Lavender

Lavender is best known and loved for its fragrance.
The herb has been used since ancient times in perfumery.
As an aromatic plant, lavender lifts the spirits and chases
melancholy. Taking just a few whiffs of this sweetsmelling
herb is said to dispel dizziness. Traditionally,
women in labor clutched sprigs of lavender to bring
added courage and strength to the task of childbearing. A
decoction of the flower may be used as a feminine
douche for leucorrhoea. The dried blossoms, sewn into
sachets, may be used to repel moths and to scent clothing,
or may be lit like incense to scent a room. Because
of its fumigant properties, the herb was hung in the home
to repel flies and mosquitoes, and strewn about to sanitize
the floors. Lavender essential oil was a component
of smelling salts in Victorian times.
The essential oil of certain lavender species has a
sedative, antispasmodic, and tranquilizing effect. Lavender
has been long valued as a headache remedy. It can be
taken in a mild infusion, or can be rubbed on the temples,
or sniffed like smelling salts to provide relief from
headaches caused by stress. Lavender oil is antiseptic, and
has been used as a topical disinfectant for wounds. In high
doses, it can kill many common bacteria such as typhoid,
diphtheria, streptococcus, and pneumococcus, according to
some research. The essential oil has also been used as a
folk treatment for the bite of some venomous snakes.
When used in hydrotherapy as part of an aromatic,
Epsom salt bath, the essential oils of some species will
soothe tired nerves and relieve the pain of neuralgia. They
are also used topically on burns and have been shown to
speed healing. It is also a fine addition to a foot bath for
sore feet. Lavender essence makes a pleasant massage oil
for kneading sore muscles and joints. Acting internally,
lavender’s chemical properties increase the flow of bile
into the intestines, relieving indigestion. Its carminative
properties help expel intestinal gas. Lavender is an adjuvant
and may be used in combination with other herbs to
make a tonic cordial to strengthen the nervous system.
A 2002 report from Korea showed that aromatherapy
massage with lavender oil and tea tree oil on patients
undergoing hemodialysis for kidney failure received
relief from the itching the treatment often causes.






Preparations



The medicinal properties of lavender are extracted
primarily from the oil glands in the leaf and blossom. The
plant contains volatile oil, tannins, coumarins, flavonoids,
and triterpenoids as active chemical components. These
phytochemicals are the plant constituents responsible for
the medicinal properties. Lavender’s volatile oil is best
when extracted from flowers picked before they reach
maximum bloom and following a long period of hot and
dry temperatures. The flower spikes dry quickly when
spread on a mat in an airy place away from direct sun.

Distilled oil: The essential oil of lavender is extracted
by steam distillation. Just a few drops of this essential
oil are effective for topical applications. Commercial distillations
of this essential oil are readily available.


Lavender tea: An infusion of the fresh or dried flowers
and leaf can be made by pouring a pint of boiling
water over one ounce of the dry leaf and flower, or two
ounces fresh herb, in a non-metallic pot. It can be
steeped (covered) for about ten minutes, strained and
sweetened to taste. It should be drunk while still warm.
Lavender tea may be taken throughout the day, a mouthful
at a time, or warm, by the cup, up to three cups per
day. Lavender works well in combination with other
medicinal herbs in infusion.

Lavender oil extract: In a glass container, one ounce
of freshly harvested lavender flowers can be combined
with 1-1/2 pints of olive oil, sufficient to cover the herb.
It should be placed in a sunny windowsill for about three
days and shaken daily. After three days, the mixture
should be strained through muslin or cheesecloth. More
fresh flowers should be added and the process repeated
until the oil has the desired aromatic strength. Lavender
extract can be safely used internally to treat migraines,
and nervous indigestion. A few drops on a sugar cube
can speed headache relief. Externally, a small amount of
lavender oil, rubbed on sore joints, can relieve rheumatism.
The essential oil has also been used to minimize
scar tissue when applied to burned skin.

Lavender sachet: Dried lavender blossoms and
leaves can be sewn into a small cloth bag to scent linens
and deter insects. The bag may be placed beneath the pillow
as an aromatherapy.

