Lemongrass essential oil is a popular tool in aromatherapy. It is claimed to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression and remedy digestive ailments.
However, there is little high quality research supporting these claims.
Lemongrass is a tropical, grassy plant used in cooking and herbal medicine. Its oil, extracted from the leaves and stalks, has a powerful citrus scent. It’s often found in soaps and other personal care products.
Many people also claim that lemongrass oil can have various health benefits. Keep reading to learn more about the reported benefits of lemongrass oil.
Many people use lemongrass as a natural remedy to heal wounds and help prevent infection. A 2020 test tube study found that several compounds found in lemongrass exhibited antibacterial properties.
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However, further study is required to fully assess the efficacy and safety of lemongrass oil as a natural antibacterial remedy.
Lemongrass oil may also have antifungal properties. A
Candida albicans is the most common naturally occurring fungus on the skin. Overgrowth of this fungi can cause thrush.
Chronic inflammation is thought to cause many health problems, including arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. Lemongrass contains citral, an anti-inflammatory compound.
Antioxidants help your body fight off free radicals that damage cells. Research has shown that lemongrass essential oil helps hunt free radicals.
Lemongrass is used as a folk remedy for a number of digestive problems, ranging from stomachaches to gastric ulcers. According to a 2018 study on mice, lemongrass essential oil may aid in gastric healing.
Lemongrass is also a common ingredient in herbal teas and supplements for nausea. People may anecdotally claim that lemongrass tea and other supplements may aid overall digestive health, but research in this area is lacking.
Lemongrass oil may help reduce blood sugar in diabetes cases, according to a
Several older studies reported similar findings in animal and test tube studies–according to a 2024 review. However, further controlled human studies are required to fully assess the efficacy of lemongrass oil as a complementary treatment to traditional diabetes management.
The citral in lemongrass essential oil may help ease pain as it relieves inflammation. According to a 2017 study on people with rheumatoid arthritis, topical lemongrass oil decreased their arthritis pain. On average, pain levels were gradually reduced from 80 to 50% within 30 days.
However, this study only included 30 participants, so the providence of its findings is limited.
Many people claim that aromatherapy and essential oils can treat a wide range of conditions, including stress and anxiety. However, there is a lack of scientific support for essential oil use in anxiety management, and studies in the area often rely on anecdotal or self-reported benefits.
While scientific backing is lacking, people may find the use of essential oils in massages or aromatherapy relaxing, and it carries little risk of side effects.
To use lemongrass in aromatherapy, you add lemongrass essential oils to a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil, to create a solution. From there, you can mix into a warm bath or massage into your skin.
Never apply essential oils directly to your skin. They are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Patch testing
It’s a good idea to do a patch test before using a diluted essential oil more widely on your skin. This will help you see how your skin reacts to the substance. If you notice any signs of discomfort within 24 hours, such as redness, blistering, or irritation, remove the bandage and wash your skin with mild soap and water. But if you don’t experience any discomfort after 24 hours, the diluted essential oil is likely safe for use.
Learn more about using essential oils safely.
Lemongrass essential oil is highly concentrated. Its side effects aren’t well-studied. In some people, they may be stronger than the side effects of the lemongrass plant.
Lemongrass may cause an allergic reaction or skin irritation when used topically. Other reported side effects of oral lemongrass include:
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- increased appetite
- increased urination
Essential oils may be toxic when ingested. You shouldn’t ingest lemongrass essential oil unless you are under the care of a healthcare professional who will monitor your treatment.
You shouldn’t use lemongrass as a complementary therapy or in place of your regular treatment for any condition unless under your doctor’s guidance and supervision.
Some research has shown that lemongrass essential oil has powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and astringent abilities. Still, more studies are needed on humans before it can be recommended as a mainstream treatment.
Until lemongrass essential oil is proven safe and effective, you may want to drink lemongrass tea — with your doctor’s approval — as a natural remedy for stomach problems and other conditions.