Importance of Good Health: Lemongrass Oil Uses and Benefits
While the popularity of essential oils may appear to be a passing fad, the health benefits they provide are just far too good to be forgotten. Lemongrass oil is one of the few essential oils that have a plethora of significant health advantages. Learn about the health and wellness benefits of essential oils and the difference lemon grass oil can make.
Lemon Grass Essential Oil and Its Benefits
Lemon grass is commonly used in aromatherapy and by natural medicine practitioners for a number of reasons, including reducing inflammation, soothing headaches, treating dandruff, and alleviating stomach pains. If you’re looking for that one essential oil that can help you treat these conditions, purchasing lemongrass oil is a great idea.
Lemongrass is a perennial grass that flourishes in tropical conditions and has roughly around 55 distinct species. The western and eastern Indian lemongrass are two of the species most used in essential oils products. Lemongrass essential oil is derived from fresh and partially dried lemongrass leaves and stems using steam distillation. The scents that are derived from lemongrass are fresh and lemony, and some describe it as sweet too. The final product is a strong oil that when used in excess amounts, can overpower other scents.
Reduces Inflammation
Only a few scientific researches have looked at the health benefits of using lemongrass essential oil for aromatherapy. However, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, antidepressant, and sedative properties have been discovered in numerous of its chemical components. One of the oil’s major components, citral, inhibits the growth of bacteria and microorganisms. Another flavonoid present in lemongrass, limonene, has been proven to reduce inflammation and destroy microbes. Terpenes, saponins, alkaloids, steroids, myrcene, citronellal, nerol, and geraniol are among the other ingredients found in lemongrass essential oil.
Antifungal Activity
Lemon grass oil has been proven to impede germ production in cosmetic tubes and products. It also has antibiofilm potential and as a result, it can aid in preventing and treating candidal colonisation and infections. The essential oil shows a “promising” antifungal impact, prompting scientists to speculate that it may be used to treat fungal infections. However, further research and studies are needed to completely validate these findings.
Treats Dandruff
Dandruff, as annoying as it is, is not a serious issue to be concerned about. However, the key to a strong and healthy hair follicle is a flake-free scalp, so using lemongrass as a natural agent to get rid of dandruff may be a good idea. Since we’ve already established that lemongrass contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, it’s reasonable that it might assist with dandruff. Usually, people use it as a diluted blend with water or mixed with a few drops of your shampoo or conditioner. This might offer relief for the dry and itchy scalp, the shedding can be significantly reduced, and astringent qualities keep the scalp fresh between shampoos.
Relieves Headaches and Stomach Pain
A cup of lemongrass tea in the morning can help you with any stomach issues. It’s an excellent detoxifier, working as a natural diuretic to remove toxins from the body. This oil is also renowned for reducing diarrhoea and calming the digestive tract. This oil’s fragrance may also help with nausea and other associated concerns. If you decide to use essential oils in your beverage, make sure you follow the instructions on how to safely consume them. The simpler option is to just purchase excellent lemongrass tea mixes and relax.
In addition to providing gastrointestinal comfort, lemongrass can also help with severe headaches. According to a recent study, natural Australian lemongrass can help with headaches and migraines. Experts believe that eugenol, a chemical found in lemongrass, has aspirin-like properties. Eugenol is supposed to prevent your blood from excessive coagulation, hence the lower blood pressure levels. Serotonin is also released in the process as a neurotransmitter that controls mood, sleep, hunger, and cognitive functions.
Lowers the Stress Levels and Anxiety
The use of essential oils in aromatherapy has been well known for centuries dating back to the ancient cultures in the east. Lemon grass oil provides a soothing and calming effect, and can naturally relieve tension and anxiety when breathed through a diffuser or vaporiser. This oil has been found to lower high blood pressure, reducing stress and anxiety problems as a result of its relaxing impact.
Safety and Precautions
Before you use essential oil to treat the aforementioned conditions, talk to your doctor or dermatologist about the technique and dose you plan to take. Internal use of lemongrass essential oil should be done under the guidance of a doctor since it can be harmful when used in a reckless manner.
When using essential oils directly on the skin, there is always a possibility that you may suffer an allergic reaction or skin rash, so it’s best to rely on your doctor to advise you in those situations. Before using this or any essential oil, it’s always preferred to do a skin patch test to avoid any possible side effects. However, if you don’t experience any irritation in a day or two, it’s safe for further use.
Furthermore, some may use it as an enhancer in their cooking recipes. The mere scent of this citrous shrub may elicit authentic flavours of certain Asian dishes like a bowl of curry or a savoury soup. A rule of thumb is that you start with a drop or two and adjust the flavour along the way. It’s preferable to add the essential oils after the meal has cooled slightly so that the volatile oils aren’t altered by the heat.
Some other safe ways you can use lemongrass oil is by mixing a small amount with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil and massaging it into the skin. Because the oil includes limonene, which may lighten and brighten skin, cleanse pores, and reduce acne and scars, this is an excellent practice for various facial treatments. Add a few drops of the essential oil to boiling water and inhale the steam through the nose while keeping the eyes closed and covering the head with a towel.
When you understand how to harness the power of lemongrass essential oil, you may use it more frequently in your everyday life and get the most out of its health benefits. With a little experience, you’ll see why so many people consider this to be their all-time favourite essential oil.