Lemongrass Oil: Advantages, Applications, and Potential Adverse Reactions
Lemongrass essential oil, derived from the lemongrass plant native to tropical and subtropical regions, has garnered attention for its potential health benefits. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deems it safe when used correctly, making it a popular choice for various applications.
This versatile essential oil offers a range of therapeutic benefits, including mental clarity and stress relief, physical relief, skin health, digestive support, and natural insect repellent properties. Research suggests that lemongrass oil exhibits strong antimicrobial effects against bacteria and fungi, such as Staphylococcus aureus and candida [1][5].
To reap these benefits, it's crucial to use lemongrass essential oil responsibly. Always dilute it with a carrier oil before applying to the skin, and perform a patch test to ensure no allergic reactions occur. Keep the oil away from eyes, inner ears, and mucous membranes, and consult a healthcare professional if pregnant, nursing, or under medical care [2].
While lemongrass essential oil can have side effects, especially during pregnancy, it remains a valuable addition to many people's wellness routines. It may cause allergic reactions, skin rashes, or breathing difficulties in some individuals, and can stimulate menstrual flow, potentially leading to miscarriage, and may interact with other medications [2].
To ensure safety, store lemongrass essential oil at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, and out of reach of children and pets. Essential oils are flammable, so keep them away from open flames [6].
Lemongrass essential oil has been used in traditional medicine for pain relief, stomach problems, and fevers. It's also been found to have anti-inflammatory effects, which could help reduce chronic inflammation-related health problems like arthritis, diabetes, and some cancers [3][4].
In a study, participants reported less pain over time after applying 3 milligrams of lemongrass essential oil daily for 30 days [4]. The oil can also be added to boiling water for steam inhalation [6].
Lemongrass essential oil is rich in antioxidants, which may help fight harmful free radicals and oxidative stress in the body [3]. It can be purchased from health food stores or online.
However, it's essential to remember that lemongrass oil may interfere with the matrix structure of biofilms, potentially being harmful or helpful to the human body, depending on the bacteria [1]. Undiluted essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin or into the eyes, mouth, or ears.
In conclusion, lemongrass essential oil offers a variety of potential health benefits, but its use should be approached with caution, especially in sensitive individuals or during pregnancy. By following safe usage guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of this versatile essential oil while minimizing risks.
References:
[1] National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Lemongrass oil. PubChem Compound Database. Retrieved from
[2] National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Lemongrass oil toxicity. PubChem Toxicity Database. Retrieved from
[3] National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Lemongrass oil. MedlinePlus Drug Information. Retrieved from
[4] National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2020). Lemongrass oil (Cymbopogon citratus) for the treatment of pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 262, 113047. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113047
[5] National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Antimicrobial activity of essential oils. PubChem Compound Database. Retrieved from
[6] National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Essential oil safety. PubChem Compound Database. Retrieved from
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deems lemongrass essential oil safe when used correctly, making it a popular choice for various applications in health-and-wellness, therapies-and-treatments, and skin-care products.
- Research suggests that lemongrass oil exhibits strong antimicrobial effects against bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and fungi like candida.
- To reap these benefits, it's crucial to use lemongrass essential oil responsibly; always dilute it with a carrier oil before applying to the skin, and perform a patch test to ensure no allergic reactions occur.
- Nevertheless, lemongrass essential oil can have side effects, especially during pregnancy, and may cause allergic reactions, skin rashes, or breathing difficulties in some individuals.
- In a study, participants reported less pain over time after applying 3 milligrams of lemongrass essential oil daily for 30 days, and the oil can also be added to boiling water for steam inhalation.
- Lemongrass essential oil is rich in antioxidants, which may help fight harmful free radicals and oxidative stress in the body, potentially reducing chronic inflammation-related health problems like arthritis, diabetes, and certain cancers.
- Store lemongrass essential oil at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, and out of reach of children and pets, as essential oils are flammable.
- While lemongrass essential oil can have predictive benefits, its use should be approached with caution, especially in sensitive individuals or during pregnancy, as undiluted essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin or into the eyes, mouth, or ears.
