and apply it topically to the affected area.
Try this Lemongrass Peppermint Foot Soak for a bit of extra pampering on a day off.
Lemongrass Peppermint Foot Soak
What you’ll need:
1 cup Baking soda
½ cup Citric acid
¼ cup Arrowroot powder
½ tablespoon Hydrogen peroxide (optional)
3 tsp Witch hazel in a dropper bottle
20 drops Lemongrass essential oil
10 drops Peppermint essential oil
Glass bowl
Silicone ice cube tray, with small to medium sized cavities
Gloves
Whisk
Silicone mixing spoon if desired
Mesh strainer
How to Make Lemongrass Peppermint Foot Soak
1. Place the strainer over the glass bowl and sift the baking soda, citric acid and arrowroot powder to get rid of any clumps. Mix the powders in the bowl together with your hands or with the aid of a whisk.
2. Create a hole in the centre of the powders and add the hydrogen peroxide. Carefully mix this into the powder.
3. Add the lemongrass essential oil and mix the powder together. Add the peppermint essential oil and continue to mix until everything is blended together and there are no clumps in the bowl.
4. Add the witch hazel a few drops at a time and continue mixing. You will want the mixture to feel a bit damp and it will hold a shape when you squeeze the mix in your hand. You may not need all of the witch hazel in your dropper. If you need any more be sure to add it very slowly in small amounts.
5. Once the mixture is holding a shape press it into the silicone ice cube tray. Make sure you pack the powder firmly. When you have placed all of the mixture into the ice cube tray, let it sit for 24 hours.
6. Pop out the cubes and store in an airtight container for 6 months.
7. When you are ready to use the cubes, fill a small tub with warm water for your feet. Add one of the cubes for a fizzy relaxing foot bath. Enjoy!
Note: Do not use these cubes in the bath as they will irritate your skin. If you have a traditional foot bath make sure that you read the user manual to see if it is compatible with essential oils, as many models are not.
3. Hair Care
Lemongrass essential oil is a natural remedy for many hair problems, including dandruff, hair loss, and oily scalp. Its antimicrobial properties help to eliminate the bacteria that can cause scalp infections, while its astringent properties help to control excess oil production. By promoting a healthy scalp, lemongrass essential oil can also help to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.
To use lemongrass essential oil for hair care, simply mix a few drops with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or jojoba oil, and massage the mixture into your scalp. Leave the oil on for 30 minutes before washing it out with a gentle shampoo. You can also add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to your regular shampoo for added benefits.
4. Emotional balance
In addition to its physical benefits, use lemongrass essential oil to promote a sense of emotional well-being. Lemongrass helps to relieve anxiety, promote confidence and hope, and promotes a sense of calm. Look to lemongrass for help when going through a life transition. It can be used to boost energy levels when you are feeling low. Lemongrass is beneficial for uplifting negative moods and boosting self-esteem.
5. Insect repellent
One unique aspect of lemongrass essential oil is its ability to repel insects, such as mosquitoes and flies. It can be used as a natural alternative to chemical insect repellents, and even diffused in a room to keep bugs away.
6. Body aches
The chemical component myrcene present in small amounts in lemongrass is an analgesic that can be used for muscle and joint pain, including pain caused by overexertion of muscles through exercise. Its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties make it beneficial for use with ligament and tendon issues, or hot, inflamed body issues.
7. Air freshener
If you’ve ever encountered lemongrass in a garden, you know that it is a fragrant grass even before it is distilled for an essential oil. Use lemongrass essential oil as a natural perfume and air freshener. Lemongrass can affect the digestive system, so if you do decide to defuse it, keep in mind that less is more. Do not defuse it for a very long time or it may have a negative effect on your digestive system. Make sure your diffuser has a timer on it and set it to automatically shut off.
Cautions
Chemically speaking, lemongrass is high in the chemical component citral, which is a combination of geranial and neral. These components are aldehydes, which are skin sensitizing when not highly diluted. It also gives lemongrass its antibacterial, antifungal and sedative properties. Always use lemongrass in low dilution.
Those who should not use lemongrass essential oil include pregnant and nursing women, anyone on antidepressant medication, anyone on prescription drugs, and anyone with liver or kidney disease. Do not use with children under the age of 10. Always do a skin patch test before using to test for allergies. Do not use if diabetic. Do not use before sun exposure. Use it in small doses so that it is not skin sensitizing. Consult a qualified professional before using.
Overall, lemongrass essential oil has a wide variety of uses due to its many chemical constituents. Whether you’re looking to its antifungal, antibacterial or analgesic properties to alleviate muscle and joint pain, boost energy levels, or improve your emotional well-being, lemongrass essential oil can provide a natural solution. Just be sure to use it with caution and consult a qualified professional before using it.
