Lemongrass Oil

The oil is extracted from Cymbopogon Citratus, which is commonly known as lemongrass. Some of the species such as citronella grass, can reach the height of 2 meters. This perennial grass, which grows in temperate and tropical climates, is a native to India.

For its many medicinal properties, teas, soups and curries are made by adding dried lemongrass in many parts of the world. Almost 55 species are clubbed under genus Cymbopogon and Poaceae family. Because of its lemon or citrus flavor, it has acquired the name. However, its taste is not sour, rather it is mild and sweet.

Dried lemongrass is steam distilled to produce the oil. It contains chemicals such as myrcene, citronellol, geranyl acetate. It is also rich in vitamin A and contains nerol, geraniol, neral, limonene and citral. Like most other herbs it has medicinal properties. The essential oil is yellow in color, watery in its consistency, as compared to rest of the oils.

The benefits are because of its medicinal and other properties. Its medicinal properties such as, antidepressant, anti microbial, antipyretic, antiseptic, astringent, bactericidal, deodorant, diuretic, fungicidal, galactagogue, insecticidal, nervine, sedative and tonic are responsible for its popularity.

Due of its ability to reduce pain and inflammation, the oil is used to relieve muscle pain and joint pain. It is also used to relieve toothache and headaches because viral infections.

The oil helps the immune system fight against the micro-organisms, by inhibiting their growth internally and externally. It is known for inhibiting bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections and other infections related to the colon, stomach, and respiratory tract. It is also effective in treating internal as well as external fungal infection.

When used as an antidepressant, this herbal product helps in recovering mental strength and self-esteem. It is used to fight anxiety and even acute depression. It is also used as a tonic, to strengthen and activate nerves, especially in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. It can also cure nervous disorders, like shaking of hands or limbs, vertigo and fits.

The oil, for its antiseptic properties, is used in antiseptic creams to be applied externally. In case of internal wounds, lemongrass tea, is found to be useful.

Lemongrass oil is found to be helpful in combating fever and as a deodorant. When it comes to stopping the flow of blood from a wound, it which is known to act as an astringent, helps in acceleration of the blood clotting process.

It promotes urination and helps in reducing high blood pressure and removal of toxic substances from the body. The oil, acting as galactagogue, helps lactating mothers by promoting milk formation. Its presence in the mother's milk helps the infant fight infections.

The oil derived form lemongrass is sought after, for its sedative properties. When it comes to getting rid of insects, due to its insecticidal properties, it is a preferred choice.

It is preferred in aromatherapy, for its fragrance and non-acidic nature. The lemony smell of the oil, generates a feeling of well-being. It is available in concentrated for and for that reason, before applying it to sensitive skin, care should be taken to dilute it.