Lemongrass

About lemongrass oil:

Cymbopogon flexuosus is a tall, perennial grass, native to India, Sri Lanka, Burma and Thailand.  It is placed in the genus Cymbopogon (lemon grasses).  Lemongrass oil is steam distilled from the blades (leaves) of the Cymbopogon flexuosus plant, yielding an oil with a citrusy, herbaceous, smoky aroma, and high in the chemical constituents of geranial, neral.  Its pungent, herbaceous aroma heightens awareness and promotes a positive outlook.

Lemongrass has a subtle citrusy flavor, and is used in Asian cuisine in soups, teas and curries, as well as with fish, poultry, beef and seafood.

In addition to its unique flavor, lemongrass essential oil supports healthy digestion.  It is purifying and toning to the skin, and is frequently used in skin care products for these benefits.  Lemongrass can soothe aching muscles and joints, making it an ideal oil to use in massage therapy or applied directly to problem areas.  It also acts as an overall tonic to the body’s systems.

Primary benefits of lemongrass oil

• Supports healthy digestion
• Soothes aching muscles and joints
• Purifies and tones skin
• Heightens awareness and promotes a positive outlook

Uses for lemongrass oil

• To help soothe aching joints or muscle sprains, combine equal parts fractionated coconut oil and lemongrass oil, and rub topically on area of concern.
• Use to flavor entrées and meat dishes, while promoting healthy digestion.
• Rub or spritz on skin before going outside, to naturally repels insects.

How to use:

Lemongrass oil is intended for topical, aromatic or dietary use.  Dilution for sensitive skin is recommended.

• Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
• Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fl oz of liquid.  Lemongrass is certified as GRAS.
• Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area.  Dilution with dōTERRA‘s fractionated coconut oil is recommended, to minimize any possible skin sensitivity.  See additional precautions below.

Cautions: Possible skin sensitivity.  Keep out of reach of children.  If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician.  Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears and sensitive areas.  One more thing: Lemongrass can stain both your skin and clothing, giving it a strange orange-ish appearance; so you might want to limit its use to areas that are normally covered with clothing, and don’t use immediately before putting clothing on over the application site.