As part of my series on essential oils, I’m going to be talking about lemongrass essential oil today from a Santa Barbara based company called, Aroma Foundry.

Generally grown in regions like Southern India, lemongrass produces a smoky, citrus essential oil that offers a variety of benefits. For years, lemongrass has been used in Asian cuisine for soups, teas, curries, and seafood. However, the uses for lemongrass oil extend far beyond the kitchen. With a pungent aroma, lemongrass essential oil is a favorite for massage, offering purifying benefits for the skin, and promoting a positive outlook. 

Traditionally, parts of lemongrass, along with its oil have been used to remedy digestive disturbances, circulatory issues, behavioral problems, headaches, compromised immunity and menstrual irregularities. In some cultures, it is known as fever grass due to its ability to bring down a fever. This remedy in particular, is made even more effective when combined with black pepper.

Some of the amazing benefits of lemongrass essential oil include:

• Antibacterial/Antifungal: The sweet grassy fragrance of lemongrass comes from citral, also called lemonal. This organic compound has potent antibacterial and antifungal properties.
• Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant: Some of the essential oil compounds found in lemongrass also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities.
• Antipyretic: Antipyretics are substances that can bring down a high fever. Lemongrass oil has the ability to do just this and is often used in tea to reduce dangerously high fevers. It is able to reduce a high fever by encouraging perspiration.
• Anticarcinogenic: Limonene has been found by some research to have significant anticarcinogenic properties. A flavonoid compound known as luteolin, also found in lemongrass, has been linked to combatting cancer cells. Luteolin may also assist with improving symptoms of lung infections and multiple sclerosis.
• Antiseptic: Lemongrass oil can help clean internal and external wounds and keep infection at bay.
• Astringent: An astringent can helps stop blood flow by contracting blood vessels. 
• Sedative: One of the most recognized characteristics of lemongrass oil is its ability to promote feelings of peace and tranquility. This is useful for people who have a hard time relaxing or sleeping.

Practical uses of lemongrass essential oil include:

• Topical Pain Relief: Because of its powerful anti inflammatory properties, lemongrass essential oil offers immediate pain relief while it reduces inflammation.  Use a carrier oil and dilute 2 drops of lemongrass oil to one teaspoon of carrier oil such as almond oil or jojoba oil.
• Mood Enhancement: The fresh and earthy scent of lemongrass makes it a great addition to a diffuser. Use lemongrass in your diffuser when want to feel clean, refreshed, relaxed and renewed. Lemongrass oil can boost confidence, mental health and help to keep depression at bay.
• Headache Relief: Whether your headache is due to tension, allergies or hormones, lemongrass essential oil can help. Apply several drops of oil to your temples at first sign of a headache.
• Insomnia: The calming impact of lemongrass oil helps to relieve anxiety, irritability and insomnia. This can help improve not only duration of sleep but also quality. You can make your own lemongrass massage oil or add a little lemongrass oil to your own body cream. You can also add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to the bottom of your feet before bed.
• Fatigue: If you have run out of energy, mix a few drops of lemongrass oil with a teaspoon of coconut oil and massage into your temples. This works wonders before a workout to give you a natural energy boost.
• Facial Sauna: If you need relief from congestion, or are feeling a little lethargic try a lemongrass essential oil facial sauna. Simply fill a shallow bowl or your sink with hot water and add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil. Hover over the bowl with  a towel over your head to keep in the steam. Rinse with warm water and follow up with a light layer of coconut oil for moisturizing.
• Acne: The astringent and antimicrobial properties of lemongrass oil help to resolve acne. Add one drop to a little coconut oil and dab on blemishes twice a day.

Lemongrass Oil Face Mask

Looking for a way to rid yourself of those dead skin cells, freckles and dark spots?  Try this natural mask that has an amazing scent, while it works on reducing the appearance of acne scars, leaving you with a clear, refreshed smooth skin tone…especially refreshing during these hot summer days.

With its astringent and antiseptic qualities, lemongrass is a fantastic toner. It aids in calming and relieving tension, keeping those stress-induced under eye bags and fine lines at bay. Lemongrass brightens skin, clears away unwanted bacteria, leaving behind a soothing and refreshing scent.

The below facial mask is sure to delight with the cleansing and moisturizing power of the lactic acid in plain yogurt, the healing power of honey and the inclusion of soothing clay. Your skin will feel soft and refreshed in no time!

Directions:

Mix together:

• 1/4 cup of full-fat plain yogurt
• Add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil
• 1 tablespoon of organic honey
• 1 tablespoon of facial clay (such as bentonite or green clay)

Benefits:

This face pack work wonders in removing dead skin cells, freckles, dark spots and diminishing the appearance of acne scars…leaving you with a clear and glowing skin tone.

Recommended – Use this mask up to once a week for noticeable skin rejuvenation.

Best Suitable for skin types – Dry and Normal Skin.

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Side Effects and Cautions

Although lemongrass essential oil is safe for most people some people with sensitive skin may experience a rash or burning when used topically. Always use lemongrass oil with a carrier oil and try on a very small patch of skin first before using on a larger area.

Women who are pregnant should not use lemongrass essential oil as there is a very slight chance that it may cause miscarriage. In addition, children and nursing mothers should not use lemongrass essential oil.

Tips for Purchasing and Storing High-Quality Essential Oils

Before purchasing any essential oil be sure that you research the production methods used. Be sure that the essential oil is fresh and has not sat on the shelf for a long time. Purchase only small amounts to begin with as a little goes a long way.

To test how pure an essential oil is is, put a drop of oil on a piece of heavy-weight paper. If the oil evaporates rapidly, leaving a noticeable ring on the paper, it is most likely diluted by the manufacturer. If there is no ring, it is most likely pure.

Always store essential oils in a cool dark place away from heat and light. 

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