Essential oils are a truly portentous natural remedy and today we are going to talk about lemongrass. So today we’ll find out what is lemongrass essential oil used for.
Its absolutely amazing fragrance reminds me of my childhood so much! It reminds me of summer nights, walks in the woods, and magic practiced with lemongrass as the main ingredient! That’s the reason why I love it so much!
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Lemongrass essential oil is derived from the lemongrass plant, known for its vibrant, lemony scent and therapeutic properties.
Its origins can be traced back to Southeast Asia, where it has a rich history of use in traditional medicine and cooking.
Lemongrass essential oil serves a multitude of purposes, including its effectiveness as a natural anti-mosquito repellent due to its high citronellal content.
This oil is also prized for its antibacterial qualities, making it an excellent choice for cleansing and sanitizing surfaces.
Beyond its practical uses, lemongrass essential oil offers relaxation benefits by soothing muscles, alleviating arthritis and joint pain, aiding digestion, and even assisting in managing acne and insomnia.
Lemongrass: description of the plant
This evergreen perennial aromatic herbaceous plant, originally from Sri Lanka, is also successfully cultivated in Java and Ceylon. It forms dense, erect tufts that reach 27-40 inches (70-100 cm) in height during the vegetative period.
The leaves, ribbon-shaped, 20-27 inches (60-70 cm) long, are bright green, with a paper consistency, and quite thick; they hang from erect, rigid stems, similar to small bamboo.
The leaves and stems give off an intense perfume, which becomes very strong if crumpled between the fingers.
Origins and history of lemongrass
Traditional Chinese medicine has been using lemongrass for centuries as a remedy for rheumatism. Other populations use the active ingredients contained in its leaves to fight intestinal parasites, to ward off insects, and against digestive problems and fever.
Lemongrass has an odor reminiscent of lemon and is widely used in India and other Asian countries as an ingredient in sauces and soups and for the preparation of herbal teas.
Candles containing significant quantities of this oil have the property of repelling mosquitoes and for this use, they are also widespread all over the world.
What is lemongrass essential oil used for?
Natural anti-mosquito oil
Choose lemongrass essential oil as an anti-mosquito essential oil to be spread throughout your home. All you need is a candle or essence diffuser for aromatherapy. Pour water into the special tray and add a drop of lemongrass essential oil for every square meter of the room. You can combine lemongrass essential oil with geranium essential oil.
Antibacterial cleanser
To increase the antibacterial power of the detergents you usually use for cleaning the house, add two or three drops of lemongrass essential oil for each spoonful of detergent you decide to use. Think, for example, of dishwashing and floor detergent.
Relax your muscles
When your muscles and tendons are tense, you can try applying lemongrass essential oil on the affected parts and perform a short massage. This remedy is also suitable for muscle cramps. It’s better always to use diluted essential oils.
So, pour two or three drops of lemongrass essential oil into a spoonful of vegetable oil suitable for massages, for example, sweet almond oil or jojoba.
Arthritis and joint pain
In case of arthritis and joint pain, lemongrass essential oil will give you relief; it’s even better if you use it in combination with geranium essential oil and birch oil.
Another pain reliever essential oil that you should always keep on hand if you suffer from joint pain is a ginger essential oil.
Indigestion
Some essential oils can be useful in case of indigestion. In this case, it is not a question of ingesting drops of essential oil (not all essential oils are suitable for internal or food use) but simply massaging a drop or two of lemongrass essential oil on the abdomen to aid digestion.
Acne
Lemongrass essential oil can be a useful natural remedy for those suffering from acne problems. In fact, lemongrass essential oil is a light astringent and has antibacterial properties. Apply the lemongrass essential oil in the evening on the critical points in very small quantities, preferably diluted in a base oil, with the help of a cotton swab.
Insomnia
Some essential oils help us sleep better. Those suffering from insomnia can use the classic lavender essential oil, chamomile essential oil, and also lemongrass essential oil.
To sleep better, massage a few drops of lemongrass essential oil on the soles of your feet just before going to bed.
Also read:
3 Fast Sleep Spells [Fight Insomnia & Have Nicer Dreams]
Natural deodorant
Often body deodorants contain lemongrass essential oil or lemongrass fragrances. If you use a cream for the body or a body balm without perfume or, in any case, with a non-pronounced smell, you can add a drop of lemongrass essential oil to the quantity of product you will use, so as to benefit from its deodorant properties.
