The name Lemongrass gives away the fundamentals of the herb. It’s a grassy plant with a lemony flavor, but it tastes milder and sweeter. Lemongrass, also called fever grass, is a perennial plant with thin, long leaves that is indigenous to many Asian countries. This herb is used in various Asian cuisines as a flavoring agent due to its potent flavor. This herb is accessible from just about any ethnic shop, health food store, online marketplace, or even within the aisle of many supermarkets. It contains antibacterial, curative, and antioxidant properties that make lemongrass a great alternative for a broad spectral range of common ailments.
Nutritionally, lemongrass is a good source of vitamins A and C, folate, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and manganese. It also has minute traces of B vitamins.
Along with its culinary uses, lemongrass is useful in alternative or complementary remedies for a wide range of ailments.
1) Its Anti-septic
Some research suggests that the antiseptic properties of lemongrass to be more powerful than penicillin and streptomycin when used as a treatment for staph infections. Kathi Keville of the American Herb Association says that if used as a compress or a wash, that lemon grass combats various kinds of skin infections and infected sores due to these antiseptic properties.
2) Has Plenty of Antioxidants
Unstable free radicals interact together with the DNA and proteins of the cells in your system. These interactions can lead to chronic diseases like Alzheimers and cancer. The antioxidants in lemongrass have been shown to stop these reactions.
3) Fights off Infections
While clinical trials are essential to demonstrate these advantages conclusively, the Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases published an article showing how lemongrass can help to stop the growth of certain infections. The study also shows that lemongrass may treat fungal infections, but says that more clinical trials are necessary.
4) Anti-inflammatory
Research conducted by the Indian Institute of Toxicology found lemon grass extracts to be a successful remedy for inflammation. The powerful anti-oxidants in lemon grass reduced oxidative stress in mitochondrial membranes, investigators in the study claim.
5) It is an Oil Combatant
Lemon grass is commonly used within the cosmetics industry. It is found mainly in deodorants, soaps, and colognes not only for the pleasant and fresh aroma but also for its practical advantages. Mixing in 10-20 drops of the oil into a facial wash or conditioner, for example, would help with acne or oily hair as it helps to cut down on the production of oils. Be aware that some people might experience some skin irritation with this use.
6) Helps Heart Problems
Lemongrass can help to dilate and relax the walls of the body’s blood vessels.This may decrease the risk of hypertension as well as other related cardiovascular diseases.
7) Lowers Cholesterol
Based on a university study, lemongrass tea may possess a cholesterol-lowering effect. Consult with your physician prior to your use of lemongrass to deal with high cholesterol to see if it would work for your particular needs.
8) Deals With Stress
The volatile oils of lemongrass also demonstrate significant anti-stress action by regulating particular neuroreceptors when applied to mental performance. These results were found in lab animals and have not been yet been tested for people. As such, consult a physician before using lemongrass extracts to deal with stress.
9) Fights Cancer
A study published in PubMed states that lemongrass extracts can cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in certain cancer cell lines. Nevertheless, these gains haven’t been analyzed in patients, and much more research is necessary before lemongrass extracts may be used for cancer treatment, says the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Possible Side Effects of Lemongrass
Lemongrass isn’t connected with any bothersome or significant side effects when taken internally in recommended dosages. Cases are reported, however, by which individuals have developed skin rashes after drinking lemongrass tea. Those with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to lemongrass should be sure to avoid it. Lemongrass, along with other essential oils could cause allergic contact skin responses in certain individuals.
Lemongrass might lower blood glucose levels. Blood sugar levels might have to become monitored with a healthcare provider, and medication adjustments might be crucial if this happens. Lemongrass could cause minor increases in liver function tests, as well. Lemongrass is not to be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Because it tends to raise body heat, most people should avoid drinking lemongrass tea in surplus. Make sure that you consult a physician before you begin taking this herb if you’re experiencing any ailment. Promptly cease taking it in the event that you feel any side effect after using this herb.
Lemongrass is quite popular and should be found in many stores which carry natural health products. It can be found in tea, extract oil, cut/sifted, live plant, seeds, and stalk form.
