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.

Lemongrass Essential Oil | LeannForst.com

 

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.


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    Leann Forst, MBA, CHC, CEOC — Holistic Health Practitioner

    Leann is a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Certified Essential Oils Coach. She holds a Master’s degree from Drake University and a Bachelor of Science from Upper Iowa University. Accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, Leann is an award winning author of 2 books How to Get Your Kids to Beg for Veggies and 100 Ways to Lose Weight”.

    Born and raised as an Iowa farm girl, she moved to Texas in 1998 where she lives with her husband and 2 kids.

    As a wife of a brain cancer survivor, Leann has a special interest in anti-cancer nutrition and detoxification. She works with individuals and groups, and speaks regularly at hospitals, schools and organizations. Leann’s goal is to teach people how to attain optimal health by getting to the root cause of chronic and inflammatory conditions, while using healing modalities such as essential oils. Click here to get Leann’s free report, “37 Cancer Facts You Should Know…But Probably Don’t

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