What is lemongrass oil?
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratusis“> is a grassy perennial native to tropical and sub-tropical environments like India and Sri Lanka. It is commercially cultivated in Southeast Asian countries and even in the United States in California and Florida. It has tall striped leaves, jagged edges, and a distinct citrus scent that some consider pungent. Quite popular in East Indian and West Indian dishes, lemongrass is much more than a garden plant. Using it for cooking has become popular in the Caribbean and in the United States for its aromatic citrus flavor. Lemongrass oil is extracted through the steam distillation of dried lemongrass.
Health benefits of lemongrass oil
Like most essential oils, lemongrass oil is full of therapeutic properties that make it potent and purposeful to our bodies. The main chemical components of lemongrass oil are myrcene, citronellal, geranyl acetate, nerol, geraniol, neral, and traces of limonene and citral. It is considered useful as an antiseptic, an antioxidant, an astringent, and as a natural deodorant while having antimicrobial, antibacterial, insecticidal, and fungicidal properties. It is most commonly used in cleaning and aromatherapy as support for the immune, joints, and muscular systems. It is a great source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5 B6, C and folate.
Hair benefits
With all the positive attributes mentioned above there is no wonder how this essential oil can easily aid in hair health. With its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, many use it for scalp conditions, namely scalp inflammation. Some aromatherapists believe that lemongrass oil can actually strengthen the hair follicles. It is known to fight hair loss and when combined with rosemary and lavender it is a great hair treatment. It is also known for people struggling with oily hair and a popular ingredient in shampoos to combat too much oil and even to add shine. It also plays well with other oils as it blends well with basil, bergamot, black pepper, cedarwood, clary sage, coriander, cypress, fennel, ginger, lavender, rosemary, and tea tree just to name a few.
Here are some popular hair products that use the positive attributes of lemongrass oil to aid your tresses:
- Obia Natural Hair Care Twist Whip Butter
- Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave-in Conditioner
- Darcy’s Botanicals Coconut Lemongrass Transitioning Crème
Lemongrass oil hair treatment
- 3 drops of lemongrass
- 3 Tbsp. of olive oil or favorite carrier oil
Mix the oils before applying to your scalp and let sit for 15 min. under a shower cap or a hot towel. Wash and style as usual.
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