What Is Lemongrass?
Lemongrass, also known as Cymbopogon citratus, belongs to the grass family of Poaceae. The herb is popular because of its unique citrusy aroma and lemon flavor. It is a perennial herb that originated from India and other tropical regions of Asia. Its physical features include linear leaves that grow in dense bunches.
The herb has various medicinal benefits. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that give it an extensive demand across the globe. 55 species of grass belong to the genus Cymbopogon. Two of the species are known as lemongrass. They include the West Indian lemongrass, also known as the Cymbopogon citratus, and the East Indian lemongrass, also called Cymbopogon flexuous.
The East Indian lemongrass is used in the manufacture of various fragrances due to its long shelf life. The extended shelf life is due to the reduced amount of myrcene present in the lemongrass.
Lemongrass is rich in various nutrients. It is rich in vitamins, especially vitamin A and vitamin B complex. Vitamin B complex that is found in lemongrass includes riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and pyridoxine. Lemongrass is also rich in vitamin C.
Essential nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus can be found in lemongrass. The minerals are essential for the proper functioning of the body.
How Does Lemongrass Work?
Lemongrass contains active ingredients that have various health benefits. The chemical ingredients listed in lemongrass help to prevent the growth of yeast and bacteria. The herb contains substances that may help to relieve various health conditions such as pain and fever.
Lemongrass can be used to stimulate the uterus and also the menstrual flow. The herb has antioxidant properties that help in the removal of free radicals in the body. The herb can be administered through various routes. It can be taken orally or applied topically on the skin.
Top 6 Lemongrass Essential Oil Health Benefits
Lemongrass is common in alternative and complementary medicine as a remedy for various ailments. The herb has different medicinal properties such as antiseptic, analgesic, carminative, and astringent, among others.
All parts of the herb including the stem, leaves, and bulb have medicinal properties. Both fresh and dried lemongrass can be readily sourced from the market. The herb's essential oil and supplements are also available.
Lemongrass tea is commonly brewed at home to provide remedies for various health issues. The following are top 6 lemongrass essential oil health benefits:
1. Promoting digestion
The intake of lemongrass has been shown to promote healthy digestion. The antiseptic properties of lemongrass support the removal of harmful bacteria and parasites from the digestive system. It also boosts the growth of friendly bacteria that are found in the digestive system.
The antimicrobial activity of lemongrass helps in the management of various digestive disorders such as diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, vomiting, and cramps, among others. The herb is also capable of relieving gastroenteritis.
It is advisable to drink lemongrass on a regular basis to have a healthy digestive system. However, the herb is not recommended for small children.
2. Cholesterol levels
Lemongrass helps in controlling cholesterol levels in the body by reducing its absorption from the intestines. Lemongrass also promotes the oxidation process of LDL-cholesterol in the blood, minimizing the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaque.
According to a study that was conducted at the University of Wisconsin in 1989, individuals with high cholesterol levels who took a daily dose of 140mg of lemongrass oil experienced reduced amounts of cholesterol.
Lemongrass also helps in the regulation of blood pressure due to the high amount of potassium. It is advisable to drink a cup of lemongrass daily to help in controlling the amount of cholesterol in the body.
3. Detoxification
Research has revealed that the consumption of lemongrass on a regular basis helps in the cleansing and detoxification processes of the body. The diuretic property of lemongrass helps in the removal of uric acid, toxins, and bad cholesterol from the body.
The cleansing process helps in improving the health of various organs in the body including the kidneys, pancreas, and liver. Health experts encourage the daily intake of lemongrass to get rid of harmful waste products from the body.
4. Anticancer
Research that was performed at Ben Gurion University revealed that lemongrass has anticancer properties. The herb has a chemical ingredient that is known as citral which causes the destruction of cancerous cells in the body.
Health experts in Israel encourage their patients to drink fresh lemongrass tea while undergoing chemotherapy. According to the study that was published in the journal, Fundamentals of Clinical Pharmacology claims that citral can slow the growth of breast cancer.
5. Analgesic
Lemongrass is known to reduce pain and inflammation in the body. The essential oil that is derived from lemongrass has been shown to reduce pain in the muscle and joints. It also helps cure toothaches and headaches that are caused by viral infections.
6. Antidepressant
The herbaceous plant is capable of boosting self-esteem, hope, and confidence. Lemongrass is also known to uplift spirits and reduce symptoms associated with depression. Individuals suffering from anxiety disorders can benefit from the regular intake of lemongrass.
Top Lemongrass Essential Oils
1. Beauty Aura Lemongrass Essential Oil
Steam distillation extracts beauty Aura Lemongrass Essential Oil from lemongrass. The lemongrass can be partially dried or fresh. The oil is extracted and packaged through a process that ensures the protection of the herb's natural properties.
It is packaged in an amber colored bottle that protects the oil from the harmful effects of sunlight. The lemongrass product has a rating of 4.6 out of a possible five stars on Amazon. Its price on Amazon is $12.99.
2. Now Foods Essential Oils, Lemongrass Oil
Now Foods Essential Oils, Lemongrass Oil is a product of NOW Foods. It comes with a pure lemongrass oil aroma and other lemon-like benefits.
The oil is extracted from the fresh leaves by steam distillation. It has a rating of 4.6 out of a possible five stars on Amazon. Its price on Amazon is $6.93.
3. Lemongrass Essential Oil 100% Pure
Lemongrass Essential Oil 100% Pure is a product of DeSensua. It is commonly used in the management of leg cramps and tennis elbow.
It works by boosting circulation of blood in the joints. It has a rating of 4.1 out of a possible five stars on Amazon. Its price is $11.56.
Top 6 Lemongrass Essential Oil Health Benefits Review Summary
Lemongrass has plenty of medical benefits. However, the appropriate dose of lemongrass to be used depends on various factors such as health, age, and several others. No study explains a suitable range of doses for the herbal product.
It is important to remember that not all natural products are safe and appropriate dosages are necessary. It is advisable to consult a pharmacist or a physician before using the herb.
