Image of a lemongrass bush depicting benefits of lemongrass essential oil
Image of a lemongrass bush

Lemongrass is a slender grass. It grows in tropical and subtropical areas of the world and has a fresh, lemony flavor. It has long been used in Asian curries, teas, stews, and seafood dishes. Lemongrass oil, on the other hand, has many uses outside of the kitchen. This oil has a citrus fragrance and can be brilliant or pale yellow in color. This oil has wonderful properties, making it a popular choice for those who want perfect skin and strong, healthy hair other than its medicinal benefits. Moreover, it is a popular aromatherapy tool for stress, anxiety, and depression relief. Read on to know more about how lemongrass essential oil can help you feel better.

Benefits of Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass essential oil is popular to have a variety of health, beauty and other advantages. On the other hand, many frequent claims are based on little or no evidence. However, evidence backs up some of the following assertions:

  1. Anti-fungal properties
  2. Offer antioxidants
  3. Relief for headaches
  4. Solution to some skincare problems
  5. Helps hair related problems
  6. Relieve stomach issues
  7. Relief from stress and anxiety
  8. Insect repellent

We’ll go through each one separately in the below section.

1. Anti-fungal Properties

Antifungal qualities are abundant in lemongrass essential oil. This inhibits the spread of fungal diseases throughout the body.

Lemongrass oil was found to be an effective deterrent against four species of fungus in a 1996 study. Athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch are all caused by one type. Lemongrass oil must make up at least 2.5 percent of the solution for it to be effective, according to the researchers.

Some scientists studied the effects of lemongrass essential oil on certain fungi in vitro, which causes yeast infections and thrush. It demonstrated a “promising” anti-fungal impact, prompting the authors to hypothesize that it could be used to treat fungal infections. However, more human research is necessary to learn more about all of the anti-fungal effects.

It prevents the establishment of yeast-based infections and slows their growth when given topically.

2. Offer Antioxidants

Antioxidants help the body’s defense against free radicals, which cause cell damage. According to studies, lemongrass essential oil has helped fight free radicals and lessen the indications of aging as well as the risk of numerous diseases.

Lemongrass oil mouthwash has powerful antioxidant properties, according to one study in 2015. Another research in 2011, lemongrass oil mouthwash demonstrated the same properties. Patients with gum irritation were among the 40 people who took part in the study. These findings suggest that it might be a good supplement to a regular oral hygiene practice.

3. Relief for Headaches

Lemongrass essential oil offers calming and soothing properties that can effectively reduce pain, pressure, and stress while also preventing headaches.

According to Australian studies, natural Australian lemongrass can help with headaches and migraines. The researchers believe that eugenol, a chemical found in lemongrass, has aspirin-like properties.

Eugenol prevents platelets from sticking together in the bloodstream. It also releases Serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that controls mood, sleep, appetite, and cognitive functioning.

It also helps to increase energy and lower fever as well as headaches associated with viral diseases like the flu.

4. Solution to Some Skincare Problems

The anti-inflammatory qualities of lemongrass essential oil help to reduce redness, irritation, itching, and swelling. Because of its antibacterial and astringent characteristics, it is popular in cosmetics for achieving soft, toned, and luminous skin.

It also helps to cure acne by steaming your face. The oil’s antibacterial qualities help to eliminate bacteria that have become lodged in the pores. It is well-known for reducing the look of cellulite and can also be used to treat fungal infections.

It also has skin-purifying properties, making it a good oil to use during massage sessions. If you’re going to massage with lemongrass essential oil, dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut oil. Apply the diluted oil on muscles and joints for a relaxing massage experience.

You could use it in your toner or moisturizer. To use as a toner, combine 100 mL witch hazel with 2 mL lemongrass essential oil. Mix the ingredients together and apply to the face with a soft brush. You can add a few drops of this oil to heated shea butter and mix thoroughly to use as a moisturizer. Apply it to your skin wherever you want to hydrate it.

5. Helps Hair Related Problems

You can massage the scalp with Lemongrass essential oil and a carrier oil to encourage hair growth and strengthen the hair roots. It can even help to soothe itching and inflammation on the scalp. The application of this oil on a regular basis causes a contraction in the hair follicles, which helps to prevent hair shedding.

Lemongrass essential oil also helps to prevent hair loss when used in shampoos. If you want to use lemongrass essential oil on your hair, you can add it to your oil or shampoo. When using it in conjunction with shampoo, mix 1-2 drops of the oil into a handful of your regular shampoo. It’s better to take herbal-based or natural shampoos to avoid any negative effects.

Take roughly 1 tablespoon of any carrier oil, such as coconut, almond, or sesame, when combining lemongrass essential oil with hair oil. After that, add 1-2 drops of lemongrass essential oil and stir thoroughly. Apply it liberally on the scalp and along the hair shafts. It’s best when you massage your scalp to get the most out of your hair-oiling experience.

