Everything You Need to Know About Lemongrass Essential Oil

If you’ve ever been lucky enough to come across it, you may be wondering, “what is lemongrass essential oil?”

In short, it’s an absolute treasure trove. Lemongrass essential oil is a popular oil used in aromatherapy due to its many touted benefits. 

Not only does it have a refreshing scent that makes it a staple in cleaning products, but it’s also said to have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about lemongrass essential oil and how it can be used just about every single day.

Let’s get started!

What is Lemongrass Essential Oil?

Lemongrass essential oil is derived from the lemongrass plant, which is native to parts of Asia, Africa, and Australia. The oil is extracted from the leaves and stems of the plant through steam distillation. 

The resulting liquid has a fresh and citrusy scent, making it a popular choice for aromatherapy purposes.

Aside from its pleasant fragrance, lemongrass essential oil is said to have many benefits for your health. It’s commonly used to alleviate stress and anxiety, as well as reduce inflammation in the body. It’s also a natural insect repellent and may be used to repel mosquitoes and other bugs. 

There are many ways to use lemongrass essential oil to reap its benefits. One of the most popular methods is through aromatherapy. 

Simply add a few drops of the oil to a diffuser or humidifier and let the scent fill your home or workspace. 

You can also apply the oil topically by diluting it with a carrier oil such as coconut or almond oil. This can be done by mixing a few drops of lemongrass essential oil with your favorite lotion or applying it directly to the skin. 

What Does Lemongrass Essential Oil Look and Smell Like?

Lemongrass essential oil is a yellow to amber color with a thin consistency. The oil is extracted from the leaves and stems of the lemongrass plant, which is a tall, fragrant grass that is native to India and other parts of Asia. 

The lemongrass plant is known for its citrus scent, and it’s often used in cooking and herbal medicine. The essential oil is extracted through a process of steam distillation, which is a gentle method that preserves the oil’s natural benefits and aroma.

The fragrance of lemongrass essential oil is a fresh, zesty, and lemon-like scent with earthy undertones. The aroma is energizing and uplifting, making it the perfect essential oil to use when you need a boost of positivity. 

Many people describe the fragrance of lemongrass as being similar to that of lemon verbena with a hint of ginger. The scent is often used in aromatherapy as it may help reduce stress and anxiety, boost mood, and improve mental clarity.

How to Choose and Use Lemongrass Essential Oil Safely

When buying lemongrass essential oil, as is the case with any essential oil,  it’s important to look for a high-quality and pure oil. You want to make sure that it’s free of synthetic ingredients, additives, and contaminants. Look for oils that have been tested by a third-party or have a certification indicating purity.

Here are a few more tips for using lemongrass essential oil:

• Always dilute the oil before applying it to your skin. A safe dilution ratio for adults is 2%.
• Avoid using lemongrass essential oil on young children, pregnant women, or individuals with sensitive skin.
• Don’t ingest lemongrass essential oil. It’s only meant for topical and aromatic use.
• Keep it away from your eyes and mouth.
• Test for skin sensitivity by performing a patch test before using it on a larger area of your skin.

How is Lemongrass Essential Oil Used?

Are you looking for a fresh and versatile essential oil to add to your collection? Look no further than lemongrass essential oil! 

Here are a few ways it might be used:

• Aromatherapy: Diffusing lemongrass essential oil may be a fantastic way to uplift your mood and promote relaxation. Its fresh and uplifting scent may help alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety and promote a more positive mindset overall. Simply add a few drops to your diffuser or mix with water and spray around your space.
• Skin and Hair Care: Lemongrass essential oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it a good choice for personal care products. You can add a few drops to your shampoo or body wash for a refreshing and cleansing experience. 
• Muscle Relaxation: Whether you suffer from tension headaches, stiff joints, or sore muscles, lemongrass essential oil may be able to help. It has natural analgesic properties that make it ideal for use in massage oil blends or bath bombs. 
• Household Cleaning: Many commercial cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that may irritate your skin and respiratory system. Lemongrass essential oil is a natural alternative with antibacterial properties that make it a good choice for disinfecting surfaces. Mix a few drops with water and vinegar and use it to clean your countertops, floors, and other surfaces.
• Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes and other pesky insects can put a damper on even the most enjoyable outdoor activities. Luckily, lemongrass essential oil may help to repel insects naturally. Mix it with a carrier oil and apply it to your skin before heading outside. You can also add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water and spray around your patio or campsite.

What Are the Touted Benefits of Lemongrass Essential Oil?

This fragrant oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and aromatherapy for its numerous health benefits, such as improving digestion, reducing inflammation, and even repelling insects, as we mentioned earlier.

