Lemongrass essential oil has been used for centuries for its healing qualities. From Africa to Asia, it has been helping people with their various ailments. Whether it is for mental well-being or physical well-being, lemongrass essential oil can help with your needs.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission from some of the links in this post at no additional cost to you. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
What Is Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass is also known as Cymbopogon and is an herb that belongs to the grass family of Poaceae. It grows in dense clumps that can grow 6 feet high and 4 feet in width. It is native to India, Southeast Asia and Oceania which are warm tropical regions. In India, it is used as a medicinal herb while it is most commonly used in Asian cuisine. In South American and African countries, it is mainly used for making tea.
Lemongrass essential oil has a light and fresh lemony smell with earthy undertones. The oil comes from the leaves or grass of the lemongrass plant. In aromatherapy, lemongrass essential oils are mainly used for its stimulating, relaxing, balancing and soothing properties.
How is Lemongrass Essential Oil Derived
Lemongrass essential oil is extracted from the tall, grassy lemongrass plant, known for its refreshing citrus scent. The oil is typically derived through steam distillation, where the fresh or partially dried leaves and stalks are steamed, releasing the essential oil. The steam is then condensed back into a liquid, separating the oil from the water. This process helps preserve lemongrass’s powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a popular oil for both skincare and home use.
Benefits of Lemongrass Essential Oil for Wellness
Anxiety and Stress Reducer
Lemongrass is one of the top essential oils used for anxiety. The calming and mild aroma is known to relieve anxiety and irritability. You can smell the oils directly from the bottle or create your own massage oil or body lotion.
Add a few drops of high quality, therapeutic grade lemongrass essential oil to your tea at night right before bed to experience a calming sensation.
Headache Relief
The calming and soothing effects of lemongrass essential oil has the power to relieve pain, tension or pressure that can cause headaches. This is why it is one of the most recommended oils for headache relief.
Try diluting lemongrass and rubbing it on your temples and breathe in the relaxing lemony aromas.
Natural Muscle Relaxer
If you are experiencing sore muscles, muscle spasms or cramps, lemongrass can help alleviate them. By rubbing diluted lemongrass oil on your body in the affected areas, you can help relieve the pain and increase circulation.
Reduces Inflammation
Most of the diseases stem from inflammation. So, bringing down inflammation is a big deal when trying to combat diseases and illnesses. When used both internally and externally, lemongrass was shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory abilities.
Helps Relieve PMS Symptoms
It’s that time of the month again and those annoying and painful menstrual cramps are back at full throttle accompanied by irritability. Oh joy. Try drinking 1-2 cups of lemongrass tea a day to relieve the pain and symptoms. Although there is no scientific research on this, it is known that lemongrass is soothing internally and stress reducing which is why it may help.
Boosts Immunity
Lemongrass essential oil has the power to fight bacteria that cause colds and the flu. This is mainly due to the antimicrobial and anti-bacterial properties of this essential oil. Add a few drops to a vaporizer or diffuser to help get rid of airborne illnesses.
Reduces Fever
Lemongrass has cooling properties and substances that are believed to reduce fever and also relieve swelling and pain.
Promotes Healthy Skin
Lemongrass essential oil is known to have skin healing properties. Its antiseptic and astringent properties make this oil great for getting even and glowing skin and is an effective cleanser for all skin types. It can sterilize your pores and serve as your natural toner, so it is the perfect oil to add to your natural skin care routine.
You can also add lemongrass essential oil to shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, soaps and lotions. By simply rubbing this oil into your hair, scalp and body, you can alleviate muscle pain and headaches.
Improves Hair Health
If you are struggling with hair loss or an itchy or irritated scalp, massage a few drops of lemongrass essential oil into your scalp for about 2 minutes, then rinse. Lemongrass essential oil can help strengthen your hair follicles. It will leave your hair shiny, fresh and odor free due to the soothing and bacteria killing properties.
Kills Bacteria
You can use lemongrass essential oil to help you get rid of infections such as ringworm, athlete’s foot and other types of fungus. This is mainly due to the anti-bacterial and antimicrobial properties of lemongrass essential oil.
Natural Bug Repellant
Lemongrass essential oil has a high citral and geraniol content which is great for naturally repelling insects such as mosquitoes and ants. It can be sprayed directly on your skin and has a mild smell. If you add about 5 drops of oil to water, you can create a spray and apply it to your fur baby’s coat to kill fleas.
Natural Deoderizer
If you are looking for a more natural way to clean and deodorize your home, you can opt for lemongrass essential oil. Add a few drops of oil to water and use it as a mist. You can also add it to your oil diffuser or vaporizer. You can even customize your own natural fragrance by adding other essential oils such as lavender or tea tree oil.
Lemongrass Essential Oil Precautions
Some people have experienced negative side effects such as lung problems after inhaling lemongrass essential oil. When used as aromatherapy in a diffuser, it is important to remember that a little goes a long way.
If you choose to use lemongrass essential oil topically and have sensitive skin, you may encounter side effects such as a rash, discomfort and even a burning sensation. Remember to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil and perform a patch test before full body application. If irritation occurs, stop use immediately and speak to your healthcare physician.
If you are pregnant you may want to stay clear of lemongrass essential oil. Lemongrass is known to stimulate menstrual flow and there may be a slight chance of a miscarriage. Lemongrass essential oil should not be used while breastfeeding and it should not be used topically on children under the age of two.
Speak with your healthcare physician before using lemongrass essential oil if you are being treated for a medical condition, or are currently taking medication, especially if taking it internally.
General Essential Oil Precautions
Essential oils are powerful, and it’s important to use them responsibly. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before topical application. Essential oils should not be ingested unless under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets, and store them in a cool, dark place to maintain their efficacy.
To visit our Essential Oil Safety blog where you can learn an array of essential oil safety guidelines, click here.
Final Thoughts
There are so many natural remedies in this world and finding the ones that meet your specific needs are just a few natural ingredients away. Lemongrass essential oil is a powerful addition to your wellness routine, offering benefits like stress relief, clearer skin, and revitalized hair health.
Welcome to your new journey of being a Naturel. Hope to see you a lot more in the near future!
XO Zaya.
What’s your favorite way to use lemongrass essential oil? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to know how you plan to incorporate this refreshing oil into your daily routine!
About the Author
Leaza is a licensed cosmetologist and a natural enthusiast. The love of writing combined with the love of nature and wanting to help others has influenced her to write blogs and create natural home, bath and body products.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. Neither Zaya Naturel nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. Be sure to contact your physician before trying any of the items stated in the above article.