Lemongrass essential oil is extracted from dried lemongrass through the process of steam distillation. It’s commonly used to flavor teas and soups and to add a fresh, lemon smell to cosmetics and soaps. Lemongrass essential oil has natural antidepressant, antimicrobial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It has the ability to kill bacteria, relieve muscle pain and treat digestive disorders, among many other health benefits. (1)
Lemongrass Essential Oil Uses
1. Skin Health
Lemongrass essential oil has antiseptic and astringent properties that work as a cleanser for all skin types. Rubbing the oil into your skin can help clean your pores to promote healthy, glowing skin. (2)
2. Sleep Aid
The calming smell of lemongrass oil helps relieve anxiety, irritability and insomnia. Lemongrass essential oil has natural sedative properties that can help improve the duration and quality of sleep. Diffuse lemongrass oil at home or use it as a massage oil before bed.
3. Natural Detox
Lemongrass essential oil is known for its ability to detox the digestive tract, liver, kidneys, bladder and pancreas. The oil’s diuretic properties help flush harmful toxins out of the body. Add lemongrass oil to your soup or tea for a natural detox.
4. Headache Relief
Lemongrass oil has calming and soothing effects that help relieve pain, pressure and tensions caused by headaches. Massage diluted lemongrass oil onto your temples or diffuse the oil to help relieve headache pain.
5. Kills Bacteria
Lemongrass oil contains citral and limonene – compounds that have the ability to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. To avoid or get rid of infections such as ringworm or athlete’s foot, make your own body or foot scrub using lemongrass essential oil.
6. Muscle Relaxer
Lemongrass oil works to relieve muscle spasms, back aches and cramps by naturally improving circulation in the body. Rub diluted lemongrass oil on sore muscles for natural pain relief. (3)
7. Treats Digestive Disorders
The diuretic properties of lemongrass oil work to flush toxins out of the body and relieve pain and irritation in the digestive system. Lemongrass essential oil can be used to help prevent gastrointestinal orders thanks to its ability to stimulate bowl function and improve digestion. (4)
8. Reduces Inflammation
The limonene in lemongrass oil gives the oil its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. The oil can be used to help heal inflammatory conditions such as asthma, arthritis, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. (5)
9. Fights Cold and Flu
When used with a vaporizer, lemongrass oil can help fight bacteria and treat illnesses such as the common cold or flu. The oil can also have a cooling effect to help lower body temperature and get rid of a fever.
10. Lowers Cholesterol
Lemongrass oil naturally promotes healthy circulation in the body to make sure blood flows properly through the arteries. Consumption of lemongrass oil has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol levels and help protect against many cardiac disorders. (6)