Lemongrass Oil (Lemongrass)
From a variety of plants, oils are made that have a positive effect on many organs and systems in the human body. Their properties, perhaps, have not been fully studied, but they have already managed to extract impressive benefits. A striking example of such an oil can be called lemongrass oil, because lemongrass rich in trace elements, has many useful and medicinal properties.
Manufacturing
The production of this product is carried out by many well-known methods of steam distillation. Dried lemongrass leaves are used as a raw material for production.
Essential oil can be made from only two types of this plant:
- East Indian lemongrass;
- West Indian Lemongrass.
They are interchangeable, but they have different smells. The East Indian variety of lemongrass has a fresh, lemony-grassy aroma with earthy accents. As for the West Indian, this oil has a delicate smell, although it has the same base as the second oil, but it has notes of violet and lemon peel.
Outwardly, it is not difficult to distinguish two oils from each other. Thus, West Indian sorghum oil has an amber hue, while East Indian sorghum oil has a yellow color.
We advise those who know English to watch the following video, you will see how lemongrass oil is made.
Compound
Essential oils are often made from lemongrass. The content of citral in them can reach up to 80% or more if freshly cut leaves were used in the manufacture.
Other components of essential oils include:
- alcohols;
- myrcene;
- aldehyde constituents.
Useful and medicinal properties
The essential oil obtained from lemongrass has a wide range of useful and medicinal properties.
Digestive system
- Improves the work of smooth muscles of the digestive system;
- Normalizes the work of endocrine glands;
- Increases appetite;
- Facilitates well-being with fever, infectious diseases;
- Helps with colitis, dispersion, flatulence.
Respiratory system
- Promotes recovery from influenza, asthma, bronchitis and laryngitis;
- Special inhalations improve the functioning of the upper respiratory tract.
genitourinary system
- Acts as a diuretic;
- Has an analgesic effect;
- Stimulates the uterus, normalizes menstruation;
- Does not allow yeast and bacteria to grow inside the body.
Nervous system
- It has a strong antidepressant and sedative effect;
- Relieves headaches;
- Improves well-being in case of nervous exhaustion;
- Charges with vivacity and energy;
- Contributes to the normalization of the state during depression and in shock situations;
- Removes feelings of fatigue;
- Fills with optimism;
- Improves reaction and concentration;
- Increases mental activity;
- Gives a sense of self-confidence and self-reliance.
Other influences
- Acts as an effective aphrodisiac, means to increase sexual activity and endurance;
- Tones muscles, strengthens the whole body, promotes the removal of lactic acid, normalizes blood circulation (massage is done using oil);
- Stimulates recovery processes after serious illnesses, injuries;
- Promotes weight loss;
- Has anti-cellulite effect.
It is also used:
- With diseases of the skin, nail fungus. It also plays the role of an excellent antibacterial agent. At the same time, insects do not like the smell of oil, so it can perfectly scare them away.
- In aromatherapy. It helps to relieve fatigue, depression, activate mental work. Just add a couple of drops of oil to an aromatic lamp - and the effect will already be.
- In the fight against diseases of the upper respiratory tract. To do this, it is enough to do regular inhalations for 5-6 minutes. Dissolve a couple of drops of oil in a glass of water.
Contraindications
Despite the extensive list of useful properties, lemongrass oil has certain limitations in its use.
So before proceeding with the procedures using this ether, pay attention to some points:
- It should not be taken by mouth before consulting your doctor or aromatherapist.
- During pregnancy, it is advisable to abandon this remedy.
- In diseases such as glaucoma, prostate, allergies, hypertension, take the oil with extreme caution, ask for recommendations from specialists.
- Oil should not be applied to dry and sensitive skin.
- After 14 days of regular use of the ether, be sure to take a 7-day break.
For face
acne
If you have acne and blackheads on your face, lemongrass essential oil can be a good remedy. However, be extremely careful, because you can apply the remedy only on the tops of acne, in no case on the entire surface of the face. Add some olive oil. Use a cotton swab.
Please note that the use of undiluted ether can lead to unpleasant consequences - irritation, redness, itching, and so on.
Tonic
If you are the owner of oily skin with enlarged pores, then a tonic based on this oil will suit you. This will tone, refresh, improve skin condition.
To prepare a tonic, take plain purified water or weak green tea leaves. For 100 ml. liquid, add five drops of oil. Wipe your face with the resulting mixture twice a day - in the morning and in the afternoon.
Rub the skin with this mixture at least twice a day - in the evening and in the morning. If the skin is very oily, then face treatment is carried out several times a day. If you have a spray bottle, you can spray the tea-ether tonic directly on your face.
