Most people know about lemongrass because of its culinary uses, but did you know that there are many health benefits of lemongrass? This herb is quite unique because of its aroma and citrusy flavor. Lemongrass is a tall, perennial grass that belongs to the grass family of Poaceae. There are 55 species of the Cymbopogon, but only two are known as lemongrass. Cymbopogon citratus, which is famous for its culinary use, and Cymbopogon flexuosus, which is used to manufacture fragrances because of its extended shell life, that is caused by the low amount of myrcene it contains. You can grow lemongrass at home.

Many health benefits of lemongrass come from its main component which is lemonal or citral, that has antimicrobial or antifungal properties. This herb has flavonoids, antioxidant and phenolic compounds including kaempferol, elemicin, catechol, chlorogenic acid, luteolin, glycosides, quercetin, and caffein acid. It is a source of vitamin A, B-vitamins, folate, and vitamin C, as well as minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium, manganese, magnesium and phosphorus.

Brew a nice cup of lemongrass tea or try it as a refreshing cold beverage. Add it to cocktails and desserts or in Asian recipes, especially from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. Use lemongrass in curries, stews, soups, and stir fries. This herb is also used in beauty products, soaps, perfumes, deodorants, candles, and waxes. It is also used in pet products because it can help repel ticks, fleas and lice. Disinfectant and cleaning products use lemongrass, as well as insect repellents.

Lemongrass essential oil is very popular in aromatherapy because it has therapeutic effects which help revitalize the body. This is a cooling essential oil which is especially beneficial during hot weather. It has toning and astringent qualities that stimulate blood circulation. Use it in therapeutic baths to alleviate anxiety, stress, fatigue and calm the nerves.

Side Effects of Lemongrass

Lemongrass is considered a safe herb in general. Use a carrier oil when applying lemongrass essential oil topically, as it may cause an allergic reaction such as contact dermatitis if used directly. Ingestion of concentrated essential oil is also not recommended. Keep all essential oils out of the reach of children.

Do not use lemongrass medicinally during pregnancy. There is no evidence that it can trigger menstrual flow, but there is some concern that this herb could cause a miscarriage. More research needs to be done to determine whether or not this herb is safe during pregnancy. This herb could interfere with some medications, including chemotherapy drugs. Those who take prescription diuretics, have reduced heart rates or low potassium levels should stay away from lemongrass and its oils.

Health Benefits of Lemongrass

Detoxification

Lemongrass has diuretic properties, which may help to cleanse and flush harmful toxic wastes from the body. Body organs such as the liver and kidneys can benefit from detoxification, especially because it helps to lower the level of uric acid. Diuretics also help increase the frequency of urination and the quantity, which helps to detoxify and maintaine a healthy digestive system.

Relive Edema

As a diuretic, health benefits of lemongrass provide relief from edema or water retention. This herb can clean the lymphatic congestion and soothe swelling.

Stomach Disorders

Lemongrass essential oil potentially has antibacterial and anti-microbial functions which can help fight infections caused by pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Helicobacter pylori according to a study.

Health benefits of lemongrass can also help reduce inflammation. This herb can also help treat gastrointestinal disorders and improve digestion. It may be helpful for people who suffer from stomach ache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, gastric ulcers and ulcerative colitis.

Lower Cholesterol

Research showed that essential oils found in this plant possess anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic properties. Health benefits of lemongrass support healthy cholesterol levels, as well as triglycerides. Lemongrass can reduce LDL which is the bad cholesterol. It can also prevent the accumulation of lipids in blood vessels. A free flow of blood in the arteries prevents the risk of various cardiac conditions including atherosclerosis.

Reduce Obesity

Citral found in lemongrass reduces the accumulation of abdominal fat and promotes the use of stored energy. Health benefits of lemongrass also help maintain a healthy metabolism and enhance the oxidation of fatty acids in the body.

Manage Type 2 Diabetes

Health benefits of lemongrass are beneficial in managing type 2 diabetes. A study showed that the citral present in the herb may improve the tolerance of glucose in the body. It can also help maintain optimum levels of insulin.

