Lemongrass Oil: 8 Health Benefits & Uses

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Lemongrass oil is derived from the tropical and subtropical lemongrass plants blooming in its environment. There is a strong hint of a citrus fragrance in the oil. Along with this, it can be either bright yellow or orange.

Lemongrass has long been used in traditional medicine to treat pain, gastrointestinal issues, and fevers. Other advantages might come from its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties.

In the following paragraphs, we explore the different advantages of oil. Along with this, we will explore different ways to use it and any worse impacts it might have.

Health Benefits Of Lemongrass Oil

Lemongrass oil may provide the following advantages:

Bacterial warfare

• Lemongrass oil was found to help combat Acinetobacter baumannii bacterium strains in the it6 in vitro investigation. 
• Pneumonia and blood infections can be caused by this multidrug-resistant bacterium.
• A 2 per cent lemongrass essential oil gel prevented the development of germs that cause gum disease in another investigation. 
• The patients used the gel in conjunction with nonsurgical dental treatment to treat gum disease. 
• The results are then compared to those of a control group who solely received nonsurgical dental treatment.
• Nonsurgical dental therapy in combination with essential oil resulted in better tissue repair than nonsurgical dental treatment alone.

Inflammation reduction

• Chronic inflammation has been linked to a variety of health issues, including arthritis, diabetes, and some malignancies.
• It was found to provide powerful anti-inflammatory effects in mice with fungal infections in a 2014 research.
• While further human trials are needed, the researchers concluded that lemongrass oil might help cure skin irritation in the future.

Defending against fungal diseases

• The researchers looked studied the in vitro effects of lemongrass essential oil on certain fungi, including Candida albicans, which causes yeast infections and thrush, in the same 2014 study.
• The essential oil had a “promising” antifungal effect, which led the researchers to believe it may be utilized to treat fungal infections.
• However, further strong human research is needed to corroborate the findings.

Antioxidants are provided

• Antioxidants assist the body combat dangerous free radicals and oxidative stress, which may help slow down the ageing process and lower the risk of numerous illnesses.
• There were many in vitrio experiments done in a 2015 research which showed that lemongrass contained a significant amount of strong antioxidant capabilities.
• Lemongrass oil mouthwash exhibited antioxidant properties, according to the authors of a 2011 research. 
• In this study, the subjects were people with gum problems and were part of the 40 participants in the study. 
• These findings suggest that it could be a good supplement to normal oral hygiene practices.

Treatment for gastrointestinal problems

• Lemongrass essential oil has been linked to the treatment of gastrointestinal problems in several studies.
• The benefits of the oil on stomach ulcers caused by ethanol and aspirin damage were investigated in a 2012 animal research. 
• Stomach ulcers are lesions on the stomach lining that cause discomfort.
• Lemongrass oil was discovered to protect the stomach from harm, suggesting that it might be used to treat ulcers of this sort.
• Furthermore, eugenol, a component of it, may aid in the relief of pain as well as the treatment of stomach disturbances and diarrhea.

Rheumatoid arthritis relief

• Lemongrass essential oil’s anti-inflammatory qualities may assist to alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
• A 2017 research looked at the effects of it on 30 persons with rheumatoid arthritis who were between the ages of 35 and 70.
• The participants were given 3 milligrams of lemongrass oil to apply daily for 30 days. The individuals reported decreased discomfort as time went on.

Massage and relaxation

• Relaxation and massage are typical uses for many diluted essential oils.
• One research looked at the effects of using lemongrass oil as a massage oil. 
• For three weeks, each person received a massage once a week.

Providing relief from headaches

• The oil was found to be useful in relieving headaches in a 2009 research.
• Lemongrass is an important headache cure despite the lack of research to prove it. 

What to do with it

• Lemongrass essential oil may be purchased online or at a health food store. 
• Essential oils should never be applied undiluted to the skin, or into the eyes, mouth, or ears.
• It has been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States as safe when used carefully. Poisoning, skin burns, sickness, and disease in dogs can occur when essential oils are misused.
• It may be mixed with a carrier oils of your choice and massaged into the skin.
• Another approach to use it is to add a few drops of the essential oil to boiling water and inhale the steam through the nose while keeping the eyes closed and wrapping the head with a towel.
• Lemongrass oil can also be used in an oil diffuser. Diffusers may be found in stores and on the internet.
• When people vaporize essential oils, the concentration levels are unlikely to be hazardous to adults. 
• However, diffusers should not be used in the presence of babies, children, pregnant women, or pets.
• Because essential oils are combustible, they should be kept away from open flames.
• If you’re using the oil orally, be sure you’re doing it under the supervision of a healthcare expert.

Negative effects of lemongrass oil

• Lemongrass oil can cause skin irritation and a rash. If you want to reduce the risk of skin irritation, avoid using it on your skin if:
• They suffer from allergies or skin disorders like eczema.
• They have cracked or injured skin since they did not dilute the oil first.
• Before applying the diluted oil more liberally, perform a skin patch test on a small area of skin and wait 24 hours to observe whether a response emerges.
• Lemongrass oil can irritate the eyes, ears, mouth, and other mucous membranes, including the genital region, causing dryness and stinging. 
• As a result, it’s recommended not to apply it on your face or put it in your bathwater especially if you live in place with hard water.

Conclusion

• Lemongrass offers several health advantages, according to research, owing to its antifungal, antioxidant, and antibacterial qualities.
• Many studies on lemongrass oil have been conducted in test tubes or using animal models, therefore additional study is required to learn more about the advantages of it in people.
• Unless under the supervision of a healthcare expert, people should never apply undiluted essential oil straight to their skin or ingest the oil orally.
• People can relax and benefit from this ancient cure by using diluted lemongrass essential oil for massage, steam inhalation, or diffusing.

~Guest post by Rahul Kamat.