Scientific name: Cymbopogon flexuosus
Lemongrass oil is used to provide both emotional and physical support. It is meant to revive, strengthen, protect and rejuvenate the body and the senses.
According to a study by Dr. Sue C Chao in 2005, lemongrass oil is one of the top six essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties.
Lemongrass also shields our auric field from radio, computer, and television radiation, etc. It would be a good idea to wear it at the airport where these energies are hurled at our bodies; Lemongrass is used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory too.
Lemongrass transforms negative energies into positive energies, releases resentment, regret, and pessimism from the “should of” statements.” When the negative energies are released it enables the left brain to see options and optimism, courage, and hope prevail.
HISTORICAL REFERENCES
The oldest known text about lemongrass oil had been found from the Philippines in 17th century. It had been introduced to Jamaica in 1799 and to Haiti and USA in 1917. First commercial cultivation of lemongrass was reported in Florida, USA and Haiti in 1947. It is favourite oil in India for hundreds of years and known locally as ‘choomana poolu’ which refers to the plant’s red grass stems.
FAMILY: POACEAE
COLOUR: Yellow, amber or reddish-brown
AROMA: Strong, fresh, lemony- grassy-citrus scent with an earthy undertone
EXTRACTION OF OIL FROM: GRASS
PERFUME NOTE: TOP
The molecules in the top notes are small and light, and they evaporate fast. These top-note scents are upbeat, bright, light, refreshing, elevating, energizing, and revitalizing; they also help in memory and brain functioning. They provide the first impression in a blend and generally do not last very long.
MAIN CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF LEMONGRASS OIL: Citral α (40.8), Citral β (32), Nerol (4.18), Geraniol (3.04), Citronellal (2.10), Terpinolene (1.23), Geranyl acetate (0.83), Limonene (traces), Myrecene (0.72), Terpinol (0.45) Methylheptenone (0.2)
Citral α, Citral β (monoterpene aldehyde): Calming, relaxing, and protecting (antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, carminative, astringent, antifungal), antipyretic (fever grass)
Nerol, Geraniol (monoterpenol): Antiseptic, anti-viral, anti-bacteria, diuretic, supports the circulatory system, uplifting, stimulates the immune system, calms nervous system, anxiolytic, repellent activity, cleansing property.
Citronellal, Terpinolene (monoterpene): antioxidant, antiviral
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES: antibacterial, astringent, antimicrobial, antifungal action, cooling, carminative, antiemetic, anticholinergic, neuroprotective, diaphoretic, haemostatic, expectorant, diuretic, stimulant, sedative, antispasmodic, antioxidant, refrigerant, stomachic
PHARMACOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF LEMONGRASS OIL
ON THE MIND: Calming, reduce anxiety, stress, irritability, anti-depression, improves cognitive function in the domain of quality of memory & continuity (accuracy) of attention, antioxidant, insomnia, drowsiness, poor concentration, difficult mornings
Lemongrass GABAergic effect: Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a naturally occurring amino acid that works as a inhibitory neurotransmitter in your brain as it reduces nervous system activity and blocks or suppresses specific brain messages. It keeps our neurons from over stimulating and over-firing. When GABA binds to a protein in the brain called a GABA receptor- calming effect, relief from anxiety and sadness, and induction of sleep are produced. Infusion of lemongrass functions as a GABA receptor in the brain.
Cognitive enhancement through working memory enhancement occurs due to the strengthening of the neural connection between the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system (the hypothalamus, amygdala and hippocampus) and/or by the enhancement of neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine and acetylcholine.
The hormone system, specifically the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and the sleep-wake cycle are two systems that regulate arousal and are involved in the alertness brought in by inhaling lemongrass essential oil.
Lemongrass oil: Anti-oxidant activity, It has a potent ability to scavenge free radicals, which protects vulnerable brain cells from oxidative stress and reduces brain damage while improving neuronal function.
Free radicals “steal” electrons from the lipids in cell membranes through a process known as lipid peroxidation, which results in cell damage. Antilipid peroxidation property is credited to the memory-enhancing act.
According to research, one of the quickest ways to get psychological effects is by employing oil smells. Scents work as an emotional trigger by traveling straight to the brain through the olfactory system. The limbic system, which is made up of the hippocampus and amygdala, assesses sensory inputs and registers pleasure, pain, danger, or safety. This information then guides our emotional reactions, which include feelings of attraction, fear, and rage. The most fundamental smell triggers our basic emotions and hormonal balance. Aromas have a direct connection to memory and feeling. The endocrine system and the peripheral nervous system are both influenced by the limbic system. The reduction of stress typically translates to a reduction in blood pressure
AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa (Taste) – Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter), Amla (Sour)
Guna (Qualities) – Laghu (Light), Tikshna (Sharp), Ruksha (Dry)
Virya (Potency) – Sheeta (Cooling)
Vipaka (Post digestive effect) – Katu (Pungent)
3 Biological humors (Vata, Pitta, Kapha): Bio-physical forces in our system
VATA, PITTA & KAPHA are present in every cell, tissue and organ in our body. When in balance, they create health. When out of balance, they are the cause of diseases.
Lemongrass oil effects on doshas (Humors)
VATA- Neutral (increases Vata when taken in access)
PITTA- Reduce
KAPHA- Reduce
GLOSSARY FOR FEW TERMS USED
Dopamine: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps working memory. Working memory is associated with dopamine in prefrontal neurons. It fuels our drive and motivation. It increases attention, improves cognitive skills & stimulates our creativity. It was found that dopamine levels gradually increase when one performs a working memory task. Positive mood is associated with increased brain dopamine levels.
Working memory: The prefrontal cortex plays an important role concerning working memory. Working memory is a process of the brain that allows for both the temporary storage and use of a limited amount of information for cognitive tasks. Working memory involves a central executive system that controls attention, manipulates visual images as well and stores and rehearses speech-based information.
Serotonin: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (5-HT) that plays essential roles in the regulation of sleep and mood, and the serotonergic system is a promising therapeutic target for psychiatric disorders including anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.
There are 7 families of its receptors (5-HT1-7). 5-HT5A is expressed in the brain areas such as the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, amygdala and hypothalamus, suggesting that it is potentially involved in stress reactivity and resilience.
Free radicals: ROS (Reactive oxygen species): A type of unstable molecule that contains oxygen and that easily reacts with other molecules in a cell. A build up of reactive oxygen species in cells may cause damage to DNA, RNA, and proteins, and may cause cell death. Stress causes inflammation in the brain affecting free radicals, more stresses more the production of free radicals; antioxidants can reduce the harmful effects of inflammation.
Lipid peroxidation is considered the main molecular mechanism involved in oxidative damage to cell structure and in the toxicity process that leads to cell death.
Oxidative stress occurs when there is excessive free radical production and/or low antioxidant defense.
The statements mentioned above are based on Lemongrass oil scientific analysis available online for limited educational purposes only. This data is not considered complete or accurate. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.