Friday, July 17, 2015

23 Uses for Lemongrass Essential Oil.

Tom's Journal. http://tomschuckmanjournal.blogspot.com/ tschuckman@aol.com


23 Awesome Uses for Lemongrass Essential Oil


Print Friendly
Anyone who has used essential oils for a period of time will find that they reach for the same tried and true oils over and over again.  In my case, there are the go-to standards lavender, peppermint, rosemary and frankincense but in addition, there is Lemongrass.
Three years ago, I thought lemongrass was an herbal plant used in tea and in Asian cuisine.  While I still enjoy a soothing cup of lemongrass and ginger tea, these days lemongrass essential oil serves an important role in my first aid kit as well.
23 Awesome Uses for Lemongrass Essential Oil - Backdoor Survival
The lemongrass genus has over fifty different species worldwide, but only some of the species are suitable for utilization as essential oil.  The two most commonly used in essential oils are are Cymbopogan citratus and Cymbopogan flexuosus.
Historically, lemongrass has been used to treat fevers, inflammation and indigestion as well as a sedative. These days, it is used for an armload of other ailments as well as for purification and odor control.  Today I share 23 uses for lemongrass essential oil that will set you a a path of wellness.

How is Lemongrass Essential Oil Used?

Lemongrass is effective in resolving a number of first aid woes. It has anti-microbial properties and is also an anti-inflammatory.  As a powerful analgesic, it offers immediate topical pain relief and reduces inflammation.  In addition, it is  antibacterial and antimicrobial which means it can prohibit bacterial growth and it is effective in controlling a fever caused by infection.
With its strong lemony scent and earthy, grassy undertones, it is also effective in aromatherapy and especially when used in a diffuser. If you drink lemongrass tea like I do, that will make perfect sense since the aroma of even the tea is quite lingering.
Used topically, a carrier oil is usually recommended as lemongrass is one essential oil that can cause sensitivity or irritation if utilized undiluted on the skin, or “neat”.  A common dilution is 2 drops of lemongrass to 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil but this is considered just a guide line and is quite conservative.  Still, this 2% dilution is a good starting point especially when using lemongrass for the first time.

