What Is Lemongrass Essential Oil Good For?
The compounds in lemongrass oil are known to possess antifungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and insecticidal properties. And thanks to its antioxidant properties, it can also prevent the growth of yeast (1). These properties translate into benefits for digestion, neural health, muscle pains, immunity, and skin and hair health. All of which we will understand now.
What Are The Benefits Of Lemongrass Essential Oil?
1. Lemongrass Essential Oil Helps Regulate Cholesterol
Various studies have shown that the consumption of lemongrass oil can sustain healthy levels of triglycerides in the body, thereby bringing down the levels of LDL (the bad cholesterol). This results in the unobstructed flow of blood through the arteries, cutting cardiac disease risk. In a Brazilian study, the intake of lemongrass essential oil was found to be safe and effective in lowering the blood cholesterol levels (2).
2. Aids Cancer Treatment
Some preliminary studies have shown how lemongrass can inhibit the early stages of liver cancer. The oil also contains a compound called citral, which was found to inhibit the growth of lung cancer cells. The essential oil, alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, was found to aid cancer treatment (3). The anti-inflammatory properties of lemongrass oil also help in cancer treatment. And according to other studies, essential oils like lemongrass can offer protection against cervival cancer (4).
3. Promotes Digestive Health
Lemongrass oil has the incredible ability to treat a number of digestive disorders – these include stomach gas, irritation in the stomach and the bowels, etc. The oil can also play a superb role in treating gastric ulcers and stimulating digestion. It also treats stomach upsets and is usually taken with tea for its stomach-calming effects (5). The antibacterial properties of lemongrass essential oil also kill intestinal bacteria and can even help treat diarrhea and nausea.
4. Lemongrass Essential Oil Might Treat Gout
The oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can help treat gout. However, more research is warranted in this regard.
5. Boosts Nervous System Health
Lemongrass essential oil acts as an essential tonic to the nervous system in general. It aids the treatment of various nervous disorders like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, convulsions, lack of reflexes, etc. It does this by strengthening the nerves in the body and stimulating them.
6. Relieves Headaches
Lemongrass essential oil has calming and soothing effects that can relieve pain, pressure, and tension like magic and keep those menacing headaches at bay. According to an Indian study, lemongrass essential oil can treat headaches (6).
7. Lemongrass Essential Oil Detoxifies The Body
The oil detoxes the liver, digestive tract, kidneys, bladder, and the pancreas. This detoxifying property of lemongrass oil can be attributed to its diuretic nature. You can simply add lemongrass oil to your soup or tea and keep your system clean.
8. Lemongrass Essential Oil Works As A Natural Deodorizer
Deodorants are important – but most of those we see on TV can harm our skin. This is where lemongrass essential oil comes into play. It is a natural and safe air freshener and deodorizer. Simply add the oil to water and use it as a mist or as an oil diffuser or vaporizer.
9. Works As A Muscle Relaxant
This is because the oil improves blood circulation, thereby relieving muscle spasms, sprains, aches, and cramps. You can simply rub some diluted lemongrass oil on your body or make your own lemongrass oil foot bath. Lemongrass essential oil was also found to relieve other muscle issues like plantar fasciitis and lymphedema. We only have some reputable sources confirming it, though. Studies are yet to be done.
10. Might Enhance Thyroid Health
Some sources say that lemongrass essential oil can help deal with hypothyroidism. Simply rubbing two to four drops of the oil on the thyroid area might help. However, we need more research on this. Please consult your doctor before using the oil for this purpose.
11. Can Boost Immunity
Lemongrass facilitates the absorption of nutrients in your body, thereby strengthening the immune system. This eventually protects your system from disease and keeps it functioning well for a long time. The immune-boosting effects of lemongrass essential oil also help combat cold and fever. The oil also accelerates wound healing.
12. Aids Sleep
Lemongrass oil has excellent soothing and calming effects on the mind. According to an Algerian study, lemongrass oil may have sedative effects (8). The oil can also help treat depression. Adding a couple of drops in your diffuser and then inhaling it can help.
13. Treats Varicose Veins
Though research is limited, theoretical data suggest that essential oils like lemongrass can increase circulation and reduce swelling. This can help ease the condition. You can create a warm compress by soaking a clean cloth in a mixture of five drops of lemongrass essential oil and one liter of water. Apply this compress to the affected area for 15 minutes. Ensure you keep your legs elevated all the while.
