How to Make Lemongrass Oil

Now no need to go hunting for lemongrass oil, when you can actually make it at home. If you think it may take quite a lot of effort, then you are wrong. This procedure is quite simple, and is less messy. The lemongrass is a multipurpose plant, that is used as a medicine, owing to its therapeutic properties. Its oil is extracted from the stalks of the plant, by adding a few other ingredients, and is also used in food to add a zing. It is also used as a mosquito repellent.

Ingredients

• Fresh lemongrass, 4 to 5 stalks
• Fresh lime leaves, 5 to 6
• Peanut or canola oil, 1½ cups
• Garlic cloves, 3 to 4
• Fresh ginger, 3 thin slices

Procedure

1. Wash the lemongrass and lime leaves thoroughly to clean the dust and dirt. Place them on a tissue paper so that the water seeps away, and they become dry.
2. After the water has drained, chop the leaves with the help of a knife. Slice the garlic cloves finely, and keep them aside.

3. Now take a medium-sized, heavy bottom saucepan, and heat the oil. Once it has heated, reduce the heat and put the leaves. Allow it to simmer on this heat for about one hour.

4. Once the oil has turned a light green, add the garlic and ginger slices, and let it continue to simmer for about 30 more minutes.
5. Turn off the heat and let this mixture stand overnight in the same pan. You can even keep it for a longer period to gain a better, developed flavor.
6. With the help of a strainer, pour the oil into a sanitized glass bottle to store it. Your lemongrass essential oil is now ready for use.

There are numerous uses of lemongrass oil, in terms of medicinal value, beauty treatments, and also for culinary purposes.

Few of them are:

• Being antiseptic in nature, this oil effectively treats wounds and speeds up the healing process. It also destroys harmful bacteria which may intensify the infection. Fungal infections like ringworm can also be treated with topical application.

• A mixture of lemongrass oil, olive oil, beeswax, lanolin, and coconut oil helps to relieve pain caused due to muscle strains and sprains. Since it is also analgesic in nature, it helps relieve joint pain and muscle inflammation, which is a result of arthritis.

• It is an excellent antidepressant which helps relieve anxiety and depression. Inhaling the fragrance of this natural, citrusy oil helps calm the nerves, and alleviate sadness. Jet lags can also be cured with the help of steam inhalation of this oil.

• Bid farewell to skin problems, if you use this oil. Acne, oily skin, and skin rashes can all be cured, with the application of this oil. However, you need to exercise caution if you have sensitive skin. Since lemongrass oil may cause irritation on sensitive skin, it is advisable to mix it with olive oil before applying on the skin.

• If ingested, this oil helps provides relief from digestion-related problems, and is also a diuretic. You can add a few drops of the oil in herbal teas or dilute it in water before consuming.

• Being a rich source of citronella, it is also used as an insect repellent, and keeps the house free from mosquitoes, bugs, and other pests. If used on pets, it helps get rid of ticks and mites from their fur.

You can even add a few drops in your bath for deep skin freshness. Reap a number of benefits by including lemongrass oil in your daily routine.