Lemongrass essential oil produces an aroma that is perfect for early spring with notes of grass, lemon, earth, and it’s also a little bitter and pungent. You may be most familiar with lemongrass from recipes with an Asian flavour profile in soups, teas, and curries as well as with fish, poultry, beef, and seafood. Fresh lemongrass offers plenty of health benefits and the essential oil packs an even more powerful punch.

Lemongrass, the oil of cleansing, is perfect to complement spring cleaning and clear out the old, both figuratively, and energetically. All of the essential oils have indications for our body, mind, and spirit. This post will explore the uses of lemongrass essential oil to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual & emotional wellness.

As I’ve mentioned previously, essential oils interact on a cellular level and signal to the cells that it’s safe to open up and release when they have been in a contracted or protective state. As we navigate through each day, we encounter situations that encourage us to contract and move into protective postures, these contractions reach all the way down to the cellular level and if we have difficulty releasing the contraction, the cells remain closed and are unable to optimally operate their unique functions. While we are wired to protect ourselves when under threat, once the threat has passed, if we don’t relax after the situation, we may find ourselves with negative feelings actually stuck in the cells of the body. These becomes areas of congestion and blockage in the Qi (pronounced Chi) or energy flow in the body. This eventually leads to stagnation and some health problems to deal with. Sounds like something you would want to avoid, right? Lemongrass can help with that.

Chemically, lemongrass is up to 80% aldehydes which are known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Lemongrass also has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, insect repellent, and revitalizing properties. As it supports clearing the blockages, optimal cellular function is restored.

In the body, lemongrass supports healthy circulation and is a great lymphatic stimulant. It may also strengthen vascular walls to reduce the likelihood of developing varicose veins. Lemongrass is also a powerful detoxifying agent, especially combined with other oils in an Epsom salt bath. See uses and recipes at the end of the post.

From the mental perspective, when blended with spearmint, lemongrass enhances confidences and dispels feelings of doubt and inadequacy. A friend shared this blend with me as she was using it to support her daughter’s lack of confidence playing youth basketball at around age 6. She made a roller blend for her before practice and games. Eventually, they had a portable diffuser under the bench on the sidelines and all the girls on the team benefited. Use it any time you could use a boost in confidence.

In terms of emotional wellness, lemongrass supports the release of toxic or negative energy, feelings of despair, and holding onto the past in an unhealthy way. It encourages discernment and the ability to recognize what is no longer needed. What does all of this really mean? Sometimes we hold onto ideas, beliefs, and even material objects that we no longer need. This can create a sense of energy and even lethargy.

Diffuse lemongrass while journaling or even do some release writing or movement to further move things along. It’s also great to diffuse while cleaning out when you may have strong emotional attachments to material objects.

How to use lemongrass essential oil:

Topically: After a workout or shower (or both) mix 1-2 drops lemongrass with a carrier oils and apply to arms and legs to support circulation. (optionally combine with 1-2 drops of cypress oil)

**note: lemongrass oil is very warming and needs to be used with a carrier oil. It can also irritate sensitive skin, so be sure to try it out in a small area before apply it liberally on the body.**

Detox Bath Recipe:
(I love this bath, especially for clearing around the New Moon)

Add essential oils and epsom salts to a very warm bath. Soak for 20 minutes or more while taking relaxing breaths focusing on long exhales. Pat yourself dry instead of rubbing with the towel when you get out so that the salts and essential oils linger and continue to work.

Aromatherapy:

Diffuser blend for confidence:

Diffuser blend clearing the space and energy:

Mood lifter diffuser blend:

These are all suggestions, and you can adjust amounts based on the size of the diffuser, your space, and personal preference. See images below for more diffuser blends with lemongrass.

Learn more about the oils I use here.

Click here to buy Lemongrass oil.