When I started Ca’Mora in 2021, lemongrass and lemongrass oil was not an herb that I was familiar with. In fact, a customer asked me to consider making lemongrass oil and I’m forever grateful for the suggestion. I learned through my research the amazing skin benefits that lemongrass oil can provide. I immediately knew that this herb and I would become fast friends.
Lemongrass is a tall, grassy plant native to the tropical climate islands of Southeast Asia. It is used as a seasoning in many Indian, Thai, and Chinese recipes. It has also been used to brew tea all around the world. Oil is extracted from the plant using steam distillation. These powerhouse essential oils are known by their scientific names Cymbopogon citratus or Andropogon citratus and are comprised of myrcene, citronellal, geranyl, acetate, neroh, geraniol, neral, limonene, and citral.
Lemongrass smells much like lemons, but many people describe the scent as milder and less sour. The plant and its oil are commonly used in personal care products, hair care products, and recipes for food and drinks. Lemongrass offers a number of amazing benefits for the hair, skin, and body. This article will focus on the benefits for hair and skin.
Detoxification
One of the most popular skin benefitting properties of lemongrass oil is its ability to detoxify the skin and pores. The antioxidant properties of the oil help to neutralize free radicals, improving the appearance of the skin. Lemongrass has both antibacterial and antifungal properties which makes it effective at healing wounds and preventing skin infections by inhibiting bacterial growth. Many formulators use lemongrass in antiseptic lotions and creams for this reason. The antifungal qualities of lemongrass can help treat infections such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, or jock itch.
The antibacterial properties of lemongrass can help reduce the amount of oil produced on the skin. It serves as a natural astringent. Self-care practices such as using steam infused with lemongrass essential oil help clarify the skin preventing acne flareups and reducing visible abnormalities.
Lemongrass is an amazing herb for hair and scalp health. The antifungal properties help reduce dandruff or itchy, flaky scalp. The oil also prevents hair shedding, promotes hair growth, and contracts follicles to prevent hair loss. The scent of lemongrass also repels lice and prevents them from thriving on the scalp.
Anti-Inflammatory Qualities
The anti-inflammatory properties of lemongrass can serve as an analgesic, reducing pain and inflammation. Citral, a component of lemongrass, is responsible for this characteristic. It can be used to reduce pain in muscles, joints, teeth, and many types of headaches. It’s a great choice to use on the entire body after exercise, reducing pain resulting from strenuous activity.
Deodorizing
Lemongrass can be used as a natural deodorant. The herb is safer than commercially produced deodorants and are safer for the environment. It can serve as a natural deodorant without the typical side effects.
Cautions
Some people have negative reactions to lemongrass, especially on the skin. For this reason, starting to use lemongrass during pregnancy should be avoided. Some people also respond to lemongrass with dizziness, drowsiness, increased appetite, and increased urination. If you have concerns, discuss the use of lemongrass oil with your physician prior to initiating use.
As the product designer for Ca’Mora, I have enjoyed experimenting with lemongrass. The Organic Lemongrass and Calendula Body Oil infuses for four weeks prior to bottling. The lemongrass shea butter soap will leave your skin soft and moisturized. The Ca'Mora Organic Hair Growth Oil is infused with lemongrass and will make a wonderful addition to your hair growth journey.
This article focused on the skin and hair benefits of lemongrass. There are many other reported health benefits that impact the gastric, endocrine, muscular, and neurological systems. Future articles will address these additional benefits of lemongrass oil.
Reference
Retrieved from (May 2023): http://www.healthline.com/health/lemongrass-essential-oil.