6. Relieve Stomach Issues

Lemongrass essential oil seems to help alleviate stomach problems according to some studies. Which include stomach gas, gastrointestinal inflammation, and bowel irritation, among others. After all, lemongrass is a popular folk cure for everything from stomachaches to gastric ulcers.

Lemongrass essential oil protects the stomach from damage, suggesting that it could be used to treat stomach ulcers. Stomach ulcers are lesions on the stomach lining that cause pain.

Lemongrass essential oil’s antimicrobial capabilities kill intestinal bacteria and can even aid with diarrhea and nausea. Lemongrass is a prominent element in nausea-relieving herbal drinks and supplements. Even though most herbal remedies contain dried lemongrass leaves, aromatherapy with the essential oil may provide similar advantages.

7. Relief from Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety relief is a popular application for many diluted essential oils. Aromatherapy is popular for reducing stress and anxiety, and proved in a number of studies as well. Moreover, aromatherapy and massage may provide more benefits when used together.

The benefits of lemongrass oil when used as a massage oil were investigated in one study. The subjects’ pulse and blood pressure were assessed before and after a massage with lemongrass oil in this study. For three weeks, each person received a weekly massage.

The lemongrass oil massage decreased diastolic blood pressure but had no effect on systolic blood pressure or pulse, according to the researchers. It might have “harmonizing effects” on the neurological system, according to the researchers.

When you need to overcome emotions of uneasiness or reduce mental tiredness, try to diffuse lemongrass essential oil. It will also enable you to have a more cheerful attitude and be more observant.

Put one drop in the palm of your hand, massage your palms together, and inhale lightly for up to 30 seconds or longer as needed if you don’t have time to diffuse lemongrass essential oil.

8. Insect Repellent

Lemongrass essential oil contains citronella, which is a natural component that repel insects. You can avoid bugs by diffusing lemongrass essential oil or applying it topically. 

To keep mosquitoes and pests away, diffuse Lemongrass oil inside or outside on your terrace or patio. Rub or spritz lemongrass essential oil on your body before going outside if you’re worried about pests getting on you.

Lemongrass Essential Oil from Handcraft Blends

The oils from Handcraft Blends are said to be 100% pure and natural. They get their oils from different parts of the world.  And when an oil is delivered to the United States, it is subjected to extensive testing to ensure its validity. Every essential oil of this brand is analyzed by an independent lab. As a result, each bottle comes with a quality guarantee. Each oil is examined for its contents, as well as for the presence of fillers, additives, and diluting agents. So, you have nothing to worry about.

They pack the essential oil in an amber glass bottle to protect it from UV radiation and sunshine. They also include a glass dropper to ensure that you get the perfect amount of oil you need without wasting any.

Side Effects of Lemongrass Essential Oil

The Food and Drug Administration considers diluted lemongrass oil to be safe. However, there are some adverse effects to be aware of.

Lemongrass oil might potentially cause some unpleasant skin reactions. Because this is so concentrated, the effects may outweigh the lemongrass plant’s side effects in some people. It may cause skin irritation and a rash. If you want to reduce the risk of skin irritation, avoid using lemongrass essential oil on your skin if you:

  • Suffer from allergies or skin disorders like eczema
  • Haven’t yet diluted the oil
  • Have torn or damaged skin

Also, only use high-quality oils that are free of additives and fragrances. Before applying the diluted oil freely, perform a skin patch test on a small area of skin and wait 24 hours to observe if a reaction emerges.

Lemongrass essential oil can irritate the eyes, ears, mouth, and other mucous membranes, including the genital area, causing dryness and stinging. As a result, it’s best not to apply it on your face or put it in your bathwater.

If you’re taking lemongrass essential oil, be sure you’re under the care of a doctor who can keep track of your progress, because when ingested, essential oils can be toxic.

Lemongrass is relatively safe to use in food and beverages in its plant form. Higher doses may increase your chances of experiencing negative side effects.

If you have any of the following conditions, you should consult your doctor before using this product:

  • Have from low blood sugar or diabetes
  • Suffer from a breathing problem, such as asthma
  • Have a liver problem
  • Getting treatment with chemotherapy
  • Expecting a child
  • Breastfeeding children

Lemongrass Essential Oil | Conclusion

We’ve covered several of the benefits of lemongrass essential oil that go beyond aromatherapy in this post. However, because many of the research on lemongrass essential oil have been conducted in test tubes or using animal models, further research is needed to determine which of the proposed benefits are valid.

This oil is typically safe to use as an inhalation or topical therapy after diluted. However, unless under the supervision of a healthcare professional, consumers must not apply undiluted essential oil straight to their skin or take the oil orally. Simply make sure to buy high-quality products and stop using them right away if you experience any irritation.

If you would like to learn about other essential oils and useful oils, don’t hesitate to read our articles about sandalwood oil, rosehip oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, lavender oil, castor oil, argan oil, grapeseed oil, tea tree oil, hemp seed oil, coconut oil etc.