Lower Cancer Risk

Regular consumption of lemongrass tea can reduce the risk of several types of cancer according to a study done in Israel. Citral found in lemongrass can cause apoptosis (kill) cancer cells without affecting healthy cells. This stops the growth of cancer cells. It is particularly beneficial at stopping the growth of breast cancer. Health benefits of lemongrass include its abundance of antioxidants which help eliminate free radicals from the body.

Respiratory Disorders

Ayurvedic medicine uses the health benefits of lemongrass to treat colds and cough. This herb is rich in vitamin C which provides relief from different respiratory conditions such as bronchial asthma, flu and nasal blockages.  

Staphylococcus aureus

Lemongrass can also help fight Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that is found on human skin and in the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract. This bacteria can live in your body without causing problems, but it may turn into a deadly staph infection if it enters your heart, bloodstream, joints or bones. Health benefits of lemongrass include an anti-biofilm capacity found in lemongrass essential oil according to a study. Phenols and essential oils found in the herb can disrupt the growth of the germs, stopping the infection because they help stop the formation of biofilms.

Treat Infections

Lemongrass is an effective antiseptic that can be used to treat so many conditions! Health benefits of lemongrass can treat dermatological infections, like yeast infections, by inhibiting the growth of pathogens. Lemongrass is more effective than thyme, patchouli and cedarwood oil in treating vaginal or oral candidiasis according to a study. Its antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties can also help treat sores, Athlete’s Foot, scabies, ringworm and urinary tract infections.

Eliminate Body Odors

Many deodorants and soaps use lemongrass because of its antibacterial and cleansing properties. This herb helps the body fight unpleasant unpleasant body odor and prevent bacterial and fungal infections. Add lemongrass bath salts to foot baths to control smelly feet and sanitize them.

Skin Health

Antioxidants found in this herb can help lower the risk of premature aging and prevent wrinkles and fine lines. Daily consumption of lemongrass tea will help keep your skin free of infections. It will also treat fungal and bacterial infections since this herb has antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial properties. Lemongrass can also serve as an astringent, which can improve the elasticity of the skin, minimize pores and limit oil secretions.

Fever

This herb is also known as “fever grass” because it can help lower a fever. Ayurvedic medicine uses the health benefits of lemongrass to cure fever by inducing sweating. This is caused by the diaphoretic and antipyretic effects of the herb.

Boost Immunity

Lemongrass extract has anti-inflammatory action. Citral, a constituent found in the herb, can inhibit inflammatory action of cytokine production which are the signaling molecules through which the cells communicate and respond to the body.

Insomnia

Having problems sleeping? Health benefits of lemongrass include its ability to promote sleep and calm muscles. Drink a cup of lemongrass tea to take advantage of the sedative properties of this herb which are increased during sleep.

Reduce Aches

Oils in this herb are effective to treat body aches and headaches. There are many herbal oils that can treat muscle pain and body aches with lesser side effects than synthetic drugs. One study showed that lemongrass essential oil is useful in treating cramps, muscle spasms and rheumatism.

An enzyme called cyclooxygenase-2 causes inflammation that can lead to joint pain. Anti-inflammatory components found in lemongrass can help suppress this inflammation. This herb is also useful in treating arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout.

Anti-Inflammatory

Quercetin is a flavonoid known for having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. This flavonoid is found in lemongrass which helps reduce inflammation, thus preventing heart disease and inhibiting cancer cell growth.

Insect Repellent

Lemongrass is on our list of herbs that are insect repellents. Studies have shown that lemongrass oil has anti-protozoan and antimalarial properties, which explains why it is included in many insect repellents. It can help prevent dengue, malaria and possibly Lyme disease.

Anxiety and Depression

Health benefits of lemongrass include its antidepressant activities which stimulate the release of serotonin. The brain needs this chemical to boost mental health. Citronella found in the grass has a calming effect which helps eliminate bad moods, improve self-esteem and mental strength.

Lactation

Lemongrass has galactagogue properties which help produce breast milk. Drink one to two cups of lemongrass per day if lactating. Antimicrobial and antibacterial properties found in the grass can help the infants stay safe and fight off infections.