Effect of Lemongrass Oil on Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Aim:To do a research on the effect of lemongrass oil on muscle spasms. Methods:A total of 30 participants who were suffering from muscle spasms were chosen. They were given lemongrass oil to apply for about 30 days. The pain scale was noted once in five days. Results:The result showed a moderate changes in the pain levels of the patient. Further application would significantly show a greater decrease in the pain levels of the patient. Conclusion:Muscle spasms being more common in old people, this study was conducted to create awareness about the effect of lemongrass oil on the same. INTRODUCTIONLemongrass (Cymbopogon) is a tall perennial plant from the Graminieae family, which thrives in tropical and subtropical regions.Lemongrass oil is extracted through the process of steam distillation from the dried leaves of the plant. It has a thin consistency, and a pale or bright yellow color. It has a strong, fresh, lemony, and earthy scent. Lemongrass oil can help relax and tone the muscles, as well as relieve muscle pain, rheumatism.The main compounds of lemongrass oil are geranyl acetate, myrcene, nerol, citronellal, terpineol, methyl heptenone, dipentene, geraniol, neral, farnesol, limonene, and citral. Another beneficial compound in lemongrass is limonene, which helps reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, according to research. According to a 2005 study by Dr. Sue Chao, lemongrass oil is one of the top six essential oils with antiinflammatory properties. [1] Muscle spasms are involuntary, generally painful contractions of a muscle or muscle group, [12] When the motor system is stressed,either by a neuromuscular disease or by a physiologic stress such as dehydration or excessive exercise,cramps become more frequent. Muscle cramps are caused by ectopic discharges from nerves or nerve terminals. [13] Cramps are also frequent during the last trimester of pregnancy and in athletes such as marathon runners Aromatic and medicinal plants are still a major part of traditional medicine in the developing countries. MATERIALS AND METHODSThe pure essential lemongrass oil was commercially bought. A total of 30 patients suffering from muscle spasms were chosen. They belonged to different age groups varying from 35 to 60. They were given lemongrass oil of about 3ml for each person and asked to apply for about 30 days. The people applying oil occasionally for muscle spasms are asked to stop that while applying the lemon grass oil. The pain scale was noted once in 5 days. The pain scale considered in this study was from 1-6, 1 being the lowest or no pain and 6 being the severe pain. A table was prepared for the days and the pain scale noted. Accordingly a graph was also drawn. International Journal of Current Advanced Research A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T Aim:To do a research on the effect of lemongrass oil on muscle spasms.Methods: A total of 30 participants who were suffering from muscle spasms were chosen. They were given lemongrass oil to apply for about 30 days. The pain scale was noted once in five days. Results:Th...