06/05/2019
How to Use Lemongrass Essential Oil
If you want to know how to use lemongrass oil, there are several ways you can start using it today:
Aromatically: Can you diffuse lemongrass essential oil? Yes, you can diffuse it throughout your home using an oil diffuser or vaporizer.
Topically: To use lemongrass oil topically, it should always be diluted with a carrier oil like coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio before applying to directly to your skin. Since itâs a potent oil, start very slowly and use several drops at a time. If youâre wondering, how do I use lemongrass oil on my face? Lemongrass oil can sometimes cause skin reactions to people with sensitive skin, so avoid using it on your face, neck or chest before making sure you react positively by performing a patch test. Does lemongrass help acne? It may thanks to its antibacterial properties. How do you use lemongrass oil for acne? You can add a drop or two to face washes or homemade face masks to kill off bacteria that can lead to breakouts.
Internally: The FDA recognizes pure lemon grass oil as safe for consumption (by 21CFR182.20), but this is ONLY the case when using 100 percent therapeutic-grade, high-quality oil brands. Purchase your oil from a reputable seller and check the ingredient label carefully. You can add a drop to water or take it as a dietary supplement by mixing it with raw honey or into a smoothie.
Are you wondering, what can I mix with lemongrass essential oil? Lemongrass essential oil blends well with basil, bergamot, black pepper, cedarwood, clary sage, cypress, fennel, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, orange, patchouli, rosemary, tea tree, thyme and ylang ylang essential oils.
If youâre looking for a lemongrass substitute for cooking, lemon zest can be a pretty good replacement. Typically, the zest of one lemon is equal to about two stalks of lemongrass. In terms of a good lemongrass essential oil substitute, citronella essential oil shares many of its characteristics including a similar scent.
Where to Find Lemongrass Essential Oil + DIY Recipes
To take advantage of these amazing lemongrass oil benefits, try making your own recipes or body products. Lemongrass is commonly used in teas, soups and curries; it is also suitable for poultry, fish and seafood. Want to try an easy lemongrass essential oil recipe? Try adding a 1â2 drops of lemongrass essential oil to my Secret Cucumber Detox Soup Recipe.
You can also add lemongrass essential oil to my Lemon Roasted Cauliflower Recipe and my SautĂŠed Pesto Mahi Mahi dish. Lemongrass pairs well with any coconut milkâbased soup, such as my Mushroom Soup as well. You can substitute the lemongrass oil for the lemon in these recipes â or add both for more of a citrus and acidic flavor.
You can make your own lemongrass tea by pouring two cups of boiling water over 10 leaves. If you are using lemongrass tea to reduce stomach, head or muscle aches, drink one cup every eight hours or so. You can add a bit of honey, lemon, or a slice of ginger, too.
For a super easy DIY insect repellent, try my Homemade Bug Spray; add 40 drops of lemongrass essential oil and the mosquitoes wonât be bothering you anymore.
Some other ways to experience the lemongrass oil benefits is to create your own body scrub. Because this oil is great for creating a soothing and ache-free feeling, combine 10 drops of lemongrass oil with Epsom salt, then add enough coconut oil to saturate the salt. In the shower, rub the scrub all over your body (even on your face) and then rinse.
If your feet have been aching after a long day, make your own foot bath by adding about 10 drops of lemongrass essential oil to warm water. This bath should relieve any muscle pain that you are feeling in your feet, and it has antibacterial and antifungal effects, too.
History and Interesting Facts
As an herb, lemongrass has long been an essential ingredient in Thai, Vietnamese, Cambodian and Indonesian cuisine. Lemongrass essential oil also has a history of use as a natural food preservative due to its inherent antimicrobial activities.
The lemongrass plant (C. citratus) is known by several international common names, such as West Indian lemon grass or lemon grass (English), hierba limon or zacate de limĂłn (Spanish), citronelle or verveine des indes (French) and xiang mao (Chinese). Today, India is the top producer of lemongrass oil with around 80 percent of the total annual production in the world.
Lemongrass is one of the most popular essential oils used today for its wide variety of health benefits and uses. With its cooling and astringent effects, itâs known for combating heat and tightening tissues of the body.
According to the New York Institute of Aromatic Studies, âIt acts particularly on the connective tissue, where structural and immune functions meet. Lemongrass acts on the lymphatic capillaries and vessels draining away from the skin so it is useful in edema and lymphatic congestion.â
Lemongrass Oil Precautions
Is lemongrass oil dangerous? Some people have experienced toxic side effects after inhaling lemongrass oil, such as lung problems. (24) Remember that a little goes a long way when youâre using lemongrass oil in an aromatherapy diffuser.
If you have sensitive skin and topically use lemongrass essential oil, side effects may include a rash, discomfort or even a burning sensation. Perform a patch test first to make sure you have no irritations and dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil.
Because lemongrass stimulates menstrual flow, it should not be used by women who are pregnant as there is a slight chance that this may lead to a miscarriage. Lemongrass oil should not be used while breastfeeding, and it should not be used topically on children under the age of two.
If youâre being treated for a medical condition or are currently taking medication, speak with your healthcare provider before using lemongrass oil, especially internally.
Final Thoughts
Lemongrass oil comes from the leaves of the lemongrass plant, most often the Cymbopogon flexuosus or Cymbopogon citratus plants.
One of lemongrass essential oilâs most prominent (at 70-80 percent) and beneficial components is citral.
Lemongrass essential oil benefits and uses include:
Natural deodorizer and cleaner
Skin health
Hair health
Natural bug repellent
Stress reducer
Muscle relaxer
Detoxifying antifungal
Menstrual cramp relief
Stomach Protector
Headache relief
Bacteria killer
Fever reducer
Immune system supporter
Digestive aid
Inflammation reducer
Power antioxidant effects
Cholesterol reducer
Fights colds and the flu
Lemongrass essential oil can be used aromatically, topically (always dilute with a carrier oil) or internally (only one single drop is needed)
Always purchase lemongrass essential oil that is 100 percent, certified organic and therapeutic grade.
