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Botanical Name: Cymbopogon citratus
or flexuosus
Lemongrass is a type of tropical grass that's native to Nepal, Sri Lanka and
India. Used in the cuisines of India and Asia, lemongrass has long been an
important part of Ayurvedic, or traditional Indian medicine. The essential
oils are extracted from the harvested leaves which are left on the ground for a
few days to further increase their oil content. While there are many
species of lemongrass, only two types are used to make essential oil. The
scent can vary anywhere from grassy-with-a-touch-of-lemon to lemon lollipop with
an herbal edge. Sniff before buying to find your preferred scent.
 | Plant Parts Used: Grass |
| Extraction Method: Steam distillation |
Key Uses
| Colds |
| Household |
| Antidepressant |
| Acne |
| Cellulite |
| Antiseptic |
Applications
- Bathing
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- For bladder infections - add 5 drops lemongrass and 3 drops tea
tree in 3 tbsp. cream. Add the mixture to a warm, half-filled bath.
Soak for 20 minutes and then rest for 1 hour.
For jet lag, fatigue or depression - add 6 drops of lemongrass
oil to a warm bath after a strenuous day or a poor night's sleep, or a long
plane flight.
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- Inhalation/Diffusion
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- For improved concentration - put 1 drop each lemongrass and
rosemary oils on a handkerchief or tissue. Deeply inhale the scent,
avoiding skin contact.
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- To calm your nerves - put 2-3 drops lemongrass oil on a tissue or
in a diffuser and inhale to calm the nervous system - especially helpful for
stress-induced indigestion or abdominal cramps.
- External
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- For stuffy nose or colds - add 2 drops each lemongrass, tea-tree
and frankincense oils to a bowl of steaming water. Drape a towel over
your head and bend over the bowl. Close your eyes and inhale the
vapors to help alleviate respiratory congestion and swollen nasal
membranes.
For skin blemishes & acne - make a toner with 1 drop lemongrass and 2
oz. witch hazel. This will firm and clear the skin. Shake well
before each use.
- For minor muscle aches & pains - blend 3 drops each of lemongrass
and rosemary oils in 1 oz. sweet-almond carrier oil. Use the blend to
massage sore muscles and aching joints.
For cellulite - mix 2 drops lemongrass oil in 2 ounces sweet-almond
carrier oil. Massage the blend onto areas with cellulite deposits, to
stimulate circulation and remove excess toxins and lymph
fluid.
- Household
As a room freshener - mix 4 drops lemongrass, 2 drops lime and 2
drops lemon oil in an aromatherapy lamp or diffuser. This can
purify and improve the quality of the air or dispel stale air,
cigarette smoke, pet odors and unpleasant kitchen odors.
As a furniture polish - combine 3 tbsp. apricot-kernel carrier oil
and 10 drops lemongrass. Effective & non-toxic to humans & pets.
- For pets - blend 2 drops each lemongrass, lavender, geranium and
cedarwood oils in 1 oz. vodka. Add it to a mister and spray on pets,
to deter lice, scabies, fleas & ticks, being careful to avoid their
eyes.
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- To repel insects, blend 2 drops each lemongrass and cedarwood
plus 3 drops each lavender and geranium oils. Place
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Ritual Use
| Psychic awareness |
| Purification |
Cautions
| Avoid using within 6 hours prior to sun exposure. |
| Can irritate sensitive skin |
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