The Benefits Of Lemongrass Essential Oil
For some years now, the benefits of lemongrass essential oil have been the subject of scientific research. For example, an interesting action is confirmed in case of infection and other skin disorders. Some studies even suggest help with overweight, gastrointestinal disorders and the state of shock. Would you like to know more?
Lemongrass essential oil is obtained from the distillation of a plant of Asian origin, belonging to the Cymbopogon genus . Lemongrass, or lemongrass, so called for its characteristic citrus aroma, is recognizable by the characteristic ribbon-shaped leaves and can grow up to one and a half meters in height.
Benefits of lemongrass essential oil confirmed by science
An article published in Current Drug Discovery Technologies highlights the therapeutic potential of lemongrass essential oil. In particular, some compounds such as citronellal, citronellol and geraniol, would give the plant antioxidant, antimicrobial and therapeutic effects.
It is currently a widely used product as an insect repellent; the Environmental Protection Agency, the US agency for the protection of the environment, recognizes its effectiveness and non-toxicity.
In addition to this application, however, there are others. Let’s see what the science-backed benefits of lemongrass essential oil are.
Insect repellent
One of the most important benefits of lemongrass essential oil is its ability to repel insects, especially mosquitoes.
A study published in Tropical Medicine & International Health indicates that lemongrass essential oil, in combination with vanillin obtained from vanilla beans, provides a three-hour protective action against mosquitoes.
Antifungal
In recent research, such as that published in the journal Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology , lemongrass essential oil has been shown to have antifungal activity. In other words, it helps to weaken or eliminate certain types of fungi that cause health problems, such as Aspergillus niger .
It is a microorganism that often causes respiratory tract infections, especially in patients with weakened immune systems. Laboratory tests have shown that lemongrass oil helps destroy the fungal cell wall and fights the microorganism from within the cell. Researchers therefore identified lemongrass oil as a natural and ecological fungicide.
Although more research is needed, a 2016 study published in the medical journal Acta Odontologica Scandinavica found the usefulness of this product against fungi such as Candida Albicans .
Wound healing
Another of the known benefits of lemongrass oil relates to the healing of skin wounds. It is also recommended for use in patients with diabetic neuropathy with wounds that are difficult to heal. A study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology highlighted the ability of this oil to accelerate wound healing.
In particular, the researchers observed interesting effects on diabetic mice with Candida-infected wounds. The conclusion is that, in general, the oil has antifungal and anti-inflammatory effect.
Slimming
Taken on its own, lemongrass essential oil is not a miracle formula for losing weight. However, it is considered an adjuvant. According to a study published in the journal Nutrients , inhaling lemongrass essential oil reduces nervous hunger ; as a result, it helps to keep weight under control.
Other benefits of lemongrass essential oil
Lemongrass essential oil is used in aromatherapy, although many of these applications need further research. Anecdotal data suggest the usefulness of lemongrass in contexts such as:
- Abdominal spasms and nervous gastritis.
- Rheumatic pains such as that caused by arthritis.
- Muscle aches.
- Tension headaches and migraines.
- Hyperhidrosis.
- Fatigue and stress.
The method of use varies according to the desired effects. As a repellent, it is recommended to mix 10-15 drops in 30ml of water. A diffuser can also be used to disperse the aroma in the rooms.
Alternatively, it can be mixed with body lotion or a base oil (coconut, olive or jojoba) and applied via massage. How about trying it out?
