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LemonGrass Oil
The oil of lemongrass primarily has long been used in
traditional Indian medicine for many things, particularly
against infectious illnesses and fevers. Oil of lemongrass has
had a very lengthy history of being powerful as an insecticide,
bactericide and antiseptic.
There has been much scientific confirmation on the traditional
uses of this oil and modern research carried out in India has
shown that lemongrass oil is highly useful as a sedative as
well. It acts on the central nervous system, which makes it a
wonderful oil when one has a headache or when the nerves need
calming.
This essential oil is an excellent alternative for headache
relief, if you are sensitive or simply have had enough of
lavender oil. The only difference between applications of
lavender vs. lemongrass oil onto the temples or forehead, is
that you must dilute lemongrass oil in a carrier oil before
massaging it in.
Essential oil of lemongrass is extracted from exactly what its
name means - from fresh and partially dried grass. Som species
can grow up to 1.5 metres high. But unlike some other herbs,
lemongrass is recycled in that after the oil is distilled, the
leftover grass is used to feed cattle and other livestock. The
oil itself can be either a yellow, amber or red-brown liquid
with a grassy-citrus scent.
The main component of lemongrass oil is citral, which
contributes to skin irritation and/or sensitivity in some
individuals when used directly on the skin( neat). Lemongrass
oil applied neat is potentially damaging to the skin and should
be used with great care. This should not be used on babies or
children. However, if you are a breast-feeding mom, lemongrass
is wonderful for stimulating the flow of milk.
All in all, lemongrass oil is a non-toxic but powerful tonic -
it has profound effects on the whole person, whether it's
digestive, circulatory or just general skin care. Always dilute
any essential oil in a vegetable base oil before application in
any form - lemongrass is no exception.
Botanical Name: Cymbopogon citratus Long lasting, alcohol free perfumes
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