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Lemongrass Oil

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus)
Botanical Family: Poaceae or Gramineae (grasses)
Plant Origin: India, Guatemala
Extraction Method: Steam distilled from leaves.
Key Constituents: Geranial (35-45%), Geraniol (5-10%), Neral (25-40%), Trans-beta-Caryophyllene (2-6%)
ORAC: 1,780 µTE/100g

Historical Data: Lemongrass is used for purification and digestion. Research was published in Phytotherapy Research on topically applied lemongrass for its powerful antifungal properties.

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Medical Properties: Antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, regenerates connective tissues and ligaments, dilates blood vessels, improves circulation, promotes lymph flow.

USES: Bladder infection, respiratory/sinus infection, digestive problems, parasites, torn ligaments/muscles, fluid retention, varicose veins, Salmonella.

Fragrant Influence: Promotes psychic awareness and purification.

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Application

Dilute 1 part EO with 4 parts VO; (1) apply 1-2 drops on location, (2) chakras/vitaflex points, (3) directly inhale, (4) diffuse, or (5) take as dietary supplement (see Appendices E and T).

NOTE: Two 140 mg Gel Caps is equal to Two "00" Caps.

Found In: Di-Tone, En-R-Gee, Inner Child, and Purification.

Cholesterol Study with Lemongrass
In 1989, the medical journal Lipids (click for study details) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2586227?dopt=Abstract

published the results of a study from the Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin which investigated the lowering effects of Lemongrass oil on serum cholesterol levels.  The clinical trial tested 22 participants with hyper-cholesterol levels (315 +/- 9mg) serum cholesterol levels) who took 140-mg capsules of lemongrass oil daily.  Results showed that 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 90 days, cholesterol levels among the responders had decreased by up to 38 points. Once the responders stopped taking lemongrass, their cholesterol returned to previous levels.

Lemongrass is used for purification and digestion. Research was published in Phytotherapy Research regarding topically applied lemongrass and its powerful properties.

Lemongrass belongs to a category of oils called Aldehydes.

Aldehydes are highly reactive organic compounds that are anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and sedative. When inhaled, they are calming. They are found in many of the lemon-scented oils, including the oils of lemongrass, melissa and citronella. One of the principal aldehyde compounds, citral, is highly anti-infectious and anti-viral, particularly when applied topically on herpes simplex.