Black dots
If you have a problem such as blackheads, enlarged pores, you should also use lemongrass oil as an effective remedy.
Here you need to make a mixture of lemongrass oil and vegetable oil obtained from hazelnuts, grape seeds or calendula.
For 1 st. spoon vegetable liquid, add about six drops of lemongrass oil. This mixture should be carefully applied exclusively to problem areas of the skin with a cotton swab. Hold the cotton wool for about 10 minutes, then wash thoroughly.
Skin cleansing mask
The composition of the tool includes:
- Calendula oil - 5 drops;
- Hazelnut oil - 5 drops;
- Lemongrass oil - 5 drops;
- Grape seed oil - 1 tbsp. a spoon.
Place a cotton pad into the resulting mixture, gently apply the product to areas with enlarged pores. Keep the cotton wool for 10 minutes, then remove and rinse thoroughly with water.
Please note that the use of lemongrass oil to improve the condition of the skin is not recommended for those who have dry and very sensitive skin.
The course of face treatment lasts no more than 14 days. Regular and competent use of such a tool will make the skin healthy, get rid of many problems.
For hair
If your damaged, too dull hair gives you discomfort, then you can prepare one very effective remedy.
To do this, take about 3-5 tbsp. spoons of any cosmetic oil (based on almonds, avocado or coconut) and mix it with 10-15 drops of lemongrass oil. The resulting composition is applied to unwashed and dry hair. Then you need to wrap your head with a simple bag or even foil. After a couple of hours, wash your hair with your shampoo.
At home
Even in everyday life, lemongrass oil has managed to make itself known. So, it plays the role of an excellent means of disinfecting household items, entire rooms, as well as water. In addition, it can be used to repel mosquitoes, cockroaches and even moths.
If your pet has fleas or ticks, you can easily eliminate them with this oil.
In addition, insects can harm a person by biting him, which leads to itching and other unpleasant sensations. By anointing the affected areas with oil, you can relieve the symptoms, as well as relieve itching.
Dosages
Of course, you need to use essential oils competently and carefully.
To do this, you should follow certain dosages, which we will tell you about:
- For aroma lamps - about 3-5 drops per 15-17 sq.m. premises;
- For aroma coulombs - no more than 1-2 drops;
- For a bath - mix 5-6 drops of ether with honey, bath foam or salt, after which the mixture is poured into water. You can take such a bath for no longer than 20 minutes;
- For massages - 15 ml. base oils add no more than 3-4 drops of ether;
- For anti-cellulite massage - use 30 ml. bases about 4-5 k. of ether and 6-8 drops of any other essential oil;
- For cold inhalations - Apply a couple of drops of oil to a piece of cloth, a napkin or cotton wool. The procedure should be carried out no longer than seven minutes;
- For hot inhalations - it is allowed to add no more than 1-2 drops of the product to hot water. The duration of the procedure is no longer than six minutes;
- For therapeutic tonics and creams - 30 ml. base cream literally 1-2 drops of oil are added;
- To enrich shampoos, conditioners, etc. - 15 ml. the base is added 3 drops of oil;
- For a moth remedy - drop 2-3 drops of ether on a cotton wool and put in a closet;
- For protection against mosquitoes - 10 ml. the base is applied in three drops of ether;
- To prevent the formation of fungus on the feet - mix 3 drops of lemongrass oil with 2 drops of lavender, 3 drops of palmarosa, 2 drops of geranium, add 10-15 ml. base oils. Apply the product before going to gyms, public pools, etc.
combination
In fact, combining essential oils with each other is not so simple. Especially when it comes to such a tool as lemongrass ether.
However, it can be combined with oils derived from foods such as myrtle, anise, frankincense, jasmine, ginger, nyol, plang plang, and bitter orange.
Application Tips
Lemongrass Oil Tips:
- Get an aroma medallion and add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to it.A pleasant smell will immediately reign in the car interior, and the oil will help improve attention.
- If you use oil during massage, then blood flow will improve, and this is a warning of varicose veins. Such a massage will help in the fight against body fat and speed up metabolism. Muscles will become more elastic.
- Baths with it raise the tone of the body, relieve tension and fatigue. It is enough to add 5-6 drops of oil to a full bath. The duration of taking water procedures should not exceed 15 minutes.
- Lemongrass oil pairs well with other essential oils with citrus, floral, or herbal notes. If you mix a few drops of rosemary, lemongrass and mint oils in an aroma lamp, then the kitchen will always smell nice.
I add lemongrass oil to massage oil. We really like it.