Lemongrass

Species name: Essential oil of lemongrass is extracted via steam distillation from the leaves of the Cymbopogon citrates.

Also known as: Lemongrass is also known as Andropogon flexuosus, Andropogon citratus, A. schoenathus – Guatemala, West Indian, Madagascar or lemongrass; Cymbopogon flexuosus East Indian, Cochin, native, or British India lemongrass), of the Poaceae family. In its native India, it is called 'choomana poolu', 'Indian Verbena', or 'Indian Melissa oil'.

Lemongrass essential oil smells wonderfully crisp.  It is invigorating enough to fight fatigue, refresh the mind, and repels insects.  

Lemongrass oil is lemon-like in scent, and 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 perennial, and grows rapidly.  It rapidly depletes the soil wherever it is planted and, especially when grown commercially; it must be rotated or it will wear out the soil.

Home Remedies using Lemongrass Essential Oil:

Lemongrass essential oil is often used in Ayurvedic medicine to help reduce body temperature and treat various infections.  It is a common component in citrus scents and toiletries.  It is a good insect repellent as well.

Benefits of Lemongrass Essential Oil:

Lemongrass oil has pain and inflammation reducing properties, kills microbes, eases depression, increases blood flow to the uterus, cleans bacteria and oil from the skin, works well as a deodorizer, reduced excess water retention in the body, kills fungus, and has a calming, sedative effect.

Uses of Lemongrass Essential Oil:

Lemongrass oil is very energizing.  It helps fight tiredness, alleviates headache pain, and reduces stress related symptoms.

Lemongrass oil is a great deodorizer, it helps soothe infected throats, intestinal infections, and is antiseptic.  It increases blood flow to muscles and eases muscle aches.  It is a good tonic for the skin, respiratory tract, and digestive tract. 

It is of great benefit to diabetics and others who have circulatory problems.  It repels parasitic insects such as fleas, and can be used in pet baths for this and to eliminate unpleasant pet odors. 

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

• Lemongrass oil can be used in aromatherapy, for anxiety and to ward off even parasitic insects. It is great to clear thought processes and promotes alertness and quick thinking. It also alleviates tiredness.
• A few drops of lemongrass oil added to a warm bath or blended with other essential oils and/or carrier oils can be used to help remove excess water from the body, help alleviate infection, inflammation, and soothes away body aches and pains associated with over exertion.
• 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.