23 Uses for Lemongrass Essential Oil in the First Aid Kit

1. Muscle and tendon relaxer:  When muscles and tendons tighten up, an application of lemongrass essential oil will typically bring immediate relief.  It works extremely quickly on those “knots” and spasms that can come on very quickly in the middle of the night.
2. Headache relief:  When it comes to headaches, and especially allergy-related headaches, lemongrass is a super star. It is also useful for individuals who are sensitive to Peppermint essential oil which is usually the recommended EO for headaches.
3. Arthritis joint pain:  Lemongrass works well to resolve joint pain and works especially well when mixed with Birch EO and Geranium EOs.  (See Birch Essential Oil for Arthritis, Muscle and Joint Pain.)   Since the use of birch essential oil is not recommended for people on blood thinners, lemongrass is an effective alternative.  That said, layering “the Birch” over lemongrass works surprisingly well to relieve deep joint pain.
4.  Pulled muscles:  By treating the inflammation created by a pulled muscle, lemongrass essential oil can bring immediate relief.  (An easy peasy pain relief formula is shown below).  This will also work on tender bruised areas.
5. Shock:  If you feel that someone is in shock, add 1 or 2 drops to a cotton ball and place the infused cotton ball under the nostrils.  Do this as soon as possible then, if you can, summon medical help.
6.  Treat wounds:  Blend a few drops with Witch Hazel or Saline to flush wounds. Afterward, blend with some BDS Simple Salve for an antiseptic application. Apply a bandage or gauze to the wound to keep it clean and free from dirt.
7. Heartburn:  Spread a couple of drops mixed with a carrier such as coconut oil or BDS Simple Salve over the throat and chest area to relieve heartburn.
8.  Indigestion:  A drop or two massaged into the abdomen will assist digestion and relieve the symptoms of indigestion..
9.  Sprains and sports injuries:  Lemongrass essential oil will treat both the pain and inflammations associated with sprains and sports injuries.
10.  Reduce fevers:  Use lemongrass to help fight the infection that causes fevers and also to keep the toxins from spreading. To use, blend with your basic Simple Salve (or even plain coconut oil) and apply to the back of neck, chest area, and the bottom of feet.
11.  Flea repellant: Lemongrass will repel fleas.  For dogs, apply to a piece of cloth (such as a bandana) or collar.  Since cats are more sensitive to essential oils in general, check with your veterinarian before using any essential oil on your kitty.
12.  Insect repellent: Insects don’t like lemongrass!  Apply to the edges of your clothing edges to repel climbing insects like ticks, or to exposed skin to repel mosquitos and other flying biting bugs. Just remember to dilute with a bit of carrier oil or salve when applying directly to the skin.
13.  Acne: Lemongrass is a mild astringent and is also antimicrobial. To help clear up acne, add one drop  to a carrier oil and dab on to affected areas once or twice a day.
14.  Athlete’s Foot:  Athlete’s foot is fungal skin infection and lemongrass can help address it. Utilize a drop of lemongrass in a carrier oil of salve, and rub on the feet a few times a day. If you wear shoes most of the day, try rubbing it on first thing in the morning, as soon as your shoes come off, and again before bed.
15.  Oily skin:  Utilize lemongrass in the same manner as that for acne, or utilize a drop in warm water as a skin rinse. The astringent properties of lemongrass have a naturally drying effect, without the potential over dryness caused by stronger astringents.
16. Stress relief:  One of the best ways to use lemongrass essential oil to relieve stress is via aromatherapy. Add 5 to 6 drops to your diffuser, or put a drop on your palms and inhale the scent. You can also put a drop on a cloth, or pillow for nighttime or travel aromatherapy.
17.  Fatigue:  Like stress relief, you can use lemongrass essential oil aromatically to mitigate fatigue.  A diffuser or even a few drops on a cotton ball will work beautifully.  Topically, mix a drop or two with a carrier oil and either massage into your temples.
18.  Anti-depressant:  Use a few drops in a diffuser daily.  I find it works great at night while sleeping.
19.  Anti-bacterial cleaning products:  Use lemongrass in homemade cleaning products to reduce bacteria in your home.  You can also use it in a diffuser to reduce airborne bacteria.  See this article on making your own DIY cleaning products. As an added bonus, lemongrass has a wonderful, and uplifting aroma.  You home will smell fresh and inviting!
20. Reduce high blood pressure:  Lemongrass is a vasodilator and can help reduce high blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels.
21.  Water retention: The diuretic properties of lemongrass can help clean and flush toxic wastes out of the body.  This can be done via topical applications such as in a salve or by adding a drop to your glass of water or cup of tea.
Note:  normally I do not suggest ingesting essential oils although with high quality oils, the practice is safe.  Always do your own research and if in doubt, consult a physician first.
22.  Insomnia:  Applying lemongrass to the bottoms of your feet at night is calming and helps induce a deep sleep.  Sipping a cup of lemongrass tea also helps.
23.  Body odor:  Commercial deodorants often contain lemongrass.  If you are prone to body odor, adding a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to your moisturizing body lotion or salve will help combat unpleasant body odors.

Lemongrass Pain Relief Formula

I personally use lemongrass essential oil in a roller ball mixed with fractionated coconut oil to provide immediate relief to painful muscle and tendon cramps in my hands, feet, and calves.
Lemongrass Pain Relief Formula10 to 15 drops of Lemongrass essential oil
Fractionated Coconut Oil (or other carrier oil)
10ML Roller Ball (about 2 teaspoons)
Optional:  Add 5 drops of Clove essential oil
Add the lemongrass to the roller ball then top with a carrier oil.  I use FCO (fractionated essential oil).  Shake well before each use then apply copiously. Rubbing the area gently will accelerate the relief.
I find that I get better results with the roller ball application but you could also make up a salve using 2 teaspoons of BDS Simple Salve (or other carrier) and up to 15 drops of essential oil.

Side Effects of Lemongrass

Although considered one of the safer oils, lemongrass should always be diluted before applying it to the skin.  Even with low dilutions, it can be an irritant to some people so use a conservative amount to begin with.  If in doubt, perform a patch test first.
As with all essential oils, lemongrass essential oil should be kept out of the reach of children and pets, and should not be used if pregnant or nursing unless approved in advance by a medical professional.

