A delicious citrusy seasoning, the herb, lemongrass is used in many dishes of Thai cooking.
In many Asian and Indian cultures, the ancient traditional medicine, lemongrass has been used to treat circulatory issues, headaches, stomach distress, infections, and nervous system disorders.
Also, known as “fever grass” in some cultures, it was used due to its remedy, to bring down a fever.
Lemongrass grows in dense clumps and can get up to 3 feet in height. It is a Cymbopogon, a plant genus of 55 species of grass.
Lemongrass is made even more effective when combined with black pepper, just like the well- known turmeric remedy for inflammation and pain.
Lemongrass is steam distilled using the dried lemongrass leaves, producing its essential oil. It can be used on the body, both internally or externally.
Calamus or sweet cane an ancient herb of Biblical times, is thought to be the lemongrass of today. It was used for incense and part of the holy anointing oil used by temple priests
Super Benefits of Lemongrass Essential Oil (EO)
- Treat stomach ulcers, gastritis adding lemongrass oil to your water or tea for stomach distress or pain.
- Acts as a fever reducer by using a lemongrass infusion or tea.
- Acts as a detoxifier, it works like a diuretic. So by consuming lemongrass oil, it helps to flush harmful toxins out of your system.
- Treats Yeast infections like Candida, potent in vitro activity against Candida. Studies show it can reduce growth of thrush (yeast in the mouth/throat) in people with HIV/AIDS.
- Acts as a natural deodorizer, use in an essential oil diffuser or use a blend of water and oil in a sprayer for misting, to cleanse house or sickrooms.
- Repels bugs like mosquitos, ants and even fleas. You can use a mix of 5 drops of lemongrass oil to about 16 ounces of water, spray on your pet dogs (not on cats) coat to kill fleas.
- Superb anti-bacterial agent, studies show its compounds limonene and citral, disrupts bacterial growth, stops replication and effectively kills the bacteria.
- Lemongrass essential oil has a refreshing and calming aroma; great for relieving stress, anxiety, irritability or depression.
- Relieves headaches, try rubbing some lemongrass oil on your temples and breathing in its aroma.
- Relieves arthritis pain, stomach pain and toothache. It can also help with cramps and pain related to menstrual periods. Add a drop to a glass of water and sip.
Nutritional Benefits of lemongrass includes vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, folate and Vitamin C. It also contains minerals magnesium phosphorous, calcium, copper, potassium, iron and zinc.
Blend lemongrass EO it with your bath water for relaxing and relieving muscle pain. Or use this blend for a foot soak!
Mix lemongrass EO with almond, or coconut oil for massaging painful muscles.
Safety of Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass oil is relatively safe, but use in small amounts externally or with carrier oil; some people do have an allergic reaction.
Internally be careful, take small amounts very diluted, it is a strong oil.
Not recommended for pregnant moms or young children.
It can lower blood glucose, be careful if you are on diabetic medication and check your sugar levels.
References:
http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/lemongrass-oil.aspx
http://www.naturallivingideas.com/lemongrass-essential-oil-uses-benefits/
Cindy Burrows, B.S., M.T., Herbalist, is a Natural Health Consultant helping individuals start health programs to improve their life, wellness and happiness. Cindy is a speaker, writer and entrepreneur of several businesses.