What Impact Does Lemongrass Oil Have On Your Kidney Health?

Whether you've got a preference for holistic, natural medicine or looking to add a new ingredient to your bubble bath routine, you may have come across lemongrass oil. Lemongrass oil is extracted from the leaves of the lemongrass plant, which is a popular plant used for its herbal and flavorful properties (per Healthline). The essential oil has been used in medicinal practices for pain relief, stomach issues, and more, due to its anti-inflammatory properties (via Medical News Today). 

Lemongrass oil has a citrusy scent and is often used in beauty and cleaning products for its pleasing aroma, according to Healthline. In fact, some individuals may use it for aromatherapy practices to help with mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Healthcare providers may even recommend incorporating lemongrass oil for those with digestive issues or high blood pressure. Keep in mind, the citrus-smelling oil can also be used for other health issues in holistic remedies.

Like many essential oils, lemongrass oil hosts a variety of benefits that can aid one's overall health and wellbeing. For starters, the oil is said to have antibacterial properties, according to Healthline. In fact, a 2010 study examined the antibacterial properties of lemongrass oil against six different strains of bacteria. The results of the study demonstrated that lemongrass oil did show antibacterial effectiveness in five out of the six strains tested. Another benefit of lemongrass oil comes from its anti-inflammatory properties (via Healthline). Therefore, it's ideal for those experiencing arthritis, cancer, or heart conditions. Researchers in a 2007 study concluded that lemongrass oil may even benefit Type 2 diabetics after having explored the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects on rats for 42 days. Additionally, other benefits include providing relief for diarrhea, migraines, stress, anxiety, nausea, and minor pains (per Healthline). But just what effect does lemongrass oil have on your kidney health?

According to the National Kidney Foundation, there are five major risk factors for developing kidney disease. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and a family history of kidney disease. Fortunately, lemongrass oil is said to have properties, which can aid in reducing these risk factors, such as blood sugar (via Healthline). The oils' anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties can provide an added layer of protection to help prevent illness and infection, which in turn can impact kidney health.

There are a variety of methods for using lemongrass oil. The first is through inhalation, which can be done by directly inhaling the aroma of the oil from the container (via Medical News Today). However, lemongrass oil can be added to sachets, oil diffusers, boiling water, and oil warmers for inhalation exposure.

Online boutiques also offer jewelry specifically designed to act as personalized portable diffusers to suit your needs, as per Us Weekly. This includes a variety of necklaces with interchangeable pendants and beaded bracelets. Besides wearing it as a fashion statement, you can mix lemongrass oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil or coconut oil, and apply it to your skin (via Healthline). It can also be added to a warm bath so you can inhale the fragrant oil while soaking your entire body in it. To make sure there's no severe skin reaction, it's best to test out the mixture on a small portion of your skin before exposing your entire body to it.