14. Treats Nail Fungus
The antifungal properties of lemongrass essential oil can help treat nail fungus. You can first dilute the oil with a carrier oil like olive or grapeseed oil. Pour 1 ounce of the carrier oil into a clean bottle and add six drops of lemongrass oil to it. Close the lid and shake properly. Massage this oil into the infected nail twice daily. Within a few days, you will observe the fungus turning black or brown – which means it is drying. Healthy nail growth should follow.
15. Can Treat Skin Issues
Lemongrass essential oil, known for its excellent antimicrobial properties, can aid the treatment of a host of skin conditions. These include candida, cellulite, and even cold sores. For candida, you can just massage a few drops of the oil into the affected areas, twice a day. You can use this oil for treating oral thrush as well – simply mix one tablespoon of coconut oil with three drops of lemongrass oil and take a mouthful of it. Swish for 10 minutes and then spit it out. Rinse your mouth well. Do this once daily. Massaging the affected areas with lemongrass oil can also help reduce cellulite – thanks to its diuretic properties, it reduces fluid retention. You can also use this oil for treating cold sores. Simply mix five drops of lemongrass essential oil with two tablespoons of coconut oil. Apply this mixture to the affected areas and let it get absorbed naturally. Do it once or twice daily. The anti-inflammatory properties of lemongrass oil can even ease skin irritation. You can add a few drops of the oil to your bath and let the oil soothe your skin. You can also use the oil in a facial steam for treating acne. The antimicrobial properties of the oil remove the bacteria trapped in the pores – and its anti-inflammatory properties treat the skin inflammation caused by acne.
16. Boosts Hair Strength
Since the oil is antibacterial, it creates a conducive environment on your scalp for healthy hair growth. It strengthens hair follicles. You can mix three drops of lemongrass essential oil with three tablespoons of raw olive oil and massage into your hair. Wrap a towel around your head for 15 minutes, post which you can shampoo as usual (use an organic shampoo). This procedure can help kill hair lice as well. These are the many ways lemongrass essential oil can make your life better. But there is something else you need to know.
What Are The Side Effects Of Lemongrass Essential Oil?
Lung Issues
Some cases state the occurrence of lung problems post inhaling lemongrass essential oil. If you have a preexisting respiratory condition, please consult your doctor before using the oil for aromatherapy or inhaling.
Issues During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
The oil can cause menstrual flow and might lead to miscarriage if taken during pregnancy. We don’t know what would happen if the oil is taken during breastfeeding. Hence, stay safe and avoid intake in both the cases. What is the difference between lemongrass oil and lemon oil? Though both are essential oils with similar properties and benefits, the two come from different plants. While lemongrass oil comes from the Cymbopogon citratus plant, a grass that is native to India, lemon oil comes from the Citrus limon tree that is native to China. Is lemongrass oil edible? Intake of lemongrass oil might have toxic effects. Hence, please consult your doctor before ingesting it. Where can I buy lemongrass oil? Is lemongrass essential oil safe for babies? There is very limited information on this. Hence, it is best to avoid use. Consult your doctor in this regard. Does lemongrass reduce anxiety? Yes, studies suggest that lemongrass aroma may reduce anxiety. However, further studies are required (10). Does lemongrass essential oil give you energy? Anecdotal evidence suggests that lemon essential oil may boost physical and mental energy. However, more studies need to be done to support this claim. Is lemongrass good for hormonal imbalance? Yes, animal studies indicate that lemongrass extracts may help increase Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and Triiodothyronine (T3) hormone levels. This may indicate that your thyroid is not producing enough hormone and may result in hypothyroidism(11), (12). However, further studies are warranted. Is lemongrass good for detox? Yes, lemongrass contains antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that may help detoxify toxic free radicals. This may help protect the liver from peroxide-induced oxidative damage and prevent liver injury (13). Is lemongrass good for the sinuses? Yes, studies suggest that lemongrass tea may relieve cough and soothe nasal congestion (14). Is lemongrass oil good for weight loss? Yes, lemongrass contains citral, a compound that may reduce fat accumulation and improve insulin sensitivity. This may reduce overall body weight (15).
