Lemongrass is a tropical grassy plant that is grown in different parts of India. Essential oil from the plant is extracted by Steam Distillation and have a yield ranging for 0.6 to 1.2% depending on the correct time of harvest.
Lemongrass essential oil contains beneficial terpenes, saponins, alkaloids, steroids, and flavonoids including myrcene, citral, citronellal, nerol, geraniol, and limonene. Preliminary research suggests that lemongrass essential oil may be useful for the following:
Fighting bacteria
Lemongrass essential oil to be effective in fighting strains of the Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria. As the lemongrass essential oil was effective in inhibiting and killing off the bacteria, it could be a complementary therapy in the future for fighting illnesses that do not respond to antibiotics. In another study, a concentration of 2% lemongrass essential oil gel inhibited the growth of bacteria that cause gum disease.
Reduces Depression
The scent of lemongrass is considered calming and has been effective in relieving feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression. It has a mild, sedative effect that in studies has changed brain chemical reactions that influence feelings of stress and anxiety. It can be diffused, inhaled directly, added to a bath, etc.
Headache Relief
As a pain reliever, when headaches and migraines occur, the scent is not only a way to help provide relaxation and increased blood flow, but also it can be rubbed on the temples and forehead to relieve discomfort.
Massage for Aching Muscles
Massaging into aching muscles is a great way to help loosen tension, help reduce inflammation, and reduce pain. Lemongrass is a common ingredient in blends to help reach deep tissues to relieve the causes behind soft tissue pain.
Anti - Inflammatory
If you suffer from sore joints from injury or arthritis, rubbing this oil over the affected area can help relieve inflammation and reduce pain. When mixed with other oils that have these properties, even further healing can occur.
Heals Wounds
The antiseptic properties of lemongrass oil make it a good application for external and internal wounds as well as a useful ingredient in antiseptic lotions and creams. The antiseptic properties of this oil do not let the external or internal cuts and wounds become septic.
Fights Fungal Infections
Compounds in lemongrass essential oil have been shown to have antifungal and antimicrobial properties, and several in vitro studies have found the oil may eliminate certain strains of fungus. A study suggests lemongrass essential oil may be effective against pityriasis versicolor, a fungus that causes small, scaly patches on the skin (also called tinea versicolor).