Lemongrass Plant
Lemongrass Benefits
Lemongrass is a super-herb with amazing healing properties.
Its been used for many hundreds of years in Asia and Africa and now in the western hemisphere too. Today, it is one of the most popular medicinal plants in Brazil for treating the nerves and stomach.
This healthy grass is often used as a tea to treat numerous health conditions, such as nervous disorders, stomach problems, fevers, arthritis, menstrual problems and even cancer.
This plant was used by the ancient Chinese to help treat the flu, colds, gas, cramps, pain and as a digestive aid.
Used externally, this plant can improve blood flow and may be used for the treatment of athlete’s foot, cuts, tendinitis, sprains and joint pain.
Lemongrass tea is a refreshing, citrus drink which can improve your health in many ways. Some of the many benefits of lemongrass are listed below.
Cancer Fighting
A component in lemongrass called citral is being investigated for its potential role in fighting cancer.
In 2006, in Israel, Dr. Rivka Ofir and Professor Yakov Weinstein, of Ben Gurion University discovered that the citral in lemongrass has the ability to kill cancer cells in vitro, while not harming normal healthy cells.
Their findings indicate that Citral causes cancer cells to self-destruct through a mechanism they call programmed cell death.
Furthermore, a drink containing only one gram of lemongrass can cause apoptosis, or cell suicide of cancer cells in a test tube.
While there is still much research to be done, this is very promising news for those suffering with cancer.
If you do have cancer, talk to your doctor before trying this or any herbal remedy, as even natural remedies may interfere with chemotherapy or other traditional cancer treatments.
Vision
A study performed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology indicates that consuming lemongrass may be helpful in treating keratomycosis (inflammation of cornea) which can lead to blurred vision. The plant is also rich in beta-carotene which is important for eye health.
Detox
Lemongrass has a diuretic effect on the body and is a wonderful addition to any detox diet. It cleanses the organs, such as the pancreas, bladder, kidneys, liver and digestive tract. It has the ability to expel toxins like cholesterol and uric acid from the body, while stimulating blood circulation and digestion.
Nervous System
This plant has a history of use in Brazil for treating nervous disorders. Tea made from lemongrass is used to strengthen the nerves and keep them healthy. Many people drink this tea to treat conditions such as shaky limbs, vertigo, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Drinking this tea on a regular basis may also help to ward off these conditions. More research is needed in this area.
Weight Loss
Since lemongrass tea possesses diuretic properties, it is good for those trying to lose weight. Frequent urination helps the body rid itself of fat and water weight. This tea aids the digestion and detoxifies the body as well. All of these are an important part of any weight loss plan.
Fever
Lemongrass is also known as fevergrass, as it is often used for bringing down fever. It has the ability to increase perspiration which helps to cool the body.
Skin
Lemongrass is great for the skin. Drinking a cup of lemongrass tea each day will help to keep your skin clear and healthy looking. It keeps pimples and acne away when used regularly, as it helps rid the body of toxins.
The escential oil of lemongrass has anti-microbial properties and when used externally, can ward off bacterial infection on the skin’s surface.
Lemongrass is often used in skin care products, lip balm, soaps and cosmetics. It is a very effective cleanser and possesses moisturizing properties.
This grass has antiseptic, antimicrobial and antifungal properties which make it an effective astringent. It protects the skin while shrinking the pores, helping to keep the skin smooth and well hydrated.
Digestive System
Lemongrass promotes good digestion and brings relief from diarrhea, bloating, nausea, stomach ache and gastroenteritis. It allows the abdominal muscles to relax and release gas.
Insomnia
Tea made from this grass is great for insomnia. It calms the body and mind and reduces feelings of tension. It helps one get to sleep more easily.
Stress and Anxiety
Lemongrass is often used as a calmative. The people of the Amazon use it as a natural sedative on a regular basis. Tea made from this grass has the ability to calm the nerves and help a person to relax.
Infection
Oil of lemongrass is antiseptic, antimicrobial and antibacterial. A solution of the oil and some water is good for cleaning cuts and wounds, as it can stop bacterial growth. It also works as an analgesic and alleviates pain and inflammation.
A test tube study published in the medical journal “Microbios” in 1996 demonstrated that lemongrass was effective against 12 types of fungi and 22 strains of bacteria.
Research published in the “Letters of Applied Microbiology” in April 2009 showed that lemongrass vapors could inhibit the growth of airborne bacteria.
Cholesterol
The citral in lemongrass helps remove cholesterol, toxins, fats and uric acid from the body. It also stimulates blood circulation.
Research conducted in 1989 at the University of Wisconsin found that the 22 subjects treated with 140mg of lemongrass oil daily had their cholesterol lowered from 310 to 294 on average. Many participants of the study also experienced a significant decrease in blood fats.
This study was published in the August 1989 issue of the medical journal “Lipids”.
Headache
Research conducted by Professor Lyn Griffiths, Dr Darren Grice and Dr Kelly Rogers suggests that the lemongrass plant is just as effective as aspirin for treating headaches.