Lavender vinegar: Fresh leaves and blossoms may
be steeped in white vinegar for seven days, then strained
and stored in a tightly capped bottle.






Precautions


Lavender has a long history of use as an essential oil
and as a mildly sedative tea. When taken in moderation
the tea is safe. It is important to note that, as with all essential
oils, high or chronic doses of lavender essential
oil are toxic to the kidney and liver. Infants are even
more easily overdosed than adults.
Interestingly, lavenderís relaxant effects were put to
the test in a 2002 study on aromatherapyís effects on improved
mental or physical performance. It seems that
study subjects who smelled lavender actually did worse
on mental tests than those who smelled nothing at all. So
those choosing to use lavenderís soothing effects should
perhaps choose the timing carefully.




Side effects


No known side effects.



Interactions


As an adjuvant, lavender can enhance the helpful
properties of other herbs when used in combination.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) leaves can be combined
with lavender as a headache infusion. For cramping, an infusion
of lavender and valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
makes a soothing tea. Lavender’s pleasant scent works
well to cover disagreeable odors of other herbs in medicinal
combinations. A tonic cordial can be made by combining
fresh rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaves, cinnamon,
nutmeg, and sandlewood with the lavender blossoms
and steeping the mixture in brandy for about a week

Essential OIls for some common illnesess

ABDOMINAL PAIN

Abdominal Pain should be checked by a doctor if it persists and increases in intensity because it could be appendicitis or another condition that needs to be properly diagnosed.

Upper Abdominal Area.
Apply the following oil over the painful area in a clockwise direction:

Peppermint 3 drops
Clove 2 drops

Diluted in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (sunflower, olive, jojoba, sweet almond, apricot kernel, grapeseed etc)

Lower Abdominal Area.
Apply the following oil over the painful area in a clockwise direction:

Thyme 2 drops
Eucalyptus 3 drops

Diluted in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (sunflower, olive, jojoba, sweet almond, apricot kernel, grapeseed etc)




ATHLETES FOOT

Make up a mixture of 2 drops of tea tree and 1 drop of lavender, dip a cotton-wool ball into it and smear it between the toes and around the nails. Also, make up the following massage oil and rub it over your feet, paying special attention to the toes:

Tea tree 5 drops
Lemon 1 drop

Diluted in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (sunflower, olive, jojoba, sweet almond, apricot kernel, grapeseed etc)





CHAPPED SKIN

Make up the following oil and massage over the chapped area, including the face if affected:

Geranium 10 drops
Chamomile 10 drops
Lemon 5 drops
Lavender 5 drops

Diluted in 2 teaspoon vegetable oil (sunflower, olive, jojoba, sweet almond, apricot kernel, grapeseed etc)




COMMON COLDS

Use the following oils in a hot bath. Lie back and inhale deeply:
Thyme 2 drops
Tea tree 2 drops
Eucalyptus 1 drop
Lemon 3 drops

For steam inhalation method, use one drop each of the following: tea tree, lavender, thyme and clove.

Carry with you tissue on which you have placed one drop each of red thyme, peppermint, eucalyptus and clove, and inhale deeply whenever possible.

Massage around the chest, neck and sinus area (forehead, nose and cheekbones) with the following:

Lemon 1 drop
Eucalyptus 2 drops
Rosemary 3 drops

Diluted in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (sunflower, olive, jojoba, sweet almond, apricot kernel, grapeseed etc)




COUGHS

Dry cough. Mix 2 drops of eucalyptus and 2 drops of lemon oil with 2 tablespoons honey. Take 1 teaspoon of this and dilute in a wine glass of wam water. Sip it slowly.

Massage over the back and chest with:

Eucalyptus 3 drops
Thyme 2 drops

Diluted in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (sunflower, olive, jojoba, sweet almond, apricot kernel, grapeseed etc)

For the steam inhalation method, use 3 drops of lavender.

