Lemongrass, also called fever grass, is a perennial plant with thin, long leaves that is indigenous to many Asian countries. As the name implies, lemongrass smells like lemon, but it tastes milder and sweeter.
This herb is used in various Asian cuisines as a flavoring agent due to its potent flavor.
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.It has many beneficial medicinal properties including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antipyretic, antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, astringent, carminative, diuretic, febrifuge, galactogogue, insecticidal, sedative, and anti-cancer properties.
The leaves, stems and bulb of lemongrass are used in various treatments.
Helps Digestion
Lemongrass promotes healthy digestion. It has antiseptic compounds that effectively kill bad bacteria and parasites in the digestive tract and repopulate the good bacteria in the colon.
Controls Cholesterol Levels
The anti-cholesterol and anti-atherosclerosis action of lemongrass helps reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine.
The high potassium content in lemongrass also helps lower and regulate blood pressure.
Simply drink a cup of lemongrass tea everyday to help lower your cholesterol level and reduce blood pressure. You can also take this herb in supplement form after consulting your doctor.
Cleanses and Detoxifies
Regular consumption of lemongrass tea helps cleanse and dexoify the body. The diuretic nature of lemongrass helps remove toxins, uric acid and bad cholesterol from the body by increasing the frequency and quantity of urination. Urination also helps clean out the kidneys.
Heals Colds and Flu
Lemongrass has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help your body cope with coughs, fever and other cold and flu symptoms. Plus, it is loaded with vitamin C that boosts your immune system to fight the infection.
Fights Cancer
A component called citral found in lemongrass causes apoptosis in cancer cells without damaging healthy cells. Simply put, it causes the cancer cells to commit suicide.
Reduces Arthritis Pain
Due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, lemongrass helps treat arthritis, rheumatism, osteoarthritis, gout and other types of joint pain. Its anti-inflammatory properties help suppress the activity of cyclooxygenase-2, an enzyme involved in inflammation that causes pain, especially in joints.
Benefits New Mothers
Lemongrass is highly beneficial for new mothers who are breastfeeding their babies. It has galactogogue properties that help increase breast milk production. Its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties also help the babies remain healthy and free from infections.
Lactating mothers can drink one to two cups of lemongrass tea daily.
Fights Depression
The antidepressant properties of lemongrass help treat depression. The herb also activates the release of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that combats depression. Lemongrass relieves anxiety, boosts self esteem, uplifts spirits, gives confidence and improves mental strength.
Reduces Body Odor
Lemongrass oil in a diluted form works as an effective deodorant. In fact, beauty experts find lemongrass oil more effective than many of the synthetic deodorants available in the market.
Keeps Skin Healthy
Lemongrass is also beneficial for your skin. It can help alleviate various skin issues, from large pores to fungal infections. Plus, its acts as an astringent, helps minimize pores, limits the secretions of oil and makes the skin firm.
