Lemongrass essential oil has been used for years as a topical medicine for many common ailments, including cosmetic issues. Here is a basic break down of how to use lemongrass oil to help improve your appearance and cure troublesome and sometimes annoying cosmetic issues.
Skin Benefits Of Lemongrass Essential Oil
Facial Toner
Sometimes just washing and moisturizing your face isn’t enough. A facial toner might be the step that you’re missing. Toners cleans the skin and also help to shrink pores, improving the appearance of your skin. The problem with most most store bought facial toners is that they contain alcohol, which can end up doing more harm than good. Homemade facial toners allow you to control the ingredients and an ingredient that you should absolutely include is lemongrass essential oil. It will help to regulate oil secretions, which will help to correct oily or dry skin. By tightening pores and skin, fine lines and wrinkles will improve as well. Mix half a cup of rosewater, a quarter cup of alcohol free witch hazel, a quarter cup of distilled water and four drops of lemongrass essential oil for a quick and easy homemade facial toner that will deliver amazing results.
Varicose Veins and Spider Veins
Varicose veins are large, swollen and raised blood vessels. They twist and turn which makes them very visable through the skin. They are most common in the legs but can appear almost anywhere on the body. They are common after fast weight gain, such as during pregnancy, and also tend to appear with age. People who have jobs that require long hours of standing are more vulnerable to developing them as well. Spider veins are similar but on a smaller scale. They can be red, purple or blue and are very visible through the skin.
Lemongrass oil is a great natural treatment for varicose and spider veins. To benefit from the oil, dilute a few drops with almond oil or a similar carrier oil. Massage in an upward motion towards the heart. Do this twice daily on affected areas. The veins should become softer and gradually smoother. Eventually they should begin to retreat back and skin should take on a more normal appearance.
Cellulite
Cellulite can make skin look bumpy and less than ideal. Cellulite is simply normal fat beneath the skin that has been pushed against connective tissue. This causes the skin to pucker and gives cellulite its well known appearance. While there is nothing medically threatening about cellulite, many people would like to rid their bodies of it. Lemongrass essential oil can help get rid of cellulite by reducing fluid retention, one of the main causes of cellulite, and encouraging blood flow which will in turn approve the appearance of the skin. Try mixing a few drops of the oil with almond oil and applying it directly to the problem areas twice daily until desired results are achieved.
Warts
Warts are most common on the hands and feet but can appear anywhere on the body. They are caused by a viral infection and while they are mostly harmless, they can be embarrassing. A mixture of two essential oils may be the cure. First wash and dry the area and then place Guardian oil directly onto the warts. On top, tape a cotton pad that has been soaked in lemongrass oil. Leave this on overnight. Remove in the morning. Guardian oil can cause the skin to feel hot and look red. It should not be painful. There’s no need to repeat this. Wait for a week or so and evaluate the condition of the warts. In most cases, they will simply dry up, similar to a scab. Put vitamin E oil on any areas after the warts are gone to prevent scaring.
Hair Benefits of Lemongrass Essential Oil
Dry and Damaged Hair
Dry hair will eventually become damaged hair, leaving it more prone to breaking and split ends. If your hair is dry because of the over usage of curling irons or blow driers, harsh shampoo or chemical treatments, like relaxers and perms, try lemongrass to heal the damage. It will help your scalp to produce more oil, which will help to coat and protect the strands. The lemongrass will also be able to penetrate hair follicles, leaving them healthier and able to produce shinier and healthier hair.
Stop Hair Loss and Regrow Hair
While hair loss is thought to only be a problem in men, women are just as vulnerable to the condition. While your genes can play a roll in your hairline, there are many other factors that can add up to less hair on your head. Physical stress, aging, damage to the hair and hormonal imbalances can all cause hair to fall out at a faster than normal rate.
Lemongrass essential oil is known to tighten skin, including the skin around hair follicles. This can help the hair follicles grip hair, so less hair is lost throughout the day. The oil also keeps the hair healthy and reverses damage, which can help new hair grow in thicker and more luscious. Try adding lemongrass to your current shampoo or even better, making a homemade version with other hair boosting essential oils.
Oily Hair
Sebaceous glands in the scalp secrete sebum, hair’s natural moisturizer. Sometimes these glands overproduce and can result in oily hair, which can look dirty and unkempt. Lemongrass essential oil is known for its ability to regulate these glands, leaving your hair with a more natural balance of oil. Mix a few drops of the oil into your shampoo and use as you normally would or try making a hair mask that can be applied twice a week. Simply mix a few drops of the oil with a carrier oil and apply to the scalp and hair. Wrap your hair in a towel and allow the mask to sit for at least twenty minutes. Rinse out and style as normal.
If any signs of irritation occur when using lemongrass oil, stop use immediately.