Cough with mucus. Follow the treatment outlined above except for the drink. For this mix of the following essential oils into the tablespoon of honey:

Eucalyptus 2 drops
Thyme 1 drop
Tea tree 1 drop

Blend together and use 1 drop only.




HAY FEVER

Put 1 drop each of chamomile and lemon essential oils onto a tissue and inhale. Add the following combination to baths:

Chamomile 2 drops
Lemon 2 drops
Lavender 1 drop

Massage the neck, chest and back with:

Chamomile 2 drops
Geranium 1 drop
Lemon 1 drop

Diluted in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (sunflower, olive, jojoba, sweet almond, apricot kernel, grapeseed etc)

Because hey fever affects people in different ways, treatment is often a case of trial and error. Experiment with the essential oils.




LARYNGITIS

Use steam inhalations with the following oils added:

Chamomile 2 drops
Lavender 3 drops
Thyme 1 drop

Massage all over the neck area and behind the ears with the following:

Chamomile 5 drops
Thyme 1 drop
Lemon 2 drops

Diluted in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (sunflower, olive, jojoba, sweet almond, apricot kernel, grapeseed etc)

To reduce the soreness, make a drink by adding 2 drops of lemon and 1 drop lavender to 2 teaspoons of honey and mixing it into a wine glassfull of rosewater which has been boiled.

COFFEE MOCHA Lotion with HEMP SEED OIL is IN!!!!!

I have been thinking a lot lately is it OK to make Coffee Mocha Lotion. I know it smells good....who doesnt like a cup of freshly brewed mocha? Its so creamy and the aroma so rich, that it captures your senses and takes you away.

Soooo, I grabbed my tools and my oils and had to whip up something. The coffee aroma from the essential oil had me right away. I was laughing thinking how I just want to drink this. But - you would find me in the ER from lotion overdoze :-) The chocolate fragrance oil was so rich and dark in the scent, that I wished I had a bar of chocolate. But hey! If I cant eat that calorie-full-thing, then at least my nose is getting a whiff of the fat free thing, right?

Luckily for me...tee heeee....I had an ounse of leftover. So, guess what? Yeap, I am keeping it so I can use it on myself. I already put a little bit on my arm and I am in LOVE!!! Who needs real coffee anyways?

Well, not really. I DO need real coffee too. Maybe thats why I like this scent so much.



Yeap, that one above is mine!

:-)

Eucalyptus

The Australian aborigines have used eucalyptus for
hundreds of years as a remedy for fever, wounds,
coughs, asthma, and joint pain. Australian settlers
named the eucalyptus the fever tree because of its disease-
fighting properties. Baron Ferdinand von Miller, a
German botanist and explorer, was responsible for making
the properties of eucalyptus known to the world in
the mid-1800s. Likening eucalyptus’ scent to that of cajaput
oil (a disinfectant), von Miller suggested that eucalyptus
might also be used as a disinfectant in fever districts.
Seeds of the tree were sent to Algiers, France and
planted. The trees thrived and, because of the drying action
of the roots, turned one of the marshiest areas of Algiers
into a dry and healthy environment, thereby driving
away malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Eucalyptus trees
were then planted in temperate areas around the world to
prevent malaria. As a result, eucalyptus trees are now
cultivated in China, India, Portugal, Spain, Egypt, South
and North Africa, Algeria, South America, and in the
southern portion of the United States.
Commercial production of eucalyptus began in Victoria,
Australia in 1860. The nineteenth century eclectic
doctors adopted eucalyptus as a treatment for fevers,
laryngitis, asthma, chronic bronchitis, whooping
cough, gonorrhea, ulcers, gangrenous tissue, edema,
and gastrointestinal disturbances. European doctors used
eucalyptus oil to sterilize their surgical and medical
equipment. Eucalyptus leaves were often made into cigars
or cigarettes and smoked to relieve asthma and
bronchial congestion.
Modern medicines around the world have included
eucalyptus in their practices. Indian ayurvedics use eucalyptus
to treat headaches resulting from colds. Eucalyptus
is listed in the Indian Pharmacopoeia as an expectorant
and in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as a skin irritant
used in nerve pain. In France, eucalyptus leaves are applied
topically to relieve congestion from colds and to
treat acute bronchial disease. A standardized eucalyptus
tea is licensed in Germany to treat bronchitis and throat
inflammations. Eucalyptus is also an ingredient in German
herbal cough preparations. The German Commission
E has approved the internal use of eucalyptus to
treat congestion of the respiratory tract, and the external
use to treat rheumatic complaints. In the United States,
eucalyptus is a component of many decongestant and expectorating
cough and cold remedies, such as cough
drops, cough syrups, and vapor baths. Eucalyptus is
often used in veterinary medicine. It is used to treat horses
with flu, dogs with distemper, and to treat parasitic
skin conditions.






