Lemongrass: Top Benefits, Uses, & Side Effects
by Meenakshi Nagdeve last updated - April 16, 2024 Medically reviewed by Vanessa Voltolina (MS, RD)
Lemongrass is a potent herb that can help treat
Insomnia,
Stomach and
Respiratory disorders,
Fever, and
Infections. The possible
Antioxidant activity of the lemongrass may boost the
Immune system and protects against
Antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It may even help in balancing
Cholesterol levels, managing type 2
Diabetes, and promoting healthy
Skin. It is extensively used in
Aromatherapy and helps combat
fatigue,
Anxiety, and bad body odor.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon) - An
Aromatic Healer
Lemongrass is an herb with a distinct citrusy flavor and
Aroma. Its scientific name is Cymbopogon citratus and it belongs to the grass family of Poaceae. It is a tall, perennial grass native to India and tropical regions of Asia and is alternatively known as Cymbopogon, barbed wire grass, or even
Fever grass. In addition to its culinary usage, this herb offers an array of medicinal benefits and is in extensive demand due to its anti-
Bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-microbial properties across Southeast Asia, Africa, and America.
Types of Lemongrass
The genus Cymbopogon comprises 55 species of grasses, two of which are referred to as lemongrass. These are Cymbopogon citratus, which is famously preferred for culinary use, and Cymbopogon flexuosus, used in the manufacturing of fragrances because of its extended shelf life, owing to the low amount of myrcene in that variety.
Lemongrass contains
Antioxidants, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds such as luteolin, glycosides, quercetin, kaempferol, elemicin, catechol, chlorogenic
Acid, and caffeic
Acid. The main component of this fragrant herb is lemonal or citral, which has
Antifungal and anti-microbial qualities.
Lemongrass is an
Aromatic storehouse of essential nutrients providing an array of health benefits. The USDA FoodData Central shows that it is a source of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, B-vitamins, folate, and vitamin C, potassium,
Magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, and iron.
Health Benefits of Lemongrass
The strong, refreshing flavor of lemongrass is enough reason to try it out in teas and cocktails. But it's even better to know how good it is for your health! Here are some of the health benefits of lemongrass you should know.
May Help Lower
Cholesterol
Research published in 2011 in'Food and Chemical Toxicology journal revealed that the essential oils in lemongrass possess anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hyper
Cholesterolemic properties that support healthy
Cholesterol levels.
One animal study has also shown that lemongrass may assist in sustaining healthy levels of triglycerides and reducing LDL or bad
Cholesterol. This may help in preventing the accumulation of lipids in the
Blood vessels and promoting an unobstructed flow of blood in the
Arteries, thereby preventing various
Cardiac disorders such as atherosclerosis.
May
Detoxify the Body
According to a 2003 animal study, lemongrass may help in cleansing and flushing harmful toxic wastes from the body, as a result of its
Diuretic properties. Detoxification may help in the regulation of various organs of the body, including the
Liver and
Kidneys, while also possibly helping to lower the levels of
Uric Acid. The possible
Diuretic effect of the herb helps in increasing the quantity and frequency of urination, which helps in maintaining
Digestive health and
Detoxifying the body.
May Fight Staphylococcus Aureus
Research published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology has shown that lemongrass essential oil has an anti-biofilm capacity and is beneficial against the
Infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus. It contains phenols and essential oil, which may disrupt the growth of
Infections and germs and help inhibit the formation of biofilms. May Aid in Relieving
Stomach Disorders
Studies have shown that lemongrass essential oil has potentially anti-microbial and anti-
Bacterial properties which help in fighting the
Infections caused by pathogens such as Helicobacter
Pylori and Escherichia coli.
It is beneficial in reducing
Inflammation and
Gastrointestinal disorders; it may be helpful to consume to improve
Digestion and if you suffer from gastric
Ulcers,
Constipation, ulcerative
Colitis,
Diarrhea,
Nausea, and
Stomach ache.
May Relieve
Insomnia
Lemongrass tea is considered to be helpful in calming
Muscles and
Nerves that may aid in promoting
Sleep. Research has shown that lemongrass tea has
Sedative properties, which can help in increasing the duration of
Sleep.
May Act as Remedy for
Respiratory Disorders
Lemongrass is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for its healing effects in treating
Cough and cold. Along with other beneficial components, vitamin C in it may help in providing relief from nasal blockages, flu, and other
Respiratory disorders such as
Bronchial Asthma.
May Reduce
Fever
Lemongrass is a febrifuge and is also known as the '
Fever grass' due to its beneficial effects in lowering
Fever. The possible antipyretic and diaphoretic effect is extensively used in Ayurvedic medicine for curing
Fever by inducing sweating.
May Help Treat
Infections
Lemongrass works as an anti
Septic and is effective in treating
Infections such as
Ringworm,
Sores,
Athlete's Foot, scabies, and
Urinary tract
Infections (UTI) because of its
Antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties. Studies have shown that the herb exerts healing effects on dermatological
Infections, such as yeast
Infections, by inhibiting the growth of pathogens. Another study provides supporting evidence that demonstrated the efficacy of lemongrass over thyme, patchouli, and cedarwood oil in the treatment of various diseases.
