There are amazing benefits of Lemongrass essential oil which are not only cosmetic for skincare but can also be used for therapeutic purposes. The Lemongrass plant (Cymbopogon) which is also known as fever grass is native to many countries in Asia. Lemongrass is a good source of many nutrients.
One of the most fascinating discoveries in recent years was a preliminary study by the Ben Gurion University in Israel which found that Lemongrass contains high levels of an aromatic terpene known as linalool which has shown to be as effective as chemo in targeting cancer cells without the toxic side effects.
Lemongrass contains key nutrient compounds that are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-cancer. This all may be preliminary studies at this time but what a great step in a cure if a cancer treatment with Lemongrass is developed in the near future. So, how can Lemongrass essential oil benefit us in our daily lives?
Lemongrass Promotes Skin Health
Lemongrass oil is a great addition to many skin care products such as soaps, creams and lotions. It helps strengthen skin tissue but it can also help kill bacteria and sterilize pores which has the ability to help fight off acne. An easy way to enjoy these benefits is to buy an unscented lotion and add 8-10 drops of Lemongrass essential oil to it. Mix it and apply on your skin.
Recently, I was experiencing pain from a backache, so I took some sweet almond oil and added a few drops of Lemongrass oil, then applied to my lower back. Lemongrass also has anti-inflammatory properties. I was already feeling better within 20 minutes of the application. It’s amazing what this little bottle of oil can do.
Want to make your own body wash?
To make your own body wash, you will need 1/2 cup Castile soap, 1/4 cup raw honey, 1/4 cup carrier oil of your choice (I like sweet almond oil) and 20 drops of Lemongrass essential oil.
*Put all ingredients in to a pump or squirt bottle and it’s ready to use. This is great for problem skin because of the healing benefits of the Lemongrass and the honey. Just a note that you should always do a patch test first to see if it irritates your skin. You should do this on any new product you are using for the first time.
Lemongrass Can Reduce Fever
When a fever comes on, it’s a good indication that the body is trying to fight back against infection or disease. Lemongrass has been used for fever throughout history in Chinese and Indian medicine. Modern research has shown that Lemongrass can be effective for relieving fever symptoms.
The best way to deliver Lemongrass to the body is with a vaporizer or diffuser. By inhaling the compounds of the Lemongrass essential oil, this gets absorbed into the bloodstream quickly through the nose and mouth. Some people like to use Lemongrass oil in tea but I do not recommend ingesting any essential oil unless advised by your doctor or healthcare professional.
Lowers Your Cholesterol
Cholesterol is naturally produced by the liver. When there is too much cholesterol in the body, plaque starts to form in the arteries. Lemongrass contains compounds called terpenoids that prohibit the production of mevalonic acid, which helps produce cholesterol. It can help reduce inflammation which can lead to plaque build up. I like to diffuse Lemongrass essential oil but you could also make a massage oil to rub on your skin to get these benefits. If using this method, I would use 2 Tbsp of a carrier oil of your choice with 10 drops of Lemongrass essential oil and apply to any pressure points. A note here that you should only use 100% pure essential oil.
Treats Yeast Infections and Candida
Yeast infections can be unbearable and irritating but did you known that candida can become resistant to the antibiotics that are commonly prescribed by doctors? Studies have shown that 75% of women in the world have suffered from a yeast infection in their lifetime. Want a holistic cure for candida? Consider using Lemongrass essential oil.
Lemongrass oil has powerful anti-fungal properties that has been shown to penetrate and destroy the slimy biofilm candida hides behind. This biofilm is what enables candida to multiply quickly and is difficult to get rid of. It is very effective at penetrating into the exterior of the biofilm barrier created by candida. Fighting yeast infections or candida starts from the inside.
Try this bath soak remedy to treat a yeast infection:
Fill bath tub with hot water, add 1/4 cup of Epsom salts and 5 drops of Lemongrass essential oil.
Repels Bugs and Insects
We’ve all heard of Citronella candles that repels mosquitoes. Citronella is actually a natural oil found in Lemongrass. This fragrant oil can harm or kill insects. The scent of Lemongrass is enough to usually repel insects. In addition to mosquitoes, Lemongrass oil is an effective insecticide against ticks, termites and dust mites. I think I’ll be taking some of this along with me when I go camping. It’s always good to have it on hand. Instead of using bug spray that contains chemicals and smells awful, I can use an all natural product that smells lemony fresh. Not bad for a bug repellent that actually contains skin healing properties.
Natural Insect Repellent:
1/2 cup distilled water (or you can use apple cider vinegar)
1/2 cup witch hazel
1/2 tsp vegetable glycerin
40 drops of Lemongrass essential oil
Spray bottle
*Add ingredients to spray bottle and you’re ready to go. If using this bug spray after a month, I would add 1/2 tsp of vodka to help preserve the repellent for longer use.
If you have a feline friend: A note that using Lemongrass essential oil is harmful around cats as they lack a certain liver enzyme to break down various compounds and it can prove to be toxic. Spraying this repellent around them is not recommended.
Conclusion
I am convinced that essential oils are still nature’s way to heal many ailments and in many cases, are better than some traditional medicines that contain a long list of side effects. Essential oils have been around since biblical times for medicinal purposes and have for thousands of years in many cultures. It’s amazing what plants can do for our health and our skin and even more amazing how essential oils can play a role in healing what ails us.
Before you start using any new product or are new to using essential oils, you should consult with your doctor or healthcare professional to avoid any interactions with medications. Do not use essential oils if you are pregnant.
Looking to start making your own homemade recipes with essential oils?
Try these 100% natural essential oils.
If you have any questions about using Lemongrass essential oil or have any recipes you would like to share, we would love to hear from you. Please share with us in the comment section below.