GENERAL USE


Eucalyptus is most popular for its ability to clear
congestion due to colds, coughs, flu, asthma, and sinusitis.
The tannins found in eucalyptus have astringent
properties that reduce mucous membrane inflammation
of the upper respiratory tract. Eucalyptol, the chemical
component of the oil, works to loosen phlegm. Cough
drops containing eucalyptus promote saliva production,
which increases swallowing and lessens the coughing
impulse. Earaches can also be treated with eucalyptus.
When inhaled, the eucalyptus fumes open the eustachian
tubes, draining fluids and relieving pressure. Eucalyptus
enhances breathing, which makes it an effective
remedy for asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, whooping
cough, and colds.
Eucalyptus is a component of many topical arthritis
creams and analgesic ointments. When applied to the skin,
eucalyptus stimulates blood flow and creates a warm feeling
to the area, relieving pain in muscles and joints
The oil extracted from the eucalyptus leaf has powerful
antiseptic, deodorizing, and antibacterial properties. It is especially
effective in killing several strains of Staphylococcus
bacteria. A mixture of 2% eucalyptus oil evaporated in
an aroma lamp has been shown to destroy 70% of the
Staphylococcus bacteria in the affected room. When the oil
is applied to cuts, scrapes, and other minor wounds, it inhibits
infections and viruses. A 2002 report out of Australia
made researchers around the world take note when two
cases of patients with staph infections resistant to traditional
antibiotic therapy responded to a mixture of eucalyptus leaf
oil abstract. The Australian researchers recommended formal
clinical trials to test the therapy, based on an ancient
aboriginal remedy. Eucalyptus also fights plaque-forming
bacteria and is used to treat gum disease and gingivitis.
In large doses, the oil can be a kidney irritant and
can induce excretion of bodily fluids and waste products.
Eucalyptus oil added to water may be gargled to relieve
sore throat pain or used as a mouthwash to heal mouth
sores or gum disorders. Consequently, eucalyptus is an
ingredient in many commercial mouthwashes.
Eucalyptus’ pain-relieving properties make it a good
remedy for muscle tension. One study showed that a
mixture of eucalyptus, peppermint, and ethanol oils successfully
relieved headache-related muscle tension.
Eucalyptus may lower blood sugar levels. Placing a
drop of the oil on the tongue may reduce nausea. The oil
has also been used to kill dust mites and fleas.
Eucalyptus oil is one of the most well-known fragrances
in aromatherapy. Two species of eucalyptus are
used in aromatherapy oils: E. globulus and E. citriodora.
The essential oil of eucalyptus is used to relieve cramps,
cleanse the blood, heal wounds, disinfect the air, and to
treat conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, throat and
sinus infections, fevers, kidney infections, rheumatism,
bladder infections, and sore muscles.
The essential oil can be diluted and added to a massage
oil to ease aching muscles. The oil can be added to
hot water and inhaled to reduce nasal congestion. It can
also be diffused in the room of a sick patient to disinfect
the air.
Some believe that inhaling the diffused oil can enhance
concentration and thought processes. Studies have
shown that inhalation of the cineole compound of eucalyptus
stimulates coordination and motor activities in
mice. Eucalyptus oil may also uplift the spirit during
times of emotional overload or general sluggishness.
Applying a diluted oil to the skin instead of inhaling
it increases the rate of absorption into the blood. Often
the speed with which it is absorbed is so fast, the odor
can be detected on the breath within minutes
The oil is also an effective febrifuge, and a cold
compress with eucalyptus oil added to it has a cooling
effect that is useful in helping to reduce a fever. The essential
oil of eucalyptus is also used to treat wounds, herpes
simplex virus, skin ulcers, and acne. Combined with
water, the oil makes an effective insect repellant. Because
of its skin-moistening properties, the oil is often an
ingredient in dandruff shampoo.
Eucalyptus oil may be combined with other oils that
have similar properties, such as niaouli, pine, Swiss pine,
hyssop, and thyme oils. It also mixes well with lemon,
verbena, balm, and lavender oils.