May Reduce Aches
Lemongrass and several of its products such as oil are known to be effective against
Headaches and body aches. A 2018 study suggests that not only is the herbal oil effective against
Muscle Pain and body ache of various kinds, it is also an alternative with lesser side effects as opposed to synthetic drugs. Another study also notes the effective use of lemongrass essential oil against
Rheumatism,
Muscle Spasms, and
Cramps.
May Aid in Managing Type-2
Diabetes
Lemongrass has been shown to have beneficial implications for managing type-2
Diabetes. An animal study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology in 2011 indicates that the citral present in the fragrant herb may help maintain optimum levels of insulin and improve the tolerance of glucose in the body. However, more research needs to be conducted on the human population to truly understand the effects.
May Boost Immunity
Lemongrass extracts may have a beneficial effect on the inflammatory actions of
Cytokines, which are the signaling molecules through which the cells communicate and respond to the body. Studies have shown that the extract exerts
Anti-inflammatory action and its constituent, citral, may be the cause of its inhibitory effect on cytokine production.
May Improve
Skin Care
Lemongrass has been treasured as a
Skin Tonic and makes an effective cleanser for oily or
Acne-prone
Skin, due to its
Astringent and anti
Septic qualities. It can help in strengthening the
Skin tissues and toning up the pores while also sterilizing them. Care should be taken while using lemongrass products, as the undiluted application might lead to dermal irritation in some cases.
May Provide Relief from
Edema
Lemongrass is effective in providing relief from the condition of water retention or
Edema. It has a cleansing effect on
Lymphatic
Congestion and helps soothe the
Swelling.
Can Be Used in
Aromatherapy
Lemongrass consists of beneficial essential oils and compounds such as neroli, citronellol, myrcene, dipentene, geraniol, and methyl heptenone. The oil is extensively used in
Aromatherapy due to its therapeutic effects, which help in revitalizing the body.
The cooling effect of the essential oil is beneficial for the body during hot weather and promotes the revival of both the mind and soul. This oil possesses natural
Astringent and toning qualities that help stimulate blood
Circulation and tone up the dermal tissues.
It is used in therapeutic baths for calming the
Nerves and alleviating
Stress,
fatigue, and
Anxiety.
May Help Reduce Obesity
Lemongrass contains citral, which is effective against obesity. It can lessen the accumulation of abdominal
fat and promotes the use of stored energy, which helps in preventing diet-induced weight gain. It aids in healthy metabolism and enhances the oxidation of
fatty
Acids in the body.
May Eliminate Body Odor
Lemongrass is used in the manufacturing of
Deodorants due to its cleansing and
AntiBacterial properties.
Deodorants help combat unpleasant body odor and prevent fungal and
Bacterial
Infections. It can also be added to footbaths for sanitizing sore and smelly feet.
Lemongrass is an herb with a distinct citrusy flavor and
Aroma.
Can Act as an
Insect Repellent
Lemongrass is used as a natural
Insect repellent and helps in preventing the occurrence of
Insect-borne diseases such as
Malaria, and possibly Lyme disease. Studies have shown that lemongrass oil has anti
Malarial and anti-protozoan properties, which is why it is used in many mosquito repellents
.
Lemongrass Uses
Apart from folk medicines, lemongrass is commonly used in Asian cuisines, especially those of Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. It is used for adding flavor to beverages such as teas, curries, and soups. It is also found extensively in the preparation of pudding, meat products, candies, and baked goods.
Other Uses
It is used in the manufacturing of perfumes,
Deodorants, polishes, candles, and waxes. It is also used to add fragrance to soaps and cosmetic products.
It is commercially used to lure and attract honey bees for various purposes.
Hydrophobic Properties: Lemongrass is used for preserving ancient palm leaf manuscripts and protects them from the damage caused by microorganisms. It strengthens the leaves by providing the required moisture to the fragile palm leaves without letting the humidity cause any loss to the stored text. This protective effect can be attributed to the hydrophobic properties of lemongrass oil.
Pet Products: Lemongrass is used in the manufacturing of
Shampoos and grooming products for pets due to its repellent effects on lice and ticks.
Potential Side Effects of Lemongrass
While lemongrass and its derivatives are generally safe to use, direct use of the essential oil is not recommended. It may induce an allergic reaction such as contact
Dermatitis. The topical use or ingestion of concentrated essential oils is not recommended.
It is always advisable to keep the essential oil out of the reach of children.
Note: It is strongly recommended to consult a health professional before using lemongrass oil. This is especially true during
Pregnancy, when trying to conceive, breastfeeding, and during the course of any ongoing medical treatments and consultations.
Used cautiously, it can prove extremely valuable in providing a range of medicinal relief. So, add a refreshing and healthy
Aroma to your life with lemongrass!
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-lemongrass.html