Lemongrass Essential Oil for Skin

Lemongrass is a common ingredient in Asian cuisines, especially Indian, Thai and Vietnamese cuisines. The grass is known for its strong aroma and flavor. Its flavor resembles that of lemon, so it must have got the name 'lemongrass'. A number of varieties of lemongrass are known but mainly Cymbopogon citratus is used for cooking.

Since fresh lemongrass is not available everywhere, dried lemongrass powder or lemongrass oil which carry the characteristic properties of lemongrass are used to reap benefits of lemongrass. Here follows the information on how you can use lemongrass essential oil for improving the texture and quality of your skin.

Anti-Bacterial: Lemongrass essential oil works as a natural antibiotic. It helps kill bacteria that cause skin infections. You can take it internally and can apply it externally. Since it helps prevent bacterial infections in colon, stomach, urinary tracts, wounds, respiratory system, it helps improve your digestive health and overall health too.

Healthy people can enjoy healthy and glowing skin after regular consumption of the oil. The oil helps prevent acne and other skin problems.

Deodorizing: The deodorizing property of this oil helps alleviate strong body odor. Synthetic deodorants are expensive and are effective for a short period only. Some people may experience skin rashes or irritation on skin after the use of synthetic deodorants.

This herbal oil when used in diluted form can prove to be beneficial. It is harmless and its effect lasts longer. The oil, in fact, is used to manufacture perfumes and deodorants.

Diuretic: The diuretic property of the oil helps get rid of toxins in the body. Detoxification of liver, pancreas, kidneys, bladder and the entire digestive tract helps improve skin texture and quality significantly.

Urination promotes removal of fats and excess water which in turn helps reduce swelling and fat deposition. Whatever comes from within, lasts longer. You don't actually need to buy expensive cosmetics for glowing skin then.

Anti Septic and Fungicidal: These properties help prevent fungal infections, internal as well as external. The oil is used in the production of anti septic lotions and creams and also in herbal soaps and lotions. Topical application or ingestion of the oil does not allow wounds to go septic.

Antipyretic: Antipyretic properties of lemongrass oil help lower very high fever. The oil helps fight the infection and increase perspiration. A cup of tea containing a few drops of lemongrass oil can be served to an ill person.

Carminative: Carminative properties help get rid of the excess gas from the intestine. The oil also helps prevent formation of excess gas and helps lower abdominal or general discomfort. Indigestion, constipation can lead to dull skin. Use of lemongrass oil to improve digestive health is thus beneficial for skin.

Astringent: Lemongrass oil uses include improvement in blood circulation, contraction of blood vessels, hair follicles, muscles, skin, etc. This helps improve skin quality.

Nervine: As this oil carries properties which enhance the function of the nervous system, it helps improve metabolic functions like production of hormones, absorption of vitamins, etc. All these can lead to improved skin health. The oil stimulates and strengthens the nerves and the nervous system, so transportation of signals improves.

Sedative: The sedative property of this oil not only helps calm down the mind but it also exhibits a soothing effect on skin by reducing inflammation, itching, etc. Glowing skin reflects a peaceful, stress-free mind. You can add a few drops of other oils like jasmine, lavender, or tea tree oil to enhance the effect.

The essential oil made from lemongrass contains myrcene, citral, citronellal, nerol, geraniol, neral, limonene and geranyl acetate. All these ingredients contribute towards exceptional medicinal properties of lemongrass oil. You should first try it in small quantity and if you don't suffer from any problem, then you can use it regularly.

Pregnant women are advised to avoid use of lemongrass oil. Some of you might be interested in knowing lemongrass essential oil recipe. It is obtained by following the process of steam distillation of dried lemongrass. Other uses of this oil like use as an insecticide have also added to its popularity.

Lemongrass plant and lemongrass oil are easily available in all parts of the world. The plant can be grown easily in a small pot. It is a fast growing plant. You can add some pieces of lemongrass leaf to water, while making tea/soup and enjoy the health benefits, explained above.

Now that you know how lemongrass essential oil is useful for skin, you can reap the health benefits of the oil by consuming lemon grass regularly. You must have noticed that the herbal oil helps strengthen all bodily systems and thus helps improve your overall health too.