PREPARATIONS

Eucalyptus is available as a tincture, cream, ointment,
essential oil, or lozenge. Many health food stores
carry fresh or dried eucalyptus leaf in bulk. Eucalyptus
can be ingested through the use of teas or tincture preparations,
inhaled, or applied externally.
Eucalyptus infusion is ingested to treat coughs,
colds, bronchitis, congestion, and throat infections. To
create an infusion, 1 cup of boiling water is poured over
1-2 teaspoons of crushed eucalyptus leaves. The mixture
is covered and steeped for 10 minutes and is then
strained. Up to 2 cups can be drunk daily.
Inhaling eucalyptus vapors is beneficial for sinus
and bronchial congestion that occurs with bronchitis,
whooping cough, colds, asthma, influenza, and other
respiratory illnesses. A drop of eucalyptus oil or two to
three fresh or dried leaves are added to a pan of boiling
water or to a commercial vaporizer. The pan is removed
from the heat, a towel is placed over the pan and the patient’s
head, and the patient inhales the rising steam. Patients
should close their eyes when inhaling the steam to
protect them from eucalyptus’ strong fumes.
For healing wounds and preventing infection, the
wound is washed and then diluted eucalyptus oil or
crushed eucalyptus leaves are applied to the affected area.
For relief of muscle aches or arthritis pain, several
drops of the diluted oil are rubbed onto the affected area,
or a few drops of diluted oil are added to bath water for a
healing bath. Adding eucalyptus leaves wrapped in a
cloth to running bath water is also effective.
For gum disease, a few drops of diluted oil are
placed on a fingertip and massaged into the gums.
Tinctures should contain 5-10% essential oil of eucalyptus.
A person can take 1 ml three times daily.
Ointments should contain 5-20% essential oil of eucalyptus.
The person should use as directed for chapped
hands, joint and muscle pains, and dandruff.



PRECAUTIONS


Children or infants should not be treated with eucalyptus.
Of special note, eucalyptus oil should not be applied
to the facial areas (especially the nose or eyes) of
small children or infants. Pregnant or breast-feeding
women should not use eucalyptus.
People with digestive problems, stomach or intestinal
inflammations, biliary duct disorders, or liver disease
should not take eucalyptus.
Undiluted eucalyptus oil should never be ingested.
Small amounts of undiluted oil (even in amounts as little as
one teaspoon) are toxic and may cause circulatory problems,
collapse, suffocation, or death. Eucalyptus oil should
always be diluted in a carrier oil such as almond, grapeseed,
or other vegetable oil before applying to the skin.



SIDE EFFECTS



Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur in rare
cases. Applying eucalyptus to the skin may cause a rash
in those who are sensitive or allergic to eucalyptus.


INTERACTIONS


Eucalyptus works to detoxify the body. If it is used
simultaneously with other drugs, the effects of those
drugs may be weakened.

Making my Halloween lotion

I was not sure if I should have colored it, but had to do it only for fun. Had to make sure that when mixing the red and yellow - I would actually get orange, didnt want to screw it up while the essential oils were in there:





Thats the first stages. Then I added the myrrh...ooooo...the myrrh! So thick, its so hard to tell how many drops there are falling - cuz its not even drops, its like slime falling off...lol



And then the nice whiff came from blending all the oils together - myrrh, the good old frankincense, cedarwood, orange, lemon....wow....I was just looking at this pale orange thing and thought - melted creamsicle!!!