Anti-stress remedy
One of the most common and effective methods of using lemongrass essential oil to relieve stress relates to aromatherapy. In this case, you can use lemongrass essential oil in an essence burner at home or in the office, in a car diffuser for essential oils, or in the water of a bathtub or foot bath. Above all, take a moment to relax.
Also read:
The Most Powerful Herbs for Self Love Magic
Tiredness and fatigue
Lemongrass essential oil has energizing properties and helps you get rid of tension and tiredness. You can use it to gently massage the temples and the neck area, always using it diluted in a base oil. To dilute the lemongrass essential oil, use 10-15 drops of essential oil for every 250 ml of vegetable oil.
How to use lemongrass essential oil
Diffusion
Spreading lemongrass essential oil is the best way to take advantage of most of its actions. By dispersing about 15 drops of lemongrass in the diffuser water, you can benefit from the repellent action against mosquitoes, eliminate bad smells from the room, relieve the nervous tension accumulated during the day thanks to the relaxing properties on the nervous system, and breathe better thanks to the antibacterial and healing action.
Inhalations
In case of sinusitis, cold, or headache, boil a pot of hot water. Then add 5 drops of lemongrass essential oil, 5 of pine, 5 of lavender, and 5 of eucalyptus.
Breathe the vapors for about a quarter of an hour, leaning over the pot with a towel resting on your head to retain as much steam as possible.
Massages
Lemongrass essential oil can be used to prepare massage oils or ointments for muscle contractures, joint pain, sinusitis, and colds. Lemongrass is one of the ingredients used to prepare a healing ointment similar to tiger balm, which is used in case of sinusitis, colds, difficulty breathing, and muscle pain.
It can be massaged directly on the area to be treated, for example, on the chest in case of respiratory problems, on the temples to cure a headache.
For pets
Those with pets can prevent flea infestations by applying a couple of drops of lemongrass essential oil directly to the collar of their dog or cat. The applications must be done frequently because the essential oils are volatile and their effect is limited in time: therefore, repeat the operation every week.
Lemongrass essential oil can also be poured on kennels, cushions, and in places where pets usually sleep; three drops are enough for each kennel.
It is also possible to add a couple of drops of lemongrass essential oil to each spoonful of detergent used for the dog’s bath: the essence of lemongrass will also have a deodorant effect on the animal’s hair, as well as repelling fleas.
For cleaning
To disinfect and deodorize the bathroom and kitchen, prepare a spray with 250 milliliters of food-grade alcohol in which to disperse 40 drops of lemongrass essential oil, 20 drops of lemon essential oil, 10 drops of essential oil of eucalyptus, and 5 drops of tea tree essential oil.
Shake well and you have a natural ready-to-use cleaning product for sanitary ware, taps, tiles, and other washable surfaces.
Also read:
How to do the Spiritual House Cleaning? [A Guide For Beginners]
Contraindications of lemongrass essential oil
Some very sensitive people may be allergic to contact with the plant’s leaves. It is therefore not recommended to use pure essential oil on the skin.
Excessive and prolonged inhalation can increase the heart rate and is therefore not recommended for those suffering from tachycardia and palpitations. It is also to be avoided in pregnancy.
Magickal properties and use
Lemongrass essential oil is great as an ingredient for protection spells and for cleansing rituals. It’s also perfect if you want to give a spell bath a try!
Lemongrass potion to protect yourself from negativity
Mix 40 grams of shea butter and 10 grams of sweet almond oil, using a spatula to mix the two ingredients well. Add 5 drops of lemongrass, 5 of lavender, 5 of eucalyptus, 5 of rosemary, and 3 drops of tea tree oil.
Mix well and store in a clean, dry jar away from heat and direct light.
Consume the product within three months of preparation. Apply this on your body; if you can, do it after a lemongrass bath and you will definitely boost the protective action and keep negativity away!
Also read:
A List of Herbs for Protection Bath [Recipes Included]
What is Thieves Essential Oil Used for? [Let’s Explore]
What is Frankincense Essential Oil used for? [Let’s Explore]
Where to buy it?
I highly recommend relying on nice brands with certified ingredients for a raw and safe product. Especially if you are going to use it on your skin; you need to be very careful of what you use on your body, right?
So, rely on organic brands, buy online, or ask your nearest herbalist for some good advice!