Lemongrass essential oil could provide some benefits for the mind and body. Here are 11 ways it can help your health.
1. Antibacterial properties
Lemongrass essential oil has some pretty antibacterial properties.
A 2016 test-tube study found that it could fight Acinetobacter baumannii, a type of bacteria that can cause infections of the urinary tract, blood, and lungs (pneumonia). However, more human studies are needed to find out how well it works.
2. Antifungal properties
A 2014 test-tube study found lemongrass essential oil was effective against Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, and Aspergillus niger fungi. This means it can help fight IRL yeast infections. But we need more human studies to find out more about all of the fungus-fighting effects.
(By the way, Candida albicans is the mastermind behind yeast infections and thrush. Ugh! But * please * don’t add essential oil to your Vajayjay. It can be irritating and make the infection worse.)
3. Anti-inflammatory properties
Lemongrass contains compounds called citral and geranium that are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
In a 2014 animal study, researchers found that oral lemongrass essential oil helped reduce inflammation in mice with carrageenan-induced paw edema. The same study also found that a topical solution of the oil reduced inflammation in mice with ear edema.
But we definitely need more research to find out if these effects would occur in humans. And it’s important to note that, unlike the rats in this study, you should never ingest essential oils.
4. Pain Relief
Since lemongrass can help reduce inflammation, there is also a chance it could relieve pain.
In a small 2017 study, daily use of topical lemongrass oil helped reduce pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis. In general, the pain decreased from 80 percent to 50 percent within 30 days.
While this is great news, we need more study to find out if these pain relieving powers are the real success.
5. Antioxidant properties
Lemongrass essential oil might have some prime antioxidant properties.
A 2015 study found that lemongrass mouthwash had powerful antioxidant effects. That means it could be a good complementary therapy for people with gingivitis or other oral health problems.
According to another 2015 study, lemongrass helped hunt free radicals in an in vitro setting.
The bad news? We need more studies to show how it works and what concentrations are most effective.
6. May support digestive health
Some anecdotal evidence suggests that lemongrass may help reduce nausea, pain, gas, and cramping caused by a variety of gastrointestinal disorders.
While a 2012 study found that lemongrass essential oil helped prevent stomach ulcers in mice, we need more human studies to see if this is a legitimate benefit.
7. Can treat diarrhea
Diarrhea stinks. Fortunately, lemongrass could help get your bowels going again.
According to research from 2011, the plant has some pretty sweet antidiarrheal effects. But we need more study to see if it can really stop the trabs.
Additionally, researchers are still trying to figure out how best to ingest lemongrass as an abdominal treatment (e.g., through inhalation, tinctures, or tea).
8. Can lower cholesterol
Lemongrass oil can help your heart health. A 2011 study in rats found that lemongrass oil can reduce hyperlipidemia (high particles of fat in the blood).
A 2007 study found that lemongrass oil lowered cholesterol levels in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet for 2 weeks. But the researchers fed the oil orally to the rats, and the use of essential oils is not recommended for us humans. If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, see a doctor for safe treatment.
And remember, we need more research on the possible effects of lemongrass oil on cholesterol in humans.
9. Might help regulate blood sugar
According to a 2007 animal study, lemongrass oil could help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The researchers gave rats 125 to 500 milligrams of lemongrass oil orally for 42 days and found that it helped lower blood sugar levels and raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
But that’s not cold, hard evidence that lemongrass alone can help regulate blood sugar levels. Again, please do not try it at home – ingestion of essential oils can be dangerous and is not recommended.
10. Reduction of stress and anxiety
Some people use lemongrass essential oil to calm themselves down. It’s a popular addition to aromatherapy, mindfulness, and yoga practices. There is also a possibility that it may increase the anti-stress benefits of massage therapy.
A 2015 study looked at the use of sweet almond and lemongrass oils during massage. Participants who received massage with the oil once a week for 3 weeks had lower diastolic blood pressure than those who did not. This could indicate a reduction in stress levels, but we need more studies to find out for sure.
11. Relief from headaches and migraines
Lemongrass could help a throbbing head. A 2011 study found that native Australian lemongrass can help relieve headaches and migraines. The researchers concluded that a compound called eugenol could be the reason, thanks to its aspirin-like effects. But once again we need more concrete evidence.