And finally - into the bottle without flipping it over! Dang upside down turned bottles!

Dandelion

Dandelion has a long history of folk use. Early
colonists brought the herb to North America. The native
people soon recognized the value of the herb and sought
it out for its medical and nutritious benefits. The entire
plant is important as a general tonic, particularly as a
liver tonic. It may be taken as an infusion of the leaf, a
juice extraction, a root decoction, or a tincture. Fresh
leaves may be added to salads or cooked as a potherb.
The juice extracted from the stem and leaf is the most
potent part of the plant for medicinal purposes. It has
been used to eradicate warts and soothe calluses, bee
stings, or sores. Infusions of dandelion blossoms have
been used as a beautifying facial, refreshing the skin.
Dandelion is a nutritive herb rich in potassium,
calicum, and lecithin, with iron, magnesium, niacin,
phosphorus, proteins, silicon, boron, and zinc. Dandelion
provides several B vitamins along with vitamins C
and E as well as vitamin P. Chemical constituents in the
leaf include bitter glycosides, carotenoids, terpenoids,
choline, potassium salts, iron, and other minerals. The
root also has bitter glycosides, tannins, triterpenes,
sterols, volatile oil, choline, asparagin, and inulin.
Many herbalists regard the dandelion as an effective
treatment for liver disease, useful even in such extreme
cases as cirrhosis. It cleanses the bloodstream and increases
bile production, and is a good remedy for gall
bladder problems as well. The herb is also a boon to such
other internal organs as the pancreas, kidneys, stomach,
and spleen. The dried leaf, taken as a tea, is used as a
mild laxative to relieve constipation. Dandelion leaf is
also a good natural source of potassium, and will replenish
any potassium that may be lost due to the herb’s diuretic
action on the kidneys. This characteristic makes
dandelion a safe diuretic in cases of water retention due
to heart problems.The herb is useful in cases of anemia
and hepatitis, and may lower elevated blood pressure.
Dandelion may also provide relief for rheumatism and
arthritis. Dandelion therapy, consisting of therapeutic
doses of dandelion preparations taken over time, may
help reduce stiffness and increase mobility in situations
of chronic degenerative joint disease. The root, dried and
minced, can used as a coffee substitute, sometimes combined
with roasted acorns and rye.




Preparations


All parts of the dandelion have culinary and medicinal
value. It is best to harvest fresh young dandelion
leaves in the spring. The small, young leaves are less bitter,
and may be eaten uncooked in salads. Larger leaves
can be lightly steamed to reduce bitterness. Leaves gathered
in the fall are naturally less bitter. Dandelion blossoms,
traditionally used in wine making, may be gathered
throughout the flowering season. The deep, fleshy
taproot should be gathered in the fall. It takes careful
digging and loosening to extract the root intact, although
any root parts left in the soil will eventually produce another
plant. The root should be washed. Thicker roots
should be sliced down their length to facilitate drying.
The pieces should be spread out on a paper-lined tray in
a light, airy room out of direct sunlight and stored in
tightly sealed dark glass containers. Dried dandelion root
may be somewhat less potent than the fresh root.
Leaf infusion: Place 2 oz of fresh dandelion leaf, less
if dried, in a warmed glass container. Bring 2.5 cups of
fresh nonchlorinated water to the boiling point and add it
to the herbs. Cover the mixture and steep for 15–20 minutes,
then strain. Drink the infusion warm or cold throughout
the day, up to three cups per day. The prepared tea can
be kept for about two days in the refrigerator.
Tincture: Combine 4 oz of finely-cut fresh dandelion
root and leaf (or 2 oz of dry powdered herb) with 1
pt of brandy, gin, or vodka in a glass container. The alcohol
should be enough to cover the plant parts and have a
50/50 ratio of alcohol to water. Cover and store the mixture
away from light for about two weeks, shaking several
times each day. Strain and store in a tightly capped
dark glass bottle. A standard dose is 10–15 drops of the
tincture in water, up to three times a day.


Precautions


Dandelion acts as a cholagogue, which means that it
increases the flow of bile. It should not be used by persons
with closure of the biliary ducts and other biliary
ailments.


Side effects


Dandelion is a safe and nutritious herb widely used
throughout the world. No health hazards have been reported
when dandelion is used in designated therapeutic
doses. According to the PDR For Herbal Medicine, however,
some “superacid gastric complaints” could be triggered
by using the herb. Dandelion stems contain a liquid
latex substance that may be irritating to the skin of
senstitive persons.


Interactions


No interactions have been reported between dandelion
and standard medications.

Lemongrass

Resembling a gigantic weed, lemongrass is an aromatic
tropical plant with long, slender blades that can
grow to a height of 5 ft (1.5 m). Believed to have a wide
range of therapeutic effects, the herb has been used forcenturies in South America and India and has also become
popular in the United States. Aside from folk medicine,
lemongrass is a favorite ingredient in Thai cuisine
and dishes that boast a tangy, Asian flavor. While there
are several species of lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratus
is the variety most often recommended for medicinal
purposes. Native to Southeast Asia, lemongrass can also
be found growing in India, South America, Africa, Australia,
and the United States. Only the fresh or dried
leaves of lemongrass, and the essential oil derived from
them, are used as a drug. Cymbopogon citratus , which
belongs to the Poaceae family of plants, is also referred
to as West Indian lemongrass.
Not to be confused with lemon balm, which is an
entirely different herb, lemongrass is considered by
herbalists to have several useful properties, including antibacterial,
antifungal, and fever-reducing effects. Some
of these claims have been supported by animal and laboratory
studies. In one test-tube investigation, published
in the medical journal Microbios in 1996, researchers
demonstrated that lemongrass was effective against 22
strains of bacteria and 12 types of fungi. Scientific research
has also bolstered the herb’s reputation as an analgesic
and sedative. A study conducted in rodents suggests
that myrcene, a chemical found in the essential oil
of Cymbopogon citratus, may act as a site-specific pain
reliever. Unlike aspirin and similar analgesics, which
tend to alleviate pain throughout the body, myrcene
seems to work only on particular areas. A study involving
people indicates that lemongrass may also affect the
way the body processes cholesterol.
More recently, lemongrass has been shown to have
antimutagenic properties; that is, researchers have found
that it is able to reverse chemically induced mutations in
certain strains of bacteria.
While they may not be aware of it, most Americans
have already tried lemongrass in one form or another.
Citral, a key chemical found in Cymbopogon citratus, is
an ingredient in a variety of foods and beverages (including
alcohol). It can be found in candies, puddings, baked
goods, meat products, and even in certain fats and oils.
Citral is a pale yellow liquid that evaporates rapidly at
room temperature. Like other essential oils, lemongrass
is also used as a fragrance enhancer in many perfumes,
soaps, and detergents.


