Lemongrass Oil Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Lemongrass oil is the essential oil extract from the lemongrass plant. The lemongrass plant is a grass plant native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. Its botanical name is Cymbopogon Schoenanthus. Lemongrass is a common flavor ingredient added to Thai food and other traditional Asian cuisine.^1,2

Lemongrass oil is extracted from the lemongrass leaves. It’s a light liquid with a pale yellow color. Lemongrass oil is recognizable by its distinct citrus scent that resembles lemon. Lemongrass oil is a popular essential oil. It’s also a common ingredient added to skincare and cosmetic products as well as natural household deodorizing products.²

Lemongrass Oil Health Uses and Health Benefits

Lemongrass oil benefits come from its natural content of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Lemongrass oil is a natural source of vitamins A, C and various B vitamins as well as folate. Lemongrass oil also contains calcium, potassium, magnesium, copper, iron and other important minerals.³

Lemongrass oil contains other substances that offer antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory benefits. The citrus properties of lemongrass oil make it both a stimulant and an analgesic for reducing pain and cramping.^2,3

Lemongrass oil uses as aromatherapy are very beneficial because of its varied health benefits. Lemongrass oil can even be used for skin health. It has natural astringent and cleansing properties that can revitalize skin and give it a healthy glow.³

Another common lemongrass oil use is for hair conditions. Lemongrass oil can help to stimulate and strengthen hair follicles, which promotes hair growth in people experiencing baldness. It can also help to soothe scalp irritation from dandruff.³

Other lemongrass oil benefits include: 

• Relieving anxiety and improving sleep quality
• Detoxifying the liver and kidneys
• Improving digestive health
• Relieving menstrual pain
• Alleviating headaches
• Fighting bacterial infections
• Lowering high fevers 
• Boosting immune system function
• Reducing bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels

There are several lemongrass oil uses for treating health conditions including the following:

• Muscle Cramps - Rubbing lemongrass oil directly onto cramped muscles such as leg cramps is beneficial for alleviating pain and inflammation. Inhaling lemongrass essential oil as part of aromatherapy can also ease muscle tension.

Lemongrass Oil Side Effects and Precautions

Lemongrass oil is generally safe for most people. However, some people with very sensitive skin may develop a skin rash when they apply lemongrass oil topically. Lemongrass oil is not recommended for pregnant women.³

References

1. https://www.mdidea.com/products/proper/proper08405.html
2. http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/lemongrass-oil.aspx
3. https://draxe.com/lemongrass-essential-oil/