Lemongrass smells like lemon, which is why it is commonly used in Asian cuisines as a potent flavoring agent. Lemongrass, a herb also referred to fever grass, is a perennial plant that is native to some Asian countries.
Lemongrass is rich in vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin C, folate, potassium, folic acid, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, iron, and calcium.
Apart from its culinary benefits, the bulb, stems, and leaves of lemongrass are used in various treatments. Lemongrass is actually effective in treating a wide range of health conditions. The herb has so many beneficial properties, including diuretic, antidepressant, analgesic, carminative, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-cancer, antipyretic, antibacterial, astringent antifungal, galactagogue, febrifuge, and sedative capabilities.
Here are some of the amazing health benefits of the lemongrass.
Boosts the Immune System
We all know how beneficial a strong immune system is to an overall healthy body. Thankfully, lemongrass possesses certain healing properties, including in treating cardiovascular, respiratory, anemia diseases. The herb is effective for building a strong immunity for the body. Lemongrass calms cytokines, which are the signaling molecules in the body, by reducing inflammation.
Regulates Blood Sugar
Lemongrass is very effective in managing Type-II diabetes. The herb helps to regulate blood sugar levels and relieve the symptoms of diabetes. Lemongrass also contains citral which helps in maintaining the right insulin level in the blood.
Ensures Digestion
The herb is very effective in alleviating intestinal inflammation by ensuring bowel movement and the elimination of stool from the body. Lemongrass oil also possesses antimicrobial properties that treat gastrointestinal issues such as constipation and diarrhea and support overall digestive health.
Relieves Pain
Lemongrass contains analgesic properties that calm throbbing pain like migraines and headaches. In fact, the herb contains phytonutrients that help to treat muscle cramps and spasms. People who engage in energetic activities like athletes are usually advised to incorporate lemongrass into their diets to enhance recovery.
Contains Anti-Biofilm Properties
Lemongrass possesses anti-biofilm properties that are helpful in treating Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to conventional antibiotics. As a matter of fact, the phenols found in the lemongrass are effective in combating biofilm activities in the body, therefore, protecting the body against infections. Lemongrass oil also functions as a topical treatment for destroying germs.
Treats Skin Issues
The antiseptic and astringent capabilities of lemongrass are very effective in treating skin problems like acne and curbs breakouts as well. The herb is commonly used as an ingredient in serums and night oils. However, it is important to note that lemongrass oil has a relatively strong effect on the skin and should always be diluted before it is used in your skincare routine.
Prevents Anemia
Pregnant women would find lemongrass tea very helpful as it provides certain health benefits, including providing their bodies with folates and iron. However, the use of the herb is not limited to pregnant women; it is also very effective in preventing and treating anemia. The consumption of lemongrass actually increases the body’s hemoglobin levels and prevents diseases that are caused by a deficiency in iron.
Promotes Healthy Cells
Lemongrass is rich in antioxidants and so is very effective in curbing the degeneration of cells. The herb facilitates the removal of affected blood cells from the body. Meanwhile, the folate and potassium present in lemongrass help in DNA synthesis and cell division.
Treats Arthritis
Did you know that lemongrass essential oil also helps to treat arthritis pain? Well, it does. In fact, it is used to massage the joints, soothe inflammation, and relieve rheumatoid arthritis.
Facilitates Detoxification
These days, it seems the most-talked health topic is detoxification. Well, lemongrass is guaranteed to make detoxification easy for anyone. Lemongrass is one herb with appreciable detoxifying properties. Like we mentioned earlier, the herb contains diuretic properties that are effective in the elimination of toxins from the body. Do you want to keep your liver clean and free from toxins? Lemongrass is your best bet. Additionally, the herb helps to clean the kidneys by increasing the number of times you urinate.
Lowers Fever
Lemongrass is called the “fever grass” because of its febrifuge properties. Evidently, like in conventional treatment, the herb possesses a diaphoretic and antipyretic effect on fever and lowers it instantly.
Treats Insomnia
Do you have trouble sleeping or experience irregular sleep patterns? Lemongrass tea and essential oil can help calm your nerves and make you sleep better. You only need to drink a cup of lemongrass tea before bedtime to get a good night’s sleep.
Alleviates the Symptoms of Depression
Lemongrass oil has a calming effect on people suffering from depression and anxiety. The herb is effective in calming the mind.
Treats Cold
Do you suffer from a stuffy nose? No problem; lemongrass essential oil is effective in treating a stuffy nose. Lemongrass also aids in the treatment of coughs, flu, and colds. Also, due to the vitamin C in lemongrass, the herb is effective in relieving respiratory diseases.
Prevents Cancer
Due to the presence of citral, antioxidant in lemongrass, it is able to eliminate the cancerous cells in the body as well as boost immunity. According to some studies, lemongrass helps to eliminate hepatic cancer cells from the body while also preventing the replication of cancerous cells.
The Bottom Line
In addition to the incredible health benefits of lemongrass mentioned above, it also improves the cognitive abilities of the brain, prevents convulsions and many other nervous disorders.
