Aroma Pets

LemonGrass (Cymbopogon Citratus)

History and Character
Lemongrass is a fast growing tropical grass, with long sharp leaves and a thick network of roots. It has an invigorating, sharp, lemony scent, with a grassy, rooty, undertone.
Due to its fragrance and antiseptic properties lemongrass is commonly used in soaps and cleaning products.

In India it is also widely used in Ayurvedic medicine to: help bring down fevers, treat infectious illnesses; as a tea to calm stomach cramps; and as a pesticide and preservative for palm leaf manuscripts. Lemongrass has also traditionally been used for arthritis and muscular pain.

In 2006 researchers at Israel's University of Ben Gurion found that lemongrass caused apoptosis(programmed cell death) in cancer cells in vitro.

This oil is both stimulant and sedative, clearing the mind, grounding the body and relieving anxiety.

Principal Uses - Physical
Diarrhea - Digestive upset - Flea and Mosquito repellent - Fungal infection - Lymphatic drainage - Nervous exhaustion - Neuralgia - Rheumatism - Soft tissue damage - Tumors - Viral infection.

Behavioural
Anxiety - Confusion - Depression

I most often use Lemongrass For:
In flea or fly spray, especially for dogs who tend to be stiff.
Chronic problems of the digestive or musculo-skeletal system, especially if accompanied by depression or anxiety.

Extraction an Characteristics:
Steam distilled from the fresh or partially dried grass. Pale, yellow, to amber liquid.

Fragrance: Fresh, sharp, lemony, with earthy undertones.

Actions: Analgesic, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, fungicidal, nervine, sedative, (nervous system)

Safety & Cautions:  While generally held to be non-toxic, there are possibilities of adverse reactions on skin. Thus use a low dilutions.

Maximum dilution 3 drops in 5ml/ 1 tsp

Reference: The Aromatic Dog: Nayana Morag