fast FACTS
ORIGIN
Asia
EXTRACTION
Distillation
MAY HELP WITH
Aches and pains
Anxiety
Depression
Digestion
Minor wounds
Skin conditions
fast FACTS
ORIGIN
Asia
EXTRACTION
Distillation
MAY HELP WITH
Aches and pains
Anxiety
Depression
Digestion
Minor wounds
Skin conditions
Lemongrass is a common scent and flavor in traditional Asian dishes and is now a common essential oil that is a mood elevator and an antidepressant. The oil also has antimicrobial properties that make it excellent for fending off viral and bacterial infections. Athletes, in particular, may appreciate the oil’s natural muscle-relaxing and anti-inflammatory potential.
Both varieties of lemongrass oil, West Indian (C. citratus) and East Indian (C. flexuosus), are distilled from clippings of the grass grown in its native home of India.
Lemongrass’s aroma may alleviate headaches and migraines.
Lemongrass oil is pale yellow to amber in color and offers a bursting lemon-drop scent.
Uplifting and energizing lemongrass may help you:
• Relieve aches and pains. A lemongrass oil massage reduces inflammation to relieve aching muscles and, in addition, the relaxing aroma may alleviate headaches and migraines.
• Feel calm. Lemongrass oil’s revitalizing aroma may reduce stress, elevate your mood, and increase your overall sense of well-being.
• Protect your skin. Lemongrass oil’s antiseptic properties may keep acne at bay and may be used to heal minor skin infections.
• Ease digestive troubles. This oil’s aroma may help calm upset stomachs caused by stress.
Help for Stinky Feet
Lemongrass has deodorizing and strong antifungal properties, which make it an effective natural remedy for athlete’s foot. Just add 10 drops of lemongrass oil to a warm footbath.
Get the most out of your lemongrass oil by adding it to:
• Massage oils. Add 1 or 2 drops of lemongrass to a carrier oil and massage the mixture onto aching muscles or an upset stomach.
• Diffusers or inhalers. Inhaling the fresh scent of lemongrass may bring balance to your mood, simultaneously lifting your spirits and calming your nerves.
• Soaps and lotions. Add lemongrass to face washes, lotions, and treatments to help relieve irritated skin.
• Baths. When you’re under the weather, feeling achy, or stressing out, add 15 drops of lemongrass oil mixed into 1 tablespoon of unscented shampoo or bodywash to your bath water.
Massage lemongrass, mixed with a carrier oil, onto aching muscles or an upset stomach.
A DEET Alternative
A close relative of citronella, lemongrass can repel disease-carrying pests such as fleas and ticks and can be found in commercial bug sprays. To make your own, fill a 1-ounce spray bottle with distilled water and 1 teaspoon of vodka. Add 20 drops of lemongrass oil, and shake before applying it to your skin.
Some blending combinations for lemongrass oil include: basil, bergamot, cardamom, cedarwood, geranium, jasmine, lavender, neroli, palmarosa, rosemary, spearmint, and tea tree.
Keep these tips in mind when using lemongrass oil:
• Test your tolerance. Do a patch test to avoid skin irritation.
• Use caution with kids. Children younger than the age of 6 may be more sensitive to lemongrass oil, especially when used in the bath.