6 Ways to Use Lemongrass Essential Oil
Native to India, the evergreen lemongrass plant is a tall, perennial plant with long aromatic leaves. Lemongrass is harvested by hand, using a sickle, then it is steam distilled. It also goes through stages of refining, filtration and blending to create the oil.
The subtle citrus flavor is popular in Asian cuisines, especially soups, teas and curries. In addition to its unique flavor and aroma, lemongrass promotes healthy digestion, purifies the skin, and can create a positive atmosphere.
Chemical Components
The chemical makeup of lemongrass essential oil includes the constituents geranial and neral, which are aldehydes. Typically, aldehydes are known for their distinctly potent fragrances, which is evident in the case of lemongrass essential oil. Aldehydes have many functions within essential oils, including the ability to cleanse surfaces.
They can also lessen feelings of stress when diffused. However, essential oils with geranial and neral are particularly known for helping to maintain healthy gastrointestinal function when used internally. Geranial and neral are also known as soothing aldehydes, which is why lemongrass and Melissa oil are both soothing oils that share similarities in chemical structure (source).
Benefits of Lemongrass Essential Oil
1. Supports Healthy Digestion
The chemical makeup of lemongrass includes aldehydes, which are known for their ability to maintain healthy gastrointestinal function when ingested (source).
To use: add a few drops to your food or beverages to add flavor and provide dietary support. You can also place a few drops in a veggie capsule to promote healthy digestive function.
Bonus tip: you can even combine lemongrass oil with peppermint oil in a capsule to support healthy gastrointestinal function and maintain healthy digestion.
2. Repels Insects
It’s important to avoid the chemicals, especially DEET, in store-bought bug sprays. The aldehydes in lemongrass are also a great natural bug repellant. The smoky, pungent aroma of lemongrass is not loved by those pesky insects. Click here to read more about essential oils that are great for keeping bugs away.
To use: diffuse it inside or outside to keep away mosquitos and bugs. If you are worried about keeping bugs off of your body, rub or spritz the oil on your skin before you go outside.
3. Supports Mental Health
Having a stressful day? Diffusing lemongrass essential oil can also help promote a positive outlook and heighten your awareness.
To use: diffuse 1-2 drops in your favorite diffuser. If you want to experience the aromatic benefits of lemongrass essential oil but don’t have time to diffuse it, place one drop in the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, and inhale softly for up to 30 seconds.
4. In Cooking
For many years, Lemongrass has been a common ingredient to add flavor to Asian soups, curries, beef, fish, teas, and more. It is also widely used in baked goods or candies in the food industry because of its distinct flavor. If you want to utilize the powerful flavor of lemongrass essential oil, consider adding a few drops to entrees or meat dishes.
To use: try this Coconut Lemongrass Red Lentil Soup recipe.
5. Soothes Sore Muscles
After physical activity, the refreshing aroma combined with the oil’s soothing properties make it a popular choice for massage therapy.
To use: add 1-2 drops to fractionated coconut oil and apply to sore muscles or joints.
6. Purifies Skin
Lemongrass contains purifying and toning benefits for the skin, and can be used in your skin care routine to help promote pure, toned skin. Similar to melaleuca, it can also help promote the appearance of healthy fingernails and toenails.
To use: add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer or daily cleanser.
Oils that Blend Well with Lemongrass Oil
Because lemongrass oil includes subtle citrus notes; a pungent, smoky aroma; and a refreshing, herbaceous scent, it blends well for diffusion with a variety of oils that share similar qualities. Blend lemongrass oil with the herbal scents of basil, the fresh aroma of spearmint, or the warm, spicy fragrance of cardamom oil.
Caution: lemongrass oil can irritate skin. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.
To get started with certified pure therapeutic grade dōTERRA essential oils click here.
If you’d like to chat about which oils you need for specific health concerns, email me at Leann@GroovyBeets.com to connect.