You may be familiar with lemongrass as a fragrant ingredient in Asian cuisine. But did you know that this versatile plant also has a variety of uses beyond the kitchen? Lemongrass essential oil, in particular, can be used for everything from household cleaning to improving your complexion. Keep reading to learn more about this versatile oil and some of the best ways to incorporate it into your life.
What Is Lemongrass
Lemongrass essential oil is derived from the Cymbopogon flexuosus plant, which is native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is derived from the lemongrass plant, which is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. The oil is extracted from the leaves and stem of the plant through a process of steam distillation. Lemongrass oil has a fresh, citrusy scent and is pale yellow in color. It’s often used as a natural fragrance in soaps, cosmetics, and cleaning products— but that’s not all this versatile oil can do.
The main components of lemongrass essential oil are geranial, neral, and citral. Citral is responsible for the oil’s fresh, lemon-like scent. Geranial and neral give lemongrass its characteristic earthy aroma. Read on to learn more about some of the other ways you can use lemongrass essential oil around your home.
Benefits Of Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass essential oil has a range of benefits that make it a popular choice for natural health and wellbeing. Some of the summarised benefits of essential oil lemongrass include:
- Headache and migraine relief
- Antibacterial properties
- Pain relief
Its fresh, citrusy aroma is said to boost energy levels and mood, while its antimicrobial properties make it an effective natural cleanser and disinfectant.
Citral and geranial, two compounds found in lemongrass, are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. Lemongrass oil is also known for its ability to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation.
When used topically, lemongrass essential oil can help to soothe skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. This versatile oil is also commonly used in massage therapy and aromatherapy.
Read more about the benefits of lemongrass essential oil
How To Use Lemongrass Essential Oil
Freshen Your Home’s Air:
Add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to an diffuser or vaporizer to enjoy its fresh, uplifting scent throughout your home. You can also make your own room spray by combining lemongrass oil with water in a small spray bottle. Spritz it around your living spaces for an instant pick-me-up any time of day.
DIY Household Cleaner:
Combine 1 teaspoon lemongrass essential oil with 1 cup water in a glass spray bottle. This makes an effective all-purpose cleaner for surfaces like countertops, floors, and appliances— without any harsh chemicals.
Soothe Muscle Aches:
Add 2-3 drops of lemongrass essential oil to 1 tablespoon carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond oil. Rub it into sore muscles for natural pain relief. You can also add lemongrass essential oil to your bathwater for a relaxing, stress-busting soak at the end of a long day.
Best Lemongrass Essential Oil Product
The best recommended lemongrass essential oil in the market is this one by Whole Foods Market.
365 by Whole Foods Market products provide that dance-down-the-aisles feeling, as well as virtual aisles! Their extensive selection of premium ingredients at reasonable prices elevates grocery shopping beyond simply tossing the essentials into your cart.
Moving On
As you can see, lemongrass essential oil is much more than just a pretty scent— although it does smell pretty amazing! Incorporate it into your home life for a naturally fresh environment, DIY household cleaners, and muscle pain relief. Have you ever used lemongrass essential oil before? Share your experiences with us in the form below!