Depression
Researchers in Israel at Ben Gurion University have found that a daily intake of 1 gram of citral helps battle depression. This grass also activates the release of serotonin. A lack of serotonin can cause one to feel depressed.
Vitamins and Minerals
Lemongrass contains many vitamins and minerals. They are vitamin C, A, B1, B5, B6, folic acid, calcium, manganese, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper and phosphorous.
Antioxidant
Lemongrass contains antioxidants such as beta-carotene, Vitamin C and A.
Insect Repellent
Lemongrass is similar to citronella grass. It can be crushed and rubbed onto the skin to keep bugs away.
If You Are Over 30
If you are over 30, you'll want to take some GF20 with this. Then you'll be able to run circles around people your own age.What is GF20?
Lemongrass Uses:
- Treat cancer
- Treat depression
- Treat anxiety
- Treat high cholesterol
- Improve vision
- Treat headache
- Treat pain
- Treat cold & sore throats
- Treat type 2 diabetes
- Protect nervous system
- Insect repellent
- Improve digestion
- Treat high fever
- Weight loss
- Treat rough, dry skin
- Treat colitis
- Source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
- Treat acne
- Treat constipation
- Detoxification
- Prevent infection
- Treat insomnia
- For relaxation
Scientific Name
Cymbopogon citratus
Common Names
Silky heads, fever grass, barbed wire grass, tanglad, hierba Luisa, citronella grass or gavati chaha
Where It Grows
Lemongrass is native to tropical Asia and India
Which Part Of The Plant Is Used
The grass
Lemongrass Leaves
How It Works
It is believed that the plant’s citral content is what gives it many of its healing properties.
How It’s Used
Lemongrass is usually taken as hot tea. The oil of the plant can be used externally.
Precautions and Side Effects:
Lemongrass should NOT be taken if pregnant since it has uterine stimulating properties. Always talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements.
Description and History Of Lemongrass
Lemongrass is an aromatic tropical plant with long, slender green and white blades that can grow up to five feet tall. The plant can be identified by its tall, striped leaves and fresh lemon-citrus fragrance.
The essential oil of this plant has been used for hundreds of years in India, especially for treating fever. It is also known as fever grass.
Editors Comments
I like to drink lemongrass tea to relax before bedtime or after a hectic day. It really helps one to relax, plus it’s loaded with good nutrition.
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References
Fresh lemongrass fields in Israel become mecca for cancer patients
Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Cymbopogon citratus, stapf (Lemon grass)
Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – Lemongrass Report
Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils in vitro
Impact of lemongrass oil, an essential oil, on serum cholesterol
FAQs
What happens if you drink lemongrass tea everyday? ›
The results of a 2015 study suggest that drinking lemongrass tea infusions daily for 30 days can increase hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, and red blood cell count in the body.
Does lemongrass raise blood pressure? ›Lemongrass is high in potassium, and helps to increase the production of urine in the body. This, in turn, lowers blood pressure and boosts blood circulation. According to a study published in the Medical Forum Monthly, lemongrass is effective in decreasing blood pressure.
What are disadvantages of lemongrass? ›and Warnings
Rarely, lemongrass oil might cause a rash of skin irritation when applied to the skin. However, there have been some toxic side effects, such as lung problems after inhaling lemongrass and a fatal poisoning after a child swallowed a lemongrass oil-based insect repellent.
Lemongrass is used for treating digestive tract spasms, stomachache, high blood pressure, convulsions, pain, vomiting, cough, achy joints (rheumatism), fever, the common cold, and exhaustion. It is also used to kill germs and as a mild astringent.
Can too much lemongrass be harmful? ›Lemongrass should be used in moderation. Consuming in excess may cause side effects like dry mouth, tiredness, dizziness, frequent urination, increased appetite, and allergic reactions like rash and itching.
Does lemongrass detox liver? ›The citric acid content in lemons is remarkably high, aiding in purifying the liver. Consuming lemongrass tea on an empty stomach in the morning assists in getting rid of all the wastes and toxins accumulated in the liver and thereby detoxifies the body completely.
Does lemongrass tea affect blood pressure? ›In both healthy and hypertensive animals, the acute administration of lemongrass results in a decrease in blood pressure, sometimes accompanied by a compensatory increase in heart rate. Similarly, in healthy and hypertensive human subjects, the consumption of lemongrass tea decreases blood pressure.
Is lemongrass good for the heart? ›Lemongrass contains quercetin, a flavonoid known for having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Quercetin reduces inflammation, which inhibits cancer cell growth and prevents heart disease. Lemongrass is used in Africa as a treatment for coronary heart disease.
Does lemongrass interfere with medications? ›Lemongrass has no known severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.
Does lemongrass make you sleepy? ›Lemongrass is well known to relax muscles and induce sleep, potentially even helping your sleep for longer once you've dropped off.
Does lemongrass affect hormones? ›
Lemongrass is known to increase RBC levels. With its high iron content, it has proven to be a relief for menstrual cramps and hormonal imbalances in women.
