Lemongrass

Species name: Cymbopogon citrates.

Also known as: Andropogon citratus,lemon grass, lemongrass, barbed wire grass, citronella grass, and silky heads.

This perennial plant is weed-like and grows rapidly. It also rapidly depletes the soil wherever it is planted, especially when grown commercially, and it must be rotated or it will wear out the soil.

Essential oil of lemongrass is extracted via steam distillation from the leaves of this grassy plant.

The essential oil smells wonderfully crisp and has a lemon-like scent. The oil varies in hue from deep yellow to a reddish brown color. It has a thin, water-like texture which dilutes easily and handles well. 

It is a common component in citrus scents and toiletries.

Home Remedies using Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass oil can be used in aromatherapy, for anxiety.

Lemongrass oil added to a warm bath or with other essential and/or carrier oils  can alleviate infection.

Added to a cream or lotion base, lemongrass oil helps get rid of cellulite, clearing up blemishes and skin eruptions.

Cedar wood, jasmine, lavender and tea tree essential oils work well with lemongrass.

Benefits of Lemongrass Essential Oil

This zingy essential oil is invigorating enough to fight fatigue, refresh the mind and ease depression. This essential oil is very energizing. It helps fight tiredness, alleviates headache pain, and reduces stress related symptoms.

Lemongrass oil is great to clear thought processes and promotes alertness and quick thinking. It also alleviates tiredness as it has a calming, sedative effect.
It can soothe away body aches and pains associated with over exertion.

It can even ward off parasitic insects repelling critters like fleas. It can be used in pet baths and to eliminate unpleasant pet odors. Lemongrass oil is a great deodorizer.

This essential oil is often used in Ayurvedic medicine to help reduce body temperature and excess water retention. It was also used to treat various infections.

Lemongrass oil has pain and inflammation reducing properties, kills microbes, cleans bacteria and oil from the skin and works well as a body deodorizer. It kills fungus and it helps soothe infected throats, intestinal infections, and is antiseptic.

It is good for fungal infections, ringworm, excessive perspiration, and as a sachet for fresh smelling rooms, linens, and clothing.

It increases blood flow to muscles and eases muscle aches. It is of great benefit to diabetics and others who have circulatory problems.

It increases blood flow to the uterus and is a good tonic for the skin, respiratory tract, and digestive tract.

Topically when a few drops of lemongrass oil is mixed with a cream or lotion base, it does a good job of helping get rid of cellulite, clearing up blemishes and skin eruptions, as well as clearing pores to prevent further breakouts. 

Lemongrass oil enhanced lotions and creams also helps kill fungi and cure skin infections.

Side Effects of Lemongrass Essential Oil:

Lemongrass essential oil can be an irritant to those with sensitive skin, so care should be taken to perform a skin test prior to the first use, and those with sensitive skin should watch for signs of sensitivity while using it.

Lemongrass oil should be avoided during pregnancy.

Although used throughout history please consult with a doctor before using any essential oil.