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What’s this
Lemongrass is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Poaceae family native to some regions of Southeast Asia and cultivated in various areas of the world. It is a plant that forms medium to large evergreen bushes composed of long leaves and ribbon-like, intensely scented. In addition to being used as an ornamental plant, in the countries of origin lemongrass is also used for food purposes. Fresh lemongrass leaves and stems cut into rounds with a characteristic citrus flavor are consumed. The lemongrass leaves they are also used to flavor tea. The flavor and aroma of lemongrass leaves is given by the presence of essential oil, which is also responsible for the properties of this plant. The best known property of lemongrass is certainly its repellent: both the plant and the essential oil and the products that contain it keep mosquitoes away and are widely used for this purpose. However, lemongrass essence also has other benefits linked to its anti-inflammatory and purifying action.
Properties and benefits
Lemongrass uses essential oil extracted by steam distillation from the leaves of Cymbopogon winterianus and Cymbopogon nardus, respectively known as Java lemongrass And Ceylon lemongrass. Lemongrass essential oil has property antiseptic against bacteria and fungi, it is anti-inflammatory, deodorant and purifying and boasts a strong repellent activity against mosquitoes and other insects. The use of lemongrass essence is particularly popular in anti-mosquito lotions, as well as in candles, incense and other products to keep these pesky insects away. Often, for this purpose it is associated with essential oils of geranium, lavender, mint and cedar. However, lemongrass is not only useful for effectively getting rid of mosquitoes but is also an excellent natural remedy against sweating excessive and to combat rheumatic, joint and muscle pains such as contractures, arthritis, tendinitis, neck pain. In case of pain, lemongrass essential oil can be used to prepare ointments or ointments, also in association with other essences with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Instead, against excessive sweating, the essential oil can be added to deodorant powders for the body or other cosmetic products.
How to use
Lemongrass essential oil is used widespread in the environment through a burner with candle or an electric diffuser, to keep mosquitoes away from closed environments or in small open spaces. Lemongrass essential oil can also be used to make mosquito repellent lotions and candles. To keep mosquitoes away, it is also possible to grow the lemongrass plant, which should be placed outside in spring and summer and sheltered indoors in winter. Finally, you can take advantage of the anti-inflammatory action of lemongrass essential oil by using it to prepare ointments to be applied externally in case of muscle and joint pain.
Mosquito lotion
To prepare a mosquito repellent lotion, simply add lemongrass essential oil and other repellent essential oils to alcohol or smooth vodka or aloe vera gel. Using alcohol you will get a spray product, while using aloe gel you will have a spreadable lotion. The essential oils to use are:
- 30 drops of lemongrass essential oil
- 15 drops of lavender essential oil
- 5 drops of geranium essential oil
- 5 drops of mint essential oil
The essences listed above should be mixed with 100 grams of aloe gel or a mixture prepared with 90 milliliters of vodka and 10 milliliters of vegetable glycerin. The preparation can be stored throughout the summer and must be shaken before each application.
Repellent candles
Repellent candles are made by melting the Beeswax and adding lemongrass essential oil after removing the wax from the heat, before it solidifies. To be effective, candles must contain large quantities of essence: approximately 50 drops of essential oil are needed for every 100 grams of wax used. Together with the essential oil of lemongrass it is also possible to use the essences of geranium and lavender. Once the essential oils have been added to the melted wax, the mixture must be poured into a glass cup or into a mold, obviously after having inserted a wick. The candles can be used after about 24 hours, when they are completely solidified.
Pain relieving ointment
An effective ointment against muscle and joint pain, contractures, neck pain, but also headaches and colds can be prepared with:
- 40 grams of shea butter
- 4 grams of beeswax
- 7 drops of lemongrass essential oil
- 7 drops of mint essential oil
- 7 drops of rosemary essential oil
To make it, just melt the shea butter and beeswax in a bain-marie (the beeswax can be replaced with a vegetable wax). Once the mixture is liquid, it is removed from the heat, the essential oils are added, mixed and poured into a clean and dry container. It can be used 24 hours after preparation and can be kept at room temperature away from sources of heat and light.
How to grow it
Cultivate lemongrass plants in the garden or in pots to be placed on windowsills, balconies and terraces, it can help ward off mosquitoes during the summer months. The cultivation of lemongrass is not particularly difficult: it is sufficient to buy one or more specimens in a well-stocked nursery and arrange them in a sunny position and in sandy, well-drained soil. When buying, be careful not to get confused with lemon verbena, also known as lemon verbena or luigia herb. Although this plant also has lemon-scented leaves, whose aroma may be reminiscent of that of lemongrass, it is a completely different species: the scientific name of lemon verbena is Aloysia citriodora. Once planted or placed in pots of at least a foot in diameter, lemongrass will need irrigations regular during the vegetative period – therefore in spring and throughout the summer – so that the soil remains moist but not soaked. In the coldest months of the year it is necessary to protect the plant from frost as these are species that do not tolerate cold winter temperatures.
Contraindications
Lemongrass essential oil should not be used in case of allergies, in pregnancy, during lactation and in children. Essential oils must always be used diluted, avoiding contact with the eyes and without exceeding the doses and time of use.
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