Here are some of its other touted benefits:

• Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Lemongrass essential oil may have a calming and soothing effect on the mind and body. It contains compounds such as citral and geraniol, which may help reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality. 
• Boosting Immunity: Lemongrass oil has powerful antimicrobial and antifungal properties that may help boost your immune system and fight off infections. It may also reduce fever and alleviate symptoms of cold and flu. 
• Improving Digestion: Lemongrass oil may stimulate digestion, reduce bloating, and soothe gastrointestinal discomfort. It may also relieve nausea, acidity, and stomach cramps. 
• Repelling Insects: Lemongrass oil is also a natural insect repellent that may have the ability to ward off mosquitoes, flies, and other pests. Its strong odor and volatile compounds make it an effective alternative to chemical pesticides. 
• Relieving Pain and Inflammation: Lemongrass oil has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce pain and swelling in muscles and joints. It may also soothe headaches, menstrual cramps, and arthritis. 

What Are the Disadvantages of Lemongrass Essential Oil?

While there are many benefits to using lemongrass essential oil, it’s important to be aware of its potential disadvantages as well. 

• Skin irritation: One of the most common disadvantages of using lemongrass essential oil is skin irritation. This can happen when the oil is applied topically to the skin. The oil is known to be a skin irritant and may cause redness, itching, or a burning sensation. Always dilute the oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil before applying it to your skin.
• Sensitivity to sunlight: When the oil is applied directly to the skin and then exposed to sunlight, it may cause a rash, blisters, or even brown spots. Lemongrass oil contains a compound called citral, which makes the skin more sensitive to UV rays. To avoid this, apply the oil to your skin at night.
• Potential toxicity: Lemongrass essential oil has been found to be toxic in high doses. The oil contains a compound called myrcene, which may be toxic to the liver and kidneys when ingested in large amounts. While using the oil in small amounts is generally considered safe, it’s important to avoid ingesting the oil and to keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Are There Any Substitutes for Lemongrass Essential Oil?

For some people, lemongrass may not be the right choice, whether that’s due to allergies, sensitivities, or simply a preference for other scents. The good news is that there are plenty of other substitutes you might try:

• Lemon essential oil: As the name suggests, lemon essential oil has a similar citrusy scent to lemongrass essential oil but with a sweeter, fresher aroma. Like lemongrass, it’s a natural anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial agent that may help boost mood, ease stress and anxiety, and promote better sleep. 
• Citronella essential oil: Citronella essential oil is another close substitute for lemongrass essential oil, with a strong, lemony aroma that’s commonly used in insect repellents. It’s known for its antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties and may help treat various skin conditions like acne, eczema, and fungal infections. 
• Grapefruit essential oil: Grapefruit essential oil is a refreshing, tangy oil that shares some of the same benefits as lemongrass essential oil. It’s a natural appetite suppressant and mood booster, and may help fight fatigue and brain fog. 
• Peppermint essential oil: Although peppermint essential oil has a minty aroma, it shares several benefits with lemongrass essential oil. Both oils have cooling and calming effects on the mind and body, and both have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. 
• Eucalyptus essential oil: Eucalyptus essential oil has a camphorous, medicinal aroma that’s different from lemongrass essential oil, but it’s still an excellent substitute if you’re looking for an oil with respiratory and immune-boosting benefits. Eucalyptus essential oil is known for its decongestant, antifungal, and antiviral properties and may help ease chest congestion, sinusitis, and coughs. 

What is the Shelf Life of Lemongrass Essential Oil?

Just like any other essential oil, lemongrass oil also has a limited lifespan. Generally, most essential oils last for one to two years from the date of extraction. 

However, the shelf life of essential oils can vary depending on various factors, including the quality of the oil, storage conditions, and the presence of any impurities. Always check the expiration date of the oil before purchasing it. 

After the oil exceeds its shelf life, it starts to lose its potency, aroma, and therapeutic benefits.

How to Store Lemongrass Essential Oil

To keep your lemongrass essential oil fresh and potent for an extended period, you should store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. 

Direct exposure to sunlight and heat may cause the oil to oxidize and go rancid while moisture might lead to fungal or bacterial growth. Also, make sure you keep the essential oil tightly sealed in a dark-colored glass bottle. Exposure to air may lead to rapid oxidation and reduce the potency of the oil.

Another tip is to avoid using plastic bottles or containers to store your essential oil, as plastic leaches harmful chemicals that can contaminate the oil and cause it to lose potency. Don’t expose your essential oil to sudden fluctuations in temperature, either, as it can damage the oil in the bottle.

Final Thoughts

Lemongrass essential oil is a versatile and beneficial oil that can be used in many different ways. From keeping mosquitoes away to promoting healthy skin, this oil has many benefits for your overall well being. Just remember to use caution when applying the oil topically and always purchase a high-quality product. 

Add lemongrass essential oil to your daily routine and see what it has to offer today!

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