Benefits of Lemongrass Essential Oil
Native to islands in Southeastern Asia, lemongrass oil is a type of essential oil often used in aromatherapy and by natural medicine practitioners for a variety of purposes, including reducing inflammation, relieving headaches, improving dandruff, and easing indigestion.
Inhaling the aroma of lemongrass essential oil or absorbing it through the skin is said to transmit messages to the brain's limbic system, a region that influences the nervous system. According to aromatherapy proponents, essential oils may affect a number of biological factors, including heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure, breathing, and immune function. Lemongrass essential oil is typically used for:
- Acne
- Anxiety
- Athlete's foot
- Excessive sweating
- Headaches
- Indigestion
- Muscle aches
In addition, lemongrass essential oil is said to act as a natural insect repellent and air freshener, and may also alleviate stress and relieve pain.
Several chemical components of lemongrass oil have been found to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, antidepressant, and sedative qualities. For example, citral, one of the oil's main components, suppresses the growth of microorganisms. Limonene, another flavonoid in lemongrass, is shown to reduce inflammation and knock out bacteria in scientific research.
Preliminary research suggests that lemongrass essential oil could be useful for the following conditions.
- Dandruff: A 2015 study found lemongrass essential oil may help fight dandruff.
- Fungal Infections: Several in vitro studies have found that lemongrass oil's antifungal properties may eliminate certain strains of fungus. For example, candida albicans, the fungus that causes yeast infections, pityriasis versicolor, a fungus that causes small, scaly patches on the skin (also called tinea versicolor).
- Anxiety: One preliminary study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2015 suggests that brief exposure to lemongrass oil may confer anti-anxiety and anti-tension benefits.
- Headache: According to a 2011 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, eugenol—a compound in lemongrass essential oil—impacts both the neurotransmitter serotonin and blood-platelet action, two factors that contribute to headaches. This research suggests lemongrass may help relieve headaches.
- Stomach Upset: A 2006 and 2012 study found that lemongrass essential oil may ease stomachaches, nausea, diarrhea, and prevent gastric ulcers.
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