Lemongrass, also known as barbed wire grass, silky heads, Cochin grass, Malabar grass, oily heads, citronella grass or fever grass, is a genus of Asian, African, Australian, and tropical island plants in the grass family.
Some species, in particular, are commonly cultivated as culinary and medicinal herbs because of their scent, resembling that of lemons.
Lemongrass has also been discovered to have a lot of health benefits that are unknown to many people.
Overview
Lemongrass is a plant. The leaves and the oil are used to make medicine.
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.
Some people apply lemongrass and its essential oil directly to the skin for headache, stomachache, abdominal pain, and muscle pain.
By inhalation, the essential oil of lemongrass is used as aromatherapy for muscle pain.
In food and beverages, lemongrass is used as a flavoring. For example, lemongrass leaves are commonly used as “lemon” flavoring in herbal teas.
In manufacturing, lemongrass is used as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics. Lemongrass is also used in making vitamin A and natural citral.
How does it work?
Lemongrass might help prevent the growth of some bacteria and yeast. Lemongrass also contains substances that are thought to relieve pain, reduce fever, stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow, and have antioxidant properties.
In this article we’ll discuss the health benefits of lemongrass
1. It improves dental health
The antimicrobial properties of lemongrass have been proven to help treat oral infections and cavities. The antimicrobial properties in lemongrass help fight against streptococcus sanguinis bacteria, which is the bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease.
So, drinking lemongrass tea once in a while can help guarantee your dental health.
2. For diuretic effects
According to Healthline.com, lemongrass is a known diuretic in the world of natural health. A diuretic makes you urinate more often, ridding your body of excess fluid and sodium. Diuretics are often prescribed if you have heart failure, liver failure, or edema.
3. It helps relieve symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
For ladies, lemongrass contains stomach-soothing properties and anti-inflammatory properties, which are natural remedies for cramps and bloating.
Drinking lemongrass tea serves as a natural remedy for menstrual cramps instead of the use of pain relief.
4. It helps with digestion
Having issues with digestion, a prescribed dosage of lemongrass tea by your medical practitioner can be an answer to this.
Lemongrass is effective in curing indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhoea, and other digestive problems.
Lemongrass also helps in reducing gas and the formation of internal gas. Research also shows that lemongrass may be effective in curing gastric ulcers.
5. It helps prevent cancer
Research has shown that lemongrass contains citral, which can help reduce your risk of cancer. Other components of lemongrass help fight cancer, and this occurs either by causing cell death directly or boosting your immune system so that your body is better able to fight-off cancer on its own.
A group of researchers in 2006, also discovered that a compound in lemongrass can kill cancer cells without harming the healthy cells.
Lemongrass tea is also effective during chemotherapy and radiation under the guidance of an oncologist.
6. It helps regulate blood pressure
Lemongrass effectively regulates blood pressure. It is high in potassium, which helps reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by lowering blood pressure.
Consumption of lemongrass tea can also help reduce hypertension and increase urine production in the body.
7. It helps in having a healthy skin
Organic lemongrass essential oil has to purify properties which make it perfect for skin care. These properties help to remove impurities, detoxify the skin and leave it feeling clean and clear. Antioxidants are good for you as they help to neutralise damaging free radicals, which can be harmful to your skin.
