Lemongrass

Lemongrass is one of approximately 55 other species of grasses in the Poaceae family of grasses, referred to as Cymbopogon, The Lemongrass herb has stalks that are fibrous and smell much like lemons. In an essential oil, the scent of Lemongrass is fresh and light with a hint of lemon.

Lemongrass’s dense clumps of strap-shaped leaves may reach 6 feet tall. The individual leaves, 3 feet long by 1/2 inch wide, taper at both ends, and the tips may arch gracefully. The edges of the blades are very sharp. Blue-green throughout the summer, the leaves turn rusty red in fall. Lemongrass bears large, loose compound flower heads when grown in the Tropics, but it rarely flowers otherwise.

Lemongrass promotes better digestion, boosts circulation and immunity, treats infections, and relieves irregularities in menstrual cycles.

Due to its ability to reduce fever, Lemongrass earned the name “fever grass” in some cultures.

HISTORY AND BENEFITS OF LEMONGRASS

Lemongrass is native to tropical regions such as Africa, Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Oceania where it has been used traditionally for medicinal, cosmetic and culinary purposes. In China, East India and Sri Lanka, Lemongrass was historically used to make soups, curries, and a local drink called “fever tea,” which was intended to treat not only fevers but also diarrhea, irregular menstruation, stomach aches and skin infections.

News about the Lemongrass plant and its therapeutic essential oils began to spread around 1905, when a Sri Lankan researcher by the name of J.F. Jovit acquired several “Kochin Sera” plants (Cymbopogon citrates) from South India and planted them at a farm in order to conduct research. Lemongrass would eventually be commercially cultivated in Florida and Haiti in 1947.

Lemongrass may be harvested 6-9 months after the slips are planted and can be harvested as frequently as once every month during the growing season. The grass is harvested in the morning on a dry day to allow the evaporation of dew and to avoid loss of the plant’s color due to heat.

Lemongrass Essential Oil is derived from the steam distillation of the fresh or partly dried Lemongrass leaves. After distillation, the oil ranges in color from yellow to amber and exudes a fresh, sweet, grassy and citrus-like aroma.

Aromatherapy:

Lemongrass acts as a natural perfume and a non-toxic air freshener that creates a relaxing atmosphere and deodorizes unpleasant scents. When diffused, its carminative properties offer relief to the digestive system.

You’ll enjoy the strong lemony scent accompanied by earthy undertones as you diffuse Lemongrass essential oil. The fragrance is light, balancing, relaxing and refreshing. Simply put a few drops in your diffuser. You may also want to try a couple drops on your pillow or putting a couple of drops on your hands and breathe in the scent while rubbing your hands together. If you are experiencing symptoms of fatigue, either diffuse it out into the room or mix it with a carrier oil and rub it gently on your forehead. If you have diffuser jewelry, a few drops can give you a boost of energy It also blends well with other oils like basil or lavender.

Check out our amazing collection of diffuser pendants and car diffusers. You can even personalize some of them.

Cosmetically:

Lemongrass Oil makes an excellent addition to cosmetics due to its antiseptic and astringent activities that may help achieve glowing and evenly toned skin. As a toner, it cleanses pores and strengthens skin tissues. Blending Lemongrass Oil into shampoo and body washes and then rubbing it into the scalp and body may strengthen hair, stimulate its growth, and relieve itchiness and irritation on the scalp and skin.

Medicinally:

Lemongrass Oil when diluted with a carrier oil and used topically can relieve muscle aches and body pains, including headaches and discomforts associated with arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of Lemongrass may relieve redness, itching, and swelling.

Uses:

Combine 10 drops of Lemongrass essential oil with witch hazel in a 4-ounce spray bottle and use as a refreshing deodorant.

Lemongrass essential oil makes a great bug repellent. It can be diffused indoors or out to discourage flies and mosquitoes. If you want to keep bugs off your body, dilute the Lemongrass oil with a carrier oil, or add it to an unscented lotion and apply it to your skin before venturing outdoors.

To soothe aching feet, place two drops of Lemongrass oil in a bowl of warm water and add two tablespoons of Epsom salts.

Soothe sore muscles and joints by combining Lemongrass oil with an equal part of fractionated coconut oil and rub it on the tender area.

Dilute one drop of Lemongrass oil with several drops of carrier oil (increase or decrease based on preference/sensitivity) then apply to desired area as needed. Combine 2-3 drops with baking soda and honey to create a homemade face wash.

Add 2-3 drops of Lemongrass oil to the laundry to get a fresh, scented linens

Kill fleas and lice on your canine friends by diluting Lemongrass oil and spraying it over the coat. You may also choose to soak the collar with the oil, spray it on bedding or use it in a final rinse after shampooing.

For additional advice on how to use or blend oils please contact MrsNurse at contact@mrandmrsnurse.com

Cautions:

For external use only: MrandMrsNurse always suggest consulting with a medical practitioner before using essential oils for therapeutic purposes. Pregnant and nursing women are especially advised not to use essential oils without the medical advice of a physician. In the event of an allergic reaction, discontinue use of the product and see a doctor, pharmacist, or allergist immediately for a health assessment and appropriate remedial action. To prevent side effects, consult with a medical professional prior to use.

Essential Oils should always be stored in an area that is inaccessible to children.