The Many Benefits of Lemongrass Essential Oil With Recipes

Lemongrass essential oil is commonly used as a fragrance but it’s so much more than that. It’s a healer too.

An Essential Oil With Many Benefits

Lemongrass essential oil is extracted from the leaves and stalks of a tall perennial grass plant from the Poaceae family. The lemongrass plant originated in tropical climates and is native to India, and most of Southeast Asia.

It’s celebrated in the aromatherapy world as a healer and stress reliever. Holistic healers and aromatherapists are familiar with its versatility as a pain reliever, bug repellent, calming agent, and detoxifier.

It’s also widely used in several Indian and Southeast Asian food recipes.

The lemon citrus earthy smell of lemongrass essential oil is uplifting and the oil is a staple in my essential oil kit.

Healing Properties of Lemongrass Essential Oil

Anti-bacterial

A 2010 study found that lemongrass extract was effective at treating bacterial skin infections and facilitating wound healing.

Anti-fungal

Lemongrass essential oil is very useful for treating athlete’s foot, and ringworm. Several studies explored the anti-fungal properties of lemongrass essential oil.

Recipe — To Combat Athlete’s Foot

· 1 teaspoon of carrier oil (almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil etc.) — cider vinegar will work well too.

· 5 drops of lemongrass essential oil

· 5 drops of tea tree essential oil

1. Mix the oils together in a glass bowl.

2. Dip a cotton swab or cotton ball into the oil and rub it over the affected area.

3. Apply twice a day for up to a month but stop immediately if you see an allergic reaction.

Both lemongrass and tea tree essential oils are anti-fungal. Tea tree is a good addition to this recipe because it is also an anti-septic and will help to prevent infection.

Anti-inflammatory

The citral and geranial content in lemongrass essential oil gives it an anti-inflammatory property. Current studies find that lemongrass has strong anti-inflammatory benefits.

Pain Reliever

Lemongrass essential oil is a powerful anti-inflammation agent and therefore a pain reliever. As the citral content in lemongrass helps to relieve inflammation, it simultaneously reduces pain in joints and muscles.

A 2017 study followed patients with rheumatoid arthritis. They were asked to apply a daily topical lemongrass treatment. Patients reported that they felt less pain over time and that their pain levels decreased gradually by more than 50%.

Recipe — To Combat Inflammation, Muscle Stiffness, and Pain

· 1 teaspoon of carrier oil (almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil etc.)

· 5 drops of lemongrass essential oil

· 5 drops of lavender essential oil

1. Mix the oils together in a glass bottle.

2. Massage it over the affected area.

3. Apply twice a day for up to a month but stop immediately if you see an allergic reaction.

4. If you make a bigger batch, store it in a dark glass bottle in a cool place away from direct heat or light.

Both lavender and lemongrass are pain relievers. Lavender is a good addition to this recipe because it is also an anti-spasmodic which will help with muscle stiffness and muscle spasms.

Stress and Anxiety Reliever, Focus and Concentration Booster

In my article about rosemary, I talk about how rosemary essential oil is a brain fog warrior. Lemongrass essential oil also falls into this category. In fact, you could mix rosemary and lemongrass essential oils in a diffuser or put a few drops in a bowl of hot water to release the scent into a room for the same effect.

The lemongrass aroma is uplifting and calming. Once we find calm, it is far easier to slow our breathing and improve concentration.

Diffuser Recipe — For Relaxation and Focus

· 4 drops of lemongrass essential oil

· 4 drops of rosemary essential oil

1. Follow the instructions on your diffuser and fill the tank with water.

2. Add the essential oils to your diffuser tank

3. Don’t run your diffuser for more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time to avoid saturating your room with the aroma.

Both lemongrass and rosemary essential oils are calming, promote focus, and are anti-microbial. Any uninvited microbial ‘guests’ in your home will not enjoy having this diffuser blend in their environment because anti-microbials inhibit their growth. Microbials include fungus, mold, bacteria and more.

Insect repellent Spray

Citronella is well known as an insect repellent. Citronella is the essential oil extracted from the leaves and stems of the lemongrass plant.

Recipe — For Insect Repellent Spray

· 8 drops of lemongrass essential oil

· 4 drops of lavender essential oil

· 4 drops of peppermint essential oil

· 4 drops of thyme essential oil

1. Pour 8 ounces (250ml) of water into a spray bottle. A dark glass bottle is best because essential oils are sensitive to light and will break down.

2. Add the essential oils to your spray bottle.

3. Shake before each use. Then spray it into a room or on furniture to ward off bugs and flying insects.

Safety Considerations

Lemongrass essential oil as with all essential oils is very concentrated. Please consider the following before you use lemongrass essential oil.

Do not use it if you are pregnant.

Lemongrass essential oil may interfere with some prescription medication. Always check with your doctor first.

Lemongrass aroma is strong and could irritate young respiratory systems. This is possibly true for smaller animals too. Avoid using around or on children under 2 years or near small animals.

Do a spot test on your skin. Some people have an allergic reaction to lemongrass.

Thank you

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Sources

Wilson, Celeste. Isla Verde Spa Training Academy Certificate of Aromatherapy Course.

Wilson, Celeste. National Higher Certificate in Beauty Therapy. The Durban University of Technology.

Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy. 25th Anniversary Edition.

Tisserand, Robert, and Young, Robert. 2014. Essential Oil Safety. Second Edition.

Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Fragrant Mind

Lawless, Julia. The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils