What is Lemongrass?
Lemongrass is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia and a common ingredient in Thai cuisine. The most common species used in skincare is cymbopogon flexuosus. The name cymbopogon comes from the Greek words kymbe (boat) and pogon (beard) which refers to the hairy spikelets which project from boat-shaped sheath enclosing the flower clusters.
It is widely used as a natural remedy for digestive issues, neurological problems, high blood pressure and has traditionally been used as a pain reliever and fever reducer. Lemongrass has also been used as a natural remedy to heal wounds and help prevent infection.
Some fun facts about Lemongrass;
In hoodoo, lemongrass is the primary ingredient of van van oil, one of the common oils used in conjure. Lemongrass is also used on its own in hoodoo to protect against evil, spiritually clean a house and to bring good luck in love affairs.
In beekeeping, lemongrass oil imitates the pheromone emitted by the bee’s gland that is used to attract other bees to a hive or swarm.
In skincare lemongrass can be used in powder form or extracted by using carbon dioxide, alcohol or steam distillation. It is known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. It contains citral, a natural plant compound with anti-inflammatory effects. It is also used a dandruff treatment in hair care.
The main constituents in lemongrass are monoterpene aldehydes which provide calming and relaxing aromas, which is commonly used to scent soaps, candles and deodorants.
Less Than Three – Naturally uses a 100% organic, steam distilled lemongrass essential oil in our shampoo bar to help strengthen hair follicles to help protect against hair loss. It is an effective dandruff treatment and it also has antibacterial properties and aids to deep cleanse the scalp and remove accumulation of pollutants and dirt in the hair follicles.
References:
Contributors, W.E. (n.d.). Lemongrass: Are There Health Benefits? [online] WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/diet/lemongrass-health-benefits [Accessed 16 May 2022]
Healthline. (n.d.). 11 Reasons to Use Lemongrass Essential Oil. [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/lemongrass-essential-oil [Accessed 16 May 2022]
www.medicalnewstoday.com. (2019). Lemongrass essential oil: Benefits, use, and side effects. [online] Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325209 [Accessed 16 May 2022]
Healthline. (2017). Essential Oils for Hair. [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/essential-oils-for-hair-growth#essential-oils [Accessed 16 May 2022]
Wikipedia. 2022. Cymbopogon – Wikipedia. [ONLINE] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cymbopogon. [Accessed 16 May 2022]