General use


While not approved by the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA), lemongrass reportedly has a wide variety
of therapeutic effects. Because the herb has not been
studied extensively in people, its effectiveness is based
mainly on the results of animal and laboratory studies as
well as its centuries-old reputation as a folk remedy.
Lemongrass is one of the most popular plant medicines
in Brazil, where it is used to treat nervous disorders and
stomach problems. In the Amazon, lemongrass is highly
regarded as a sedative tea.
When taken internally, lemongrass has been recommended
for stomachaches, diarrhea, gas, bowel
spasms, vomiting, fever, the flu, and headaches and
other types of pain. The herb (or its essential oil) may be
applied externally to help treat acne, athlete’s foot,
lower back pain, sciatica, sprains, tendinitis, neuralgia,
and rheumatism. To treat circulatory disorders, some authorities
recommend rubbing a few drops of lemongrass
oil on the skin of affected areas; it is believed to work by
improving blood flow. Like many essential oils, lemongrass
is also used in aromatherapy.
The link between lemongrass and cholesterol was
investigated by researchers from the Department of Nutritional
Sciences, University of Wisconsin, who published
their findings in the medical journal Lipids in
1989. They conducted a clinical trial involving 22 people
with high cholesterol who took 140-mg capsules of
lemongrass oil daily. While cholesterol levels were only
slightly affected in some of the participants—cholesterol
was lowered from 310 to 294 on average—other people
in the study experienced a significant decrease in blood
fats. The latter group, characterized as responders, experienced
a 25-point drop in cholesterol after one month,
and this positive trend continued over the course of the
short study. After three months, cholesterol levels among
the responders had decreased by a significant 38 points.
Once the responders stopped taking lemongrass, their
cholesterol returned to previous levels. It should be noted
that this study did not involve a placebo group, which is
usually used to help measure the effects of the agent
being studied (in this case, lemongrass oil).
Considered an antiseptic and astringent, essential oil
of lemongrass is also used by some people to cleanse
oily skin and help close pores. Some herbalists recommend
mixing a few drops of lemongrass with a normal
portion of mild shampoo to combat greasy hair. Lemongrass
essential oil can also be used as a deodorant to curb
perspiration.
Last but not least, the herb has a strong reputation as
an insect repellent. It is an important ingredient in several
products designed to keep bugs at bay. Some authorities
recommend rubbing the crushed herb directly on exposed
areas of skin to avoid insect bites when enjoying
the great outdoors.
The relative safety and stability of lemongrass oil
has recommended it to pharmaceutical researchers who
are testing new methods of quantitative analysis.
Lemongrass
oil has been used to demonstrate the superiority of
near-infrared spectroscopy to older methods of determining
the chemical content of plant oils.


Preparations


The optimum daily dosage of lemongrass, which is
available as fresh or dried herb or as lemongrass oil, has
not been established with any certainty. Because lemongrass
has been recommended for so many different purposes,
and can be used internally and externally, consumers
are advised to consult a doctor experienced in the
use of alternative remedies to determine proper dosage.
There is a significant difference between the external use
of a few drops of essential oil, and the use of larger
amounts of the herb in a tincture or tea.
Lemongrass tea can be prepared by steeping 1–2 tsp
of the herb (fresh or dried) in a cup of boiling water. The
mixture should be strained after 10–15 minutes. The tea is
generally taken several times a day. In Heinerman’s Encyclopedia
of Healing Herbs & Spices , John Heinerman recommends
using one cup of lemongrass tea every four
hours to reduce fever. In the Green Pharmacy, prominent
herbalist James Duke recommends drinking one to four
cups of lemongrass tea a day to benefit from its anti-fungal
properties. The used tea bags can also be applied externally
as fungi-fighting compresses, according to the author.
To alleviate gas or persistent vomiting, Heinerman
recommends a dose of 3–6 drops of lemongrass oil (the
Cymbopogon citratus variety). It may be placed on a sugar
cube or mixed with 1 tsp of real vanilla flavor before swallowing.
For sciatica, lower back pain, sprains, tendinitis,
and rheumatism, the author suggests rubbing 10 drops of
the essential oil onto the skin of the affected areas.


Precautions


Lemongrass is not known to be harmful when taken
in recommended dosages, though it is important to remember
that the long-term effects of taking the herb (in
any amount) have not been investigated. The essential oil
should not be used internally by children, women who
are pregnant or breast-feeding, or people with liver or
kidney disease.
In rare cases, lemongrass essential oil has caused allergic
reactions when applied to the skin. To minimize
skin irritation, dilute the oil in a carrier oil such as safflower
or sunflower seed oil before application. As with
all essential oils, small amounts should be used, and only
for a limited time.
Avoid getting lemongrass (herb or oil) in the eyes.
Citral has been reported to irritate the respiratory tract in
sensitive people as well as the eyes and skin.


Side effects


When taken internally in recommended dosages,
lemongrass is not associated with any bothersome or significant
side effects. Cases have been reported, however,
in which people have developed skin rashes after drinking
lemongrass tea.


Interactions


As of 2003, lemongrass is not known to interact adversely
with any drug or dietary supplement.