Is lemongrass a natural antibiotic? ›Lemongrass essential oil and its bioactive component citral were previously demonstrated to possess strong antimicrobial efficacy against pathogenic bacteria and fungi.
Does lemongrass cause inflammation? ›Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) essential oil (LEO), which has citral as its main component, has exhibited anti-inflammatory effect in both animal and human cells.
Can lemongrass cure arthritis? ›The citral in lemongrass essential oil may help ease pain as it relieves inflammation. According to a 2017 study on people with rheumatoid arthritis, topical lemongrass oil decreased their arthritis pain. On average, pain levels were gradually reduced from 80 to 50 percent within 30 days.
Does lemongrass help your lungs? ›The stimulating essential oils in lemongrass dry excess mucous and phlegm trapped in the respiratory tract and the lungs, acting as an effective expectorant in fevers and also chronic asthma.
How does lemongrass help anxiety? ›Aromatherapy and stress release – Lemongrass oil has a fresh lemony scent, which can energise, relieve stress, anxiety and fatigue. The scent can be enjoyed through a diffuser, vaporiser or burner, so just sit back, shut your eyes and let the lemongrass oil work its magic.
Does lemongrass spike insulin? ›In all relevant studies, the administration of lemongrass increased insulin sensitivity [37], [40]. In some studies, however, some found that the administration of lemongrass and its bioactive effects had an impact on either increasing [41] or decreasing insulin levels [40].
Can lemongrass reduce belly fat? ›Due to its large content of polyphenols in this tea, it helps in regulating the metabolism rate. This increases the digestion rate and also aides in burning calories. Hence, it oxidises fatty acids and also burns fat in the body thereby reducing fat content from one's torso region.
Is lemongrass good for kidney and liver? ›Lemongrass promotes body detoxification
This results in low levels of uric acid in the body as opposed to otherwise and enhances the functioning of the liver and kidney.
Many citrus fruits, including lemon, can be added to water to help stimulate and flush out the liver. To help improve liver function, enjoy 4-6 tablespoons of lemon juice mixed with water each day.
Is lemongrass good for cholesterol? ›
According to science, lemongrass oil contains terpenoid compounds such as geraniol and citral that decrease cholesterol levels. These compounds inhibit the production of mevalonic acid, an intermediary in the production of cholesterol and the target of many cholesterol-lowering pharmaceutical drugs.
Can diabetics drink lemongrass tea? ›Dosage and Side Effects
To take as a tea, put 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemongrass in boiling water. If you have diabetes, use caution when taking lemongrass as it may lower your blood sugar. Lemongrass may also cause side effects in people with liver conditions.
A cup of lemongrass tea is known to be a great option for an upset stomach or GERD. Recent studies have shown that lemongrass can even be used against gastric ulcers. Lemongrass tea is also a natural diuretic, which means it acts as a digestive aid and may help relieve bloating and constipation.
Is lemongrass good for energy? ›According to a 2013 report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the presence of polyphenol compounds and caffeine content of lemongrass increases energy expenditure and fat oxidation, thereby contributing to weight loss.
Is lemongrass tea good for brain? ›Rich in essential nutrients, lemongrass tea by flushing out toxins creates an atmosphere for better brain health. It is an effective remedy for headaches and increases overall capacity of the brain's function besides alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety.
How much caffeine is in lemongrass? ›Lemongrass (botanical name 'Cymbopogon citratus') is a cooling, clear, and crisp herbal tea with a distinctive spicy, lemony aroma and citral flavor. It is enjoyed as an herbal tisane in many places around the world. Lemongrass is caffeine-free and blends well with other herbs (try ginger or mint) and teas.
How does lemongrass reduce belly fat? ›Due to its large content of polyphenols in this tea, it helps in regulating the metabolism rate. This increases the digestion rate and also aides in burning calories. Hence, it oxidises fatty acids and also burns fat in the body thereby reducing fat content from one's torso region.
Does lemongrass tighten skin? ›Astringent: As an effective astringent, Lemongrass helps to minimize pores, limit the secretions of oil (great for those of us with oily skin), and tighten skin.
Does lemon grass make you sleep? ›Lemongrass is well known to relax muscles and induce sleep, potentially even helping your sleep for longer once you've dropped off.
Does lemon grass balance hormones? ›Lemongrass is known to increase RBC levels. With its high iron content, it has proven to be a relief for menstrual cramps and hormonal imbalances in women.
Does lemongrass interact with any medications? ›
Lemongrass has no known severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.
Is lemongrass good for arthritis? ›The citral in lemongrass essential oil may help ease pain as it relieves inflammation. According to a 2017 study on people with rheumatoid arthritis, topical lemongrass oil decreased their arthritis pain. On average, pain levels were gradually reduced from 80 to 50 percent within 30 days.
What herbs open your lungs? ›- 1) Schisandra.
- 2) Yarrow.
- 3) Black Seed Oil.
- 4) Plantain.
- 5) Licorice.
- 6) Mullein.
- 7) Gaia-Grown Nettle.
- 8) Oil of Oregano.