Lemongrass Essential Oil Uses
Sometimes I use lemongrass essential oil instead of tea tree oil when making antifungal cream. I like the scent so well that I have added it to lotions — like the CeraVe Lotion. I add about ten drops to it. Shake it up and use it. Studies have reported that lemongrass essential oil has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal components. Researchers have also demonstrated the antiviral activity of this oil against Herpes simplex virus-1 — so maybe it works for cold sores too. In that case, you could combine it with beeswax, shea butter, and oil — use it as a lip balm. By the way, never use essential oils directly on your skin — you have to mix them with a carrier oil or Lotion. As for the antibacterial components — Studies report that lemongrass extract inhibited the growth of Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida albicans, and Staphylococcus aureus. So, all around, lemongrass has many uses.
Lemongrass Herbal Tea Uses
Lemongrass tea
Now, what about drinking lemongrass? Lemongrass grows similarly to tall grass but it has a bulbous end at the root zone. It kind of looks like green onions. These can be used for tea. Although you can buy it in a dried form as well — which is easier. Lemongrass tea is helpful in fighting yeast infections. Research has shown lemongrass to be effective against yeast infections: Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis. So you may want to drink lemongrass tea to keep your body in balance.
Lemongrass extracts and essential oils, and the major compound citral, have all shown anti-hypertensive effects in animal models and in humans. That means it may be helpful in lowering blood pressure.
References
Lemongrass Essential Oil Components with Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities Antioxidants 2022, 11(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11010020
Zatil Hafila Kamaruddin, Ridhwan Jumaidin, Mohd Zulkefli Selamat & R.A. Ilyas (2022) Characteristics and Properties of Lemongrass (Cymbopogan Citratus): A Comprehensive Review, Journal of Natural Fibers, 19:14, 8101-8118, DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2021.1958439
Exploring the Anti-Hypertensive Potential of Lemongrass—A Comprehensive Review. Biology 2022, 11(10), 1382; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11101382
