Rich in folic acid, folate, zinc, magnesium, copper, potassium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, calcium, and vitamins A, B, and C, lemongrass is one of the most beneficial food items to add to your weekly diet. Also known as fever grass, lemongrass tastes and smells like lemon, but is sweeter and milder. It has been used for centuries to treat lots of health issues and conditions. Dried or fresh, lemongrass boasts has plenty of beneficial medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic, antipyretic, antibacterial, astringent, antifungal, carminative, febrifuge, diuretic, galactagogue, sedative, insecticidal, anti-cancer, and anti-aging properties.
So without further ado, take a look at these 17 great health benefits of lemongrass:
Relieves joint pain
Lemongrass possesses potent pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties that help to treat rheumatism, arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, and other kinds of the joint pain. The anti-inflammatory abilities of lemongrass help to suppress the activity of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase-2, which is involved in causing inflammation that leads to the joint pain. Moreover, lemongrass is effective in reducing sprains or muscle spasms by relaxing the muscles, preventing the symptoms related to the joint pain. So, drink a cup of lemongrass tea the next time you need to relieve the pain.
Lowers cancer risk
A scientific review conducted at the Ben Gurion University, in Israel demonstrated that frequent consumption of lemongrass tea can reduce the risk of various types of cancer. Lemongrass contains citral, a component that stimulates apoptosis in cancer cells without ruining healthy cells – thus stopping the growth of cancer cells. The review involved individuals who took fresh lemongrass tea while undergoing chemotherapy treatments or radiation. Another study published in the Journal of Fundamentals of Clinical Pharmacology revealed that citral found in lemongrass suppresses the growth of the cells that cause breast cancer. Additionally, lemongrass is an excellent source of antioxidants that help to decrease the risk of cancer by eliminating free radicals in the body.
Fights bacteria and viruses
Lemongrass is renowned for its incredible antifungal and antibacterial properties that help the body to effectively fight bacteria and viruses and thus deal with cold and flu symptoms faster. Moreover, lemongrass is fortified with vitamin C that plays a critical role in strengthening the immune system to kill the infection. Lemongrass is also effective in treating the muscle pain and headaches related to colds or flu. It’s also helpful in breaking down phlegm and mucus build-up, thus resolving breathing issues. This makes lemongrass essential for people suffering from asthma or bronchitis.
Detoxifies the whole body
Drinking lemongrass tea at least once a day helps detoxify and cleanse the whole body. Thanks to its diuretic properties, lemongrass helps to flush out harmful toxins, eliminate uric acid, and lower the bad cholesterol levels by increasing the quantity and frequency of urination. Since urination helps to banish toxins and clean out the kidneys, it decreases the likelihood of chronic inflammation, which is a culprit for many health conditions. Besides this, drinking lemongrass tea can aid in purifying the pancreas, bladder, and liver, as well as in elevating blood circulation that’s vital for overall health.
Regulates cholesterol
The anti-atherosclerosis and anti-cholesterol abilities of lemongrass help to decrease the cholesterol absorption from the intestine. Furthermore, it aids in the LDL-cholesterol oxidation in the blood, preventing the atherosclerotic plaque build-up. A research conducted at the University of Wisconsin found that individuals with high cholesterol levels who took 140 milligrams of the lemongrass oil in capsules each day experienced lower cholesterol levels. Also, they noticed a significant reduction in the blood fats.
Improves the digestive system
Regular consumption of organic lemongrass has been shown to promote healthy digestion. That’s all because lemongrass contains the antiseptic compounds, which are helpful in killing parasites and bad bacteria in the digestive tract and stimulating the production of good bacteria within the colon. Lemongrass can help to treat numerous digestive health issues, including constipation, indigestion, heartburn, bloating, diarrhea, flatulence, vomiting, stomach spasms, cramps, and in some cases nausea. Plus, this fragrant tropical grass boasts powerful antimicrobial properties, which can help to treat gastroenteritis.
Treats anxiety and depression
Lemongrass boasts of antidepressant abilities that help to relieve the symptoms of anxiety and depression. It stimulates the release of serotonin, which is an important chemical in the brain that is responsible for your mental health. Not only does lemongrass help to relieve anxiety and depression, but also help to improve your self-esteem, beat bad moods, and improve mental strength. Citronella found in lemongrass has a calming effect on the body and mind and thus helps you get a better quality sleep. Whenever you have a low mood or feel depressed, sip on a cup of freshly brewed lemongrass tea to boost your mood.
Recommended Read: Types & Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
Helps lactating mothers
Although lemongrass is dangerous to pregnant women, it’s incredibly beneficial for breastfeeding moms. It boasts the galactagogue properties, which can help to improve the production of breast milk. The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of lemongrass also help the infants stay healthy and ward off infections. It’s recommended to drink 1 to 2 cups of lemongrass tea each day, but not more. And remember to consult your doctor before adding lemongrass to your breastfeeding diet.
