Lemongrass Oil Uses

Cymbopogon citratus or lemongrass is essentially a herb that has been in use for years in traditional Indian medicine. It is a type of an aromatic or scented grass, native to India that has various beneficial herbal and medicinal properties.

The oil extracted from this herb is one of the best aromatherapy oils with a number of health and skin benefits. It is extracted from dried lemongrass through a procedure known as steam distillation. It has a light and fresh citrus fragrance with a dark yellow or amber color. Mentioned below are the properties of this oil, and some of its uses.

Lemongrass oil has various medicinal, herbal, and therapeutic properties. It has analgesic, anti-bacterial, carminative, deodorizing, febrifuge, fungicidal, antiseptic, antidepressant, astringent, diuretic, galactagogue, insecticidal, antipyretic, antimicrobial, and sedative properties.

It finds utility in many areas due to all these properties, and is known to have just a few side effects. It is also safe to be used by children. The chemical composition includes myrcene, nerol, geraniol, citronellal, and geranyl acetate.

Relaxes Muscles: The most important health benefit is its ability to calm and relax the muscles. Its analgesic and sedative properties are extremely useful for pain relief from ailments like headaches, migraines, menstrual cramps, and muscle strains. It provides relief from jet lag and stress.

Depression: It is also useful in relieving symptoms related to depression, anxiety, and panic attacks imparted by its antidepressant properties.

Edema: Its diuretic property is useful in curing edema, and its carminative properties help relieve gas and acidity.

Digestion: Consumption of the oil improves digestion, and eases bowel movements in case of constipation. It also helps in easy digestion and absorption of fats.

Fever: Lemongrass oil has antipyretic properties that helps reduce temperature during high fever, and also eliminates fever completely. Its febrifuge properties increase perspiration and eliminates fever.

Infections: The fungicidal, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties of this oil make it beneficial in the prevention and cure of fungal as well as bacterial infections, both internal and external.

Clotting of Blood: Lemongrass oil, if applied to injuries that bleed profusely has the ability to speed up the process of blood clotting, and prevents excessive loss of blood.

Nerve Tonic: The oil can help cure many nervous system related disorders like Vertigo, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, etc., by strengthening the nerves and the immune system as well.

Anti-Cancer: Research indicates that lemongrass can cause programmed death in cancerous cells, without harming the useful cells.

Use of this wondrous oil on the skin can benefit the skin a great deal. Its antibacterial, astringent, and antiseptic properties prevent and cure skin infection, prevent acne breakouts, and soothe broken or inflamed skin.

It is used as an ingredient in many skin care products like soaps, lotions, perfumes, and deodorants. It is also known to prevent excessive sweating and body odor. It also finds use as an important aromatherapy oil, and helps eliminate cellulite.

It is used in many continental recipes as an ingredient and garnish, and also in various types of herbal teas and soups.

Lemongrass oil can also be used as an insecticide, disinfectant; and for household cleaning and deodorizing purposes. It is also an effective mosquito repellent and food preservative. Benefit from these wide range of uses by making use of the oil regularly.