A Word About Carrier Oils

Using a carrier oil makes an essential oil application so much easier and less wasteful.  Although I personally prefer coconut oil or BDS Simple Salve (which you make yourself), feel free to experiment with olive oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, or even an organic, unscented lotion.

Where to Purchase Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass essential oil is widely sold both online and in health food stores.  I personally purchase therapeutic grade Lemongrass from Spark Naturals.  Their quality standards are high and because they sell direct and not through a membership or MLM program, their prices are affordable.
Spark Naturals also carries a number of supporting carrier oils as well as accessories such as roller ball bottles, dropper tops and more. Furthermore, you can use the code BACKDOORSURVIVAL to get a 10% discount off your entire order.

The Final Word

It was close to two years ago that I tossed two drawers full of OTC remedies into a box in favor of essential oils.  To this day, I am still learning how to use the various oils to improve my health and to remedy everyday aches and pains.  Essential oils have become my band-aid of choice and not a day goes by when I don’t use them for one thing or another.

My own education continues.  A few months back I purchased a big fat book entitled “Essential Oils Desk Reference” and I use it almost daily.  If you can afford it, I highly recommend that you add this desk reference to your survival library.  Although it promotes another brand of oils, the information is presented in an unbiased manner and there is never a sales pitch one way or another.
It has been my pleasure to share this information about Lemongrass essential oil.  Over time, I will continue to share information on additional, less common, essential oils with a special focus on the less expensive, more affordable oils that can be purchased for $10 or less.
There are dozens of oils out there and I am convinced that we can all maintain our health and wellness during times of crisis with the proper selection of essential oils in our first aid kits.
Be well and stay safe!
Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!
Gaye

If you enjoyed this article, consider voting for Backdoor Survival daily at Top Prepper Websites!  In addition, SUBSCRIBE to email updates  and receive a free, downloadable copy of my e-book The Emergency Food Buyer’s Guide.

How a few Words can have so much Power.