Promotes skin health
Your skin can reap some fantastic benefits from lemongrass as well. Lemongrass can help to prevent different skin problems, from fungal infections to large pores. The antioxidants in this herb help to ward off the wrinkles and fine lines, lowering the risk of premature aging. Thanks to its antifungal, antiseptic, and antibacterial abilities, lemongrass aids in limiting microbial or bacterial growth on your skin. The daily consumption of lemongrass tea will help to keep your skin free of infections and reduce the skin problems caused by fungal or bacterial infections. Lemongrass also acts as an astringent, which helps to minimize pores, limit oil secretions, and improve the elasticity of the skin.
Beats menstrual cramps
The rich nutrient content makes lemongrass tea an effective remedy for menstrual cramps. Lemongrass tea can also help to prevent other PMS symptoms, including nausea, irritability and mood swings. Take two cups of freshly brewed lemongrass tea per day to stay healthy and happy while you are on your period.
Improves the nervous system
The tonic for the nervous system, lemongrass is an all-natural nervine and can reduce the high-stress levels and stimulate your mind. Plus, it helps in fighting vertigo, nervousness, convulsions, and other neuronal disorders, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Lemongrass is often used in the therapeutic baths that provide the nerve calming effect and reduces the symptoms of fatigue and anxiety caused by the high levels of stress.
Prevents obesity
Citral in lemongrass has been known for its ability to treat and prevent obesity. This component stimulates the use of stored energy and reduces the accumulation of abdominal fat. Drinking lemongrass tea daily helps to lose weight faster but it should be teamed up with a well-balanced diet. Lemongrass tea helps to speed up the metabolic rate and increase the oxidation of the fatty acids in your body, thus promoting weight loss.
Revitalizes the body
Lemongrass contains a number of helpful ingredients of essential oils like citronellol, nerol, myrcene, geraniol, dipentene, methyl heptenone, and others, which have antiseptic, insecticidal, and anti-fungal abilities. Lemongrass essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy because of its therapeutic effects that help to revitalize the body. The healing and cooling effects of lemongrass essential oil are great for the body as they promote the improvement of both the soul and mind. The lemongrass oil has natural toning and astringent qualities that aid in stimulating the healthy blood circulation and toning up the dermal tissues. In some cases, the oil can also help to firm, tighten, and uplift saggy skin, especially after weight loss.
Eliminates body odor
Diluted lemongrass essential oil works as a natural deodorant – in most cases, it works even better than the store-bought deodorants. Again, the leading chemical component in lemongrass oil, citral, boasts a vivid scent that helps to fight the body odor. Additionally, lemongrass oil possesses antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that help to regulate excessive sweating and inhibit or kill microorganisms, which are guilty of causing the body odor. Since lemongrass rarely causes skin irritation or allergic reactions, it’s absolutely safe to use.
Recommended Read: Natural DIY Homemade Perfumes
Treats edema
The excess of the watery fluid accumulating in the tissues or cavities of the body causes tons of discomfort and sometimes even pain. Lemongrass is helpful in treating the condition of edema or water retention. It provides a cleansing effect on a lymphatic congestion and aids in soothing the swelling.
Relieves the symptoms of rheumatism
Fresh lemongrass tea can also be beneficial in reducing the discomfort and pain caused by rheumatism. Lemongrass essential oil can be just effective too. You can apply it topically on both sprains and lumbago to help to relieve neuralgia.
Treats type-2 diabetes
Lemongrass is great for people with type-2 diabetes. Lemongrass tea helps to maintain optimal levels of insulin and enhance the glucose tolerance in the body. The cleansing and purifying effects of lemongrass tea also help to cleanse and detoxify the pancreas and boost its functions, reducing the blood sugar level in people with diabetes.
Recommended Read: Improve Your Diabetes Health with These 7 Must-Dos
The Possible Side Effects of Lemongrass
Even though lemongrass is usually considered safe to use in teas and other natural remedies, it still has a number of possible side effects. That’s why it’s highly recommended to consult a doctor or nutritionist before incorporating lemongrass into your meal plan or before taking any lemongrass supplements. The rare yet possible side effects include tiredness, increased urination, dry mouth, intense hunger, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. If you’re allergic to lemongrass, you’re more likely to experience the symptoms, such as rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, itching, and rash. If you suffer from any disease or condition, you’re pregnant, have a low potassium level, have a reduced heart rate, or take any prescription diuretics, you should stay away from lemongrass and its oil.
Due to its outstanding anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, lemongrass has become a favorite herb of many nutritionists. Lemongrass tea is particularly popular. Of course, more human studies and reviews are required to prove other health benefits of lemongrass, but the aforementioned benefits have already shown that lemongrass is worth consuming, albeit, in moderation.
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