Lemongrass

The essential oil of lemongrass has been assigned to the semiprecious stone citrine, which also has refreshing and mentally stimulating properties. Lemongrass is a member of the family of tropical grasses, like citronella grass, ginger grass, palmarosa, and vetiver. The essential oil is distilled from the Cymbopogon fiexuosus and the Cymbopogon citratwc.

If you don’t know what these names mean, simply open a bottle of lemongrass oil and take a deep breath. The effect is like a refreshing, cool morning shower. Cool and stimulating, lemongrass surprises with its intense radiant energy. The essential oil may be particularly effective for lack of concentration. Since it stimulates the left brain and aids our logical thinking processes, lemongrass is suitable for aroma lamps on desks at home or in the, office, especially in conference rooms or wherever clear, fresh thinking and good concentration are required. I call lemongrass “drivers’ essential oil” because it is so refreshing on long road trips. I simply dab a few drops of the essential oil on a tissue and inhale. After a few deep breaths, I let the rest of the oil evaporate in the car’s air vent.

By the way, lemongrass is a secret aid for people who have trouble getting started in the morning. Lernongrass is not only psychologically refreshing, but it also serves as a tonic for tightening weak connective tissue. It is, therefore, a good massage oil for treating the latter condition. The essential oil strengthens blood vessels and helps prevent varicose veins, it is beneficial for the treatment of sports injuries, like bruises an(1 pulled ligaments. Here lemongrass oil may be used in an arnica tincture, diluted with water and applied as a cold compress or bandage.
The main component in the oil is citral (70 to 85 percent), which makes it an effective antiseptic solution, which scientific research has confirmed, it is used in aroma lamps and as aerosol spray to disinfect indoor air, as well as for washing appliances and furnishings. A couple drops of this oil in wash water will make the bathroom fragrant and hygienic.

The essential oil has long been considered an effective healing agent in India, its country of origin. Lemongrass is widely used for infectious diseases accompanied by fever and for intestinal tract diseases. It has even been used to treat cholera.
Aromatherapy also uses lemongrass oil to stimulate digestion and reduce flatulence. Take 2 to 3 drops mixed with honey orally two times a day, following a meal. Avoid taking lemongrass on an empty stomach since it could cause irritation.
Lemongrass, used in the aroma lamp, may be beneficial for children susceptible to rickets.

In cosmetics lemongrass has been valued as a skin tonic and facial cleanser in lotions and oils and in creams or astringents. The oil stimulates lymph drainage and helps reduce swollen tissues. This treatment can be supported by oral use, since the oil also functions as a diuretic. Lemongrass, a vigorous grass, may be harvested within six months after planting. The grass may be cut three to four times a year. Harvesters leave it on the ground a few days to increase its oil content. The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation.

Demand for this oil is high. The cosmetics industry uses it for perfumes, inexpensive soaps, and skin care products. About 2,000 tons of the oil are distilled around the world each year. Insects dislike the fragrance of lemongrass. To get rid of these pests, disburse lemongrass oil in the aroma lamp and use it as an air spray. Even fleas living in animal fur will leave. To bathe pets, mix 20 drops of lemongrass oil in about 3V2 fluid ounces of mild, unscented shampoo.