Tom's Journal. http://tomschuckmanjournal.blogspot.com/

tschuckman@aol.com


Sorry Guys,
    But this is one message from a fav. Christian that I just cannot let go, so I am posting it with the hopes that many of you will make the time to read all of it..... especially about Pope Francis, the Socialist Pontiff.    I was born and raised Catholic, studied Latin, went to a Catholic grade school and loved the nuns and priests and that way of life !   When I got home from the war in S.E. Asia,  I dug down and found out what lies and falsehoods the church was teaching, and was cut to the heart.  Like I keep saying, JUST READ THE KJV BIBLE !  ONE GOOD PLACE TO START IS:  1st Timothy, Chapter 4, and just read the entire chapter, which will take a slow person less then 4 minutes !   Do you all know how bad it hurts when you really love and respect someone you thought was near perfect, and then find out the real truth that they have lied and mislead you ??  Yes, it hurts big time--- bad!   And please don't tell me that no one is perfect and all people lie and cheat.   There are some really good people on earth that try hard to obey the Father's wishes, commands and statutes, and they are in fact FORGIVEN, and also know that they are going to Heaven, for sure.  
     People who have the Holy Spirit in them [always] from when they first asked God to forgive all their sins, past, present and future, and follow Jesus as their Lord and Savior, have the power to work on and change their lives, for the better.   So many pastors have told me that God MUST HAVE LOVED ME SO MUCH,  and so  He Saved me, after all the baloney I've been in and through...  a big sinner, me.   But then, I always loved God, although being in the dark because I had not studied His holy Word, the KJV Bible yet....  but yet always searching for Him and wondering.   I owe God, BIG TIME, and can never really "repay Him,"  but feel the need to share what I have learned through the years.  Without the Word, and talking to other Christians, like Pastor Kevin Sullivan, U.P. here in Iron Mtn., MI.... I might have listened to the dirty old devil and taken my own life  ---forgive me for saying that.   I suffer from Combat related PTSD, Depression, etc., and constant physical and mental Pain....   but the H.S. [Holy Spirit] holds me up and strengthens me, PTL.   And many of my fine email friends, too.   Like:  Sandy, Ruth, Linda, Greg [Skeeter, the Navy man], Patty, and many others, Wanda Jane, from Kansas, also.  Thanks you, dear Friends !   And I am back on FaceBook again, but I have to really watch what I say on there....  "Big Brother is watching. " 
     Now,  if you really want to get truthful, guys,  you will just have to face the pure facts that America is going down for the count, for good and forever,  from kicking God out of the picture and choosing to follow Satan....  and passing WICKED, ABOMINATION, FILTY LAWS....  so sorry to state that terrible FACT.   We can expect everything bad to happen to us now after we let the 'clown in the WH' and the Congress and SCOTUS do those terrible abominations to us all, and we the people didn't have the 'stones' to stand up and yell, either.   We are so close to being a modern Sodom, folks, and now we are going to pay for it, big time, so sorry.   And abortions alone would have sunk our ship,  but now we have gotten much worse and horribly evil.     Since we worship the 'god of money' --- that will crumble  first, IMHO, and be almost worthless, and we may still have the Dollar, but it's purchasing power will be nil.  Try on $13 for a gallon of milk or a loaf of bread, for size.     The Gov't doesn't want us to buy PM's [Precious Metals...  gold, silver, platinum, or even copper!].  Why?  Because they cannot tax it, control it, seize or steal it!   Yes, the banks are in with the Gov't, and eventually we will all have some kind of Credit system, so that the Gov't knows exactly what we do with our 'money' and the banks can charge and tack on extra fees for doing the slightest work or favors/ services for us !    And see what the new Pope says about that stuff too.   And when we finally lose the fight to keep our guns --- that will be our last defense, and the NWO Gov't will control our every aspect from cradle to grave... but that won't last too long either, because God has promised to clean up the entire globe/ world, and He always keeps His promises ! [See:  the book of Titus 1:2]   Armageddon is only mentioned one time at:  Rev. 16: 16, and it will be the war between God and the wicked forces --- MOST OF MANKIND, who are left on earth after all the plagues are loosed upon the nations for following the devil and taking the "Mark" on their right hand or forehead.

Well, my dear wife is leaving tomorrow on another  long road trip to visit her kids for a few weeks, so I know that I will be eating a lot more baloney sandwiches, just as I have been for the past few months...  lol.   It's OK, as long as I can have a few pickled jalapeno peppers to spice things up.. Ha!  I've got to start lifting weights again and getting some exercise, as well as getting Mr. Sun's healing rays, also.   At least I have my faithful dog/ Rottweiler male, Tazer, with me for company.   I am going to brush his beautiful coat to make him shine and feel better, very soon.   
    Please find out how  much weight the words of the Pope carry that affect so many people and change the way they vote...  because it's really important.
Thanks.

Warm Regards,
Tommy

  
     



I just love the breed of well trained Rottweiler's !!


This week on 'The Hal Lindsey Report' Well, he finally did it.

Desperate for a legacy, with a complicit Secretary of State desperate for a Nobel, the President made a deal with the devil.

More precisely, I suppose, the mullahs of Iran.

As of this writing, we're not sure we know all of the details of this pact, but from what we do know, this is on par with Chamberlain's historic surrender in Munich that led directly to World War Two.

Don't laugh. We've just told another nation -- one that has openly and often pledged to destroy Israel the moment it has the ability to do so and holds national "Death to America" days -- that if they will play the part for a few short years (as few as 96 months by some accounts), then they can go ahead and build their nuclear weapons to make their dreams -- and our nightmares -- come true.

Who, in their right mind, would willingly do that? But even worse, apparently get down on their knees to beg for the opportunity to do so. Then be publicly ridiculed by the other party when the deal was concluded!

You guessed it. We would and did.

I recorded this program the very day the deal was announced, so I did not have time to examine the parameters of the agreement. But this week, I am going to give you a little background on the history of these negotiations. You wouldn't buy a used car from a salesman who pulled these kinds of stunts during your negotiations over the price.

