She Strengthens

Unlock the Power of Lemongrass Essential Oil

Discover the Top Benefits for Your Mind and Body

Lemongrass, a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine, offers more than just a flavorful twist to your favorite dishes. Its essential oil has been found to possess numerous health benefits, from stress relief to skin care. While research is ongoing, we’ll delve into the possible advantages of lemongrass essential oil and how to use it safely.

Understanding Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass essential oil is extracted from the stalky grass and can be used topically or inhaled. However, it’s crucial to note that the FDA does not regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. Consult with your healthcare provider before using essential oils and research the quality of a brand’s products.

11 Surprising Benefits of Lemongrass Essential Oil

1. Antibacterial Properties: Lemongrass essential oil has shown to combat bacteria, including Acinetobacter baumannii, which can cause infections in the urinary tract, blood, and lungs.
2. Antifungal Properties: Research suggests that lemongrass essential oil is effective against Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, and Aspergillus niger fungi, making it a potential solution for fungal infections.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Compounds like citral and geranial in lemongrass may help reduce inflammation, as seen in a study on mice with carrageenan-induced paw edema.
4. Pain Relief: Lemongrass essential oil may alleviate pain by reducing inflammation, as observed in a study on individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
5. Antioxidant Properties: Lemongrass mouthwash has been found to have strong antioxidant effects, making it a potential complementary therapy for oral health issues.
6. Improved Digestive Health: Anecdotal evidence suggests that lemongrass can help reduce nausea, pain, bloating, and cramping caused by gastrointestinal conditions.
7. Diarrhea Relief: Research indicates that lemongrass has antidiarrheal effects, although more studies are needed to determine its efficacy.
8. Reduced Cholesterol: A study on rats found that lemongrass oil reduced cholesterol levels, but more research is required to understand its effects on humans.
9. Blood Sugar Regulation: Lemongrass oil may help reduce blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes, according to an animal study.
10. Stress and Anxiety Relief: Lemongrass essential oil is often used in aromatherapy to calm the mind and body, and may even increase the anti-stress benefits of massage therapy.
11. Headache and Migraine Relief: Native Australian lemongrass has been found to relieve headache and migraine pain, possibly due to its eugenol content.

Safety Precautions and Side Effects

While diluted lemongrass oil is generally recognized as safe, high doses can be poisonous, and it can be toxic to children and pets. Essential oils should never be ingested. Skin symptoms like rashes, itching, hives, blistering, or redness may occur. To minimize risks:

• Don’t apply lemongrass oil to broken or damaged skin.
• Dilute the oil with a carrier oil before use.
• Stick to high-quality oils without added fillers or fragrances.
• Avoid using it if you have sensitive skin or conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

How to Use Lemongrass Essential Oil

To experience the benefits of lemongrass essential oil, you can use it for inhalation or topical application.

• Inhalation: Add a few drops to an essential oil diffuser, a bowl of warm water, or a handkerchief.
• Topical Use: Mix up to 12 drops of essential oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil (jojoba, almond, olive, or coconut oil) and gently massage it into your skin.

Remember to always do a patch test before applying a new product or oil to your skin.

The Takeaway

Lemongrass essential oil offers a range of potential health benefits, from antibacterial and antifungal properties to stress management and pain relief. While more research is needed, using high-quality lemongrass oil safely can be a great addition to your wellness routine.