Too bad President Obama wasn't only haggling over the price of a broken down beater. Instead, he was gleefully offering the keys to the nuclear weapons factory to the Iranians and lighting the tinder for the nuclear bonfire that is coming to the Middle East. Unless the Senate can muster the intellectual courage, and the veto-proof majority, to put an end to this debacle, President Obama has just created his legacy. That is, the beginning of the most dreadful arms race this world has ever witnessed, in the most dangerous and volatile region this world harbors.

If this doesn't have last days prophetic scenario written all over it, nothing does!

Unless it's my second story of the program, that is. I've called it, "Last Days Pontiff."

This week, I will be discussing the latest encyclical issued by Pope Francis. Recently, the Pope released "Laudato Si'" or "Praise Be to You." In this Papal pronouncement, or encyclical, the Pontiff says he "does not presume to settle scientific questions or replace politics....", then he proceeds to do just that.

Let me give you a brief preview of the brief review that Nicholas Hahn of The Washington Times gave "Laudato Si'": "The pope suggests getting rid of fossil fuels... supports imposing 'restraints' on the rich... recommends coal, oil, and gas be 'progressively replaced without delay'... advocates for new 'global regulatory norms' and 'international institutions' which should be 'empowered to impose sanctions' on climate violators... endorses populist boycotts of businesses that don't fall in line... bans products that allegedly pollute the environment... (wishes there) were 'new ways' to regulate the financial system... proposes a general slowdown 'in the pace of production and consumption'... and wants us to somehow think about 'containing growth'...."

I'm glad to see he didn't "presume to settle scientific questions or replace politics" with this papal diatribe. I suppose actually proposing that we begin moving toward a system of world governance doesn't qualify!

On top of that, in June Pope Francis wondered publicly how folks who manufactured weapons could "call themselves Christian...." He continued, "Duplicity is the currency of today... they say one thing and do another."

I guess he should know. He doesn't seem to mind that the bodyguards who surround him, and guard the Vatican, are armed to the teeth with the weapons made by those "unchristian" manufacturers.

He's also the Pope who implied that practicing homosexuals may not stir God's anger like his predecessors believed. He famously said, "If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge him?"

That musing -- which his press office tried diligently to walk back -- actually inspired more than one lawmaker to vote for same-sex marriage when the opportunity arose.

When he publicly implied that all are redeemed by the blood of Christ -- not merely the ones who accept that sacrifice and follow after Christ, but everyone! -- he stirred the fires of the traditional controversy between Armenianism and Universalism. Within days, the Vatican PR people were doing damage control. Conservative Catholics were frantically explaining that he didn't mean everyone is automatically redeemed, but that Christ's redemption is available to everyone!

So Pope Francis has advocated a move toward one world government, implied that everyone is saved, that God really doesn't have a problem with homosexuality if the practitioners have 'good will', and that human caused climate change is our number one enemy. Add to this the fact that he has emphasized that evolution is real; jumped on the anti-Israel bandwagon; and can't say enough bad things about capitalism and I'm beginning to think that, just maybe, Pope Francis might well be the Pontiff of the last days!

I truly believe that it won't be very long before we know for certain! If you're not ready to leave this world when Jesus Christ returns for His true church, now is the time to get ready. Confess that you are a sinner; believe that Jesus Christ really is who He says He is -- the Son of God -- and that by dying on the cross of Calvary He took upon Himself your sins and paid the price for your redemption; accept the free gift of pardon from God's judgment that His death purchased for you; then forsake the sins of your past and follow Him through the power of His Holy Spirit.

The moment you do that, you become a part of God's forever family and you change your eternal destiny!

Do it today!

Don't miss this week's Report on TBN, Daystar, CPM Network, The Word Network, various local stations, www.hallindsey.com or www.hischannel.com.

Once again, I want to remind you that we have recently launched our completely new website at HalLindsey.com. As a result, we are offering a new version of our online services! If you have not already done so, please register your new account by visiting HalLindsey.com, then clicking on "My Account." Please forgive any inconvenience during this time of transition. If you have any questions or concerns, just email them to questions@hallindsey.com.

Thank you for your faithful prayer and financial support!


God Bless,

Hal Lindsey

mail: HLMM, P.O. Box 470470, Tulsa, OK 74147
email: comments@hallindsey.com


[See