Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), sometimes called lemongrass or citronella, is an tall grass-like ingredient commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine. The lower stems and bulbs of the plant have a fresh, clean, lemon scent, which is sometimes added to teas, marinades, curries and broths.

In addition to their use as a flavoring agent, lemongrass and lemongrass essential oils are also used for medical purposes, some of which are supported by scientific evidence.

What is lemongrass?

Lemongrass is a medicinal plant, native to India. It is grown commercially in Guatemala, South India. Its leaves and plant are used in many herbal medicines for their healing properties. It can be made into tea and its oil is used in many treatments for respiratory and digestive disorders. Lemongrass is rich in antioxidants that are effective in controlling cholesterol in the body and also enhance cell health.

It is an herb used mainly in Asian cuisine. has a spicy taste that resembles lemon and is added to broths dried or fresh. It is added to meat, poultry and seafood dishes and adds a lively citrus flavor to food. Lemongrass oil can be used as a preservative and is also useful in repelling insects such as mosquitoes and flies. Lemongrass is also used to attract bees when trying to extract honey from the hives.

Countries such as India, Pakistan, Cambodia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka are major exporters of lemongrass. Lemongrass is also a note in perfumes and gives off a fresh, clean scent. Lemongrass is an important part of ancient Ayurvedic medicine.

The nutritional composition of lemongrass is also quite impressive. This herb is extremely beneficial for the body and mind. Contains vitamins such as vitamin B1, vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6 and folic acid. Not only is it rich in essential vitamins, but it is also a good source of minerals such as zinc, iron, copper, potassium and calcium.

The composition of minerals and vitamins speaks for itself. It is a good addition to our diet and has many benefits. Here are 15 of its wonderful benefits

Lemon Grass Health Benefits

For medical use, lemongrass can be taken orally, rubbed into the skin or inhaled as aromatherapy. When administered orally, lemongrass is often used to alleviate stomach problems and other gastrointestinal problems, including cramps and vomiting.

Lemongrass can also be consumed to treat:

• Anxiety
• Cancer prevention
• Common cold
• Cough
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Fever
• Hypertension
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Rheumatism
• Insomnia

Lemongrass or lemongrass oil is applied to the skin to treat headaches and musculoskeletal pain. As an aromatherapy treatment, lemongrass extract can be inhaled to treat muscle pain, infections, colds or flu symptoms.

However, there are several studies that support some of the limited benefits of lemongrass. Preliminary research has suggested that lemongrass oil added to a hair tonic may be able to reduce dandruff. More studies are needed to confirm this benefit.

And a small study found that the use of lemongrass infusion was more effective in reducing thrush symptoms in HIV / AIDS patients than the more commonly used topical solutions (source).

15 Proven Lemongrass Health Benefits

Lemongrass health benefits include detoxifying the body, fighting biofilm, preventing anemia, supporting good sleep, relieving pain, boosting the body’s immunity, strengthening the skin and promoting healthy cells . Other benefits include treating arthritis, treating anxiety and depression, treating fever, preventing cancer, and promoting digestion (source). 

1. Detoxification

The most talked about health trend these days is detoxification. You will reap the benefits of detoxification even if you only do it to keep up with your friends. Lemongrass is an herb and like many other herbs like coriander detoxification properties. Lemongrass has diuretic properties that eliminate toxins from the body through urination. This is very helpful in keeping a liver clean and free of toxins. Lemongrass also helps cleanse the kidneys by increasing the frequency of urination.

2. Anti-Biofilm

Lemongrass has anti-biofilm properties that are effective in Staphylococcal disease bacteria that are not otherwise affected by antibiotics. The phenols present in lemongrass help fight and heal and biofilm activities in the body. This creates a barrier and protects the body from infections. Lemon oil has also been used as a topical treatment to kill germs for decades.

3. Prevents Anemia

Lemongrass tea is great for women when they are waiting. It has many benefits including the fact that it provides iron and folic acid to the body. However, its use is not limited to pregnant women. It is also very useful in the treatment of anemia and in its prevention in the first place. Lemongrass intake will help keep your hemoglobin levels high and prevent any diseases associated with iron deficiency.

4. Insomnia

Lemongrass tea and lemon oil are very effective in calming the nerves. It will help you sleep faster and better. A cup of lemongrass tea before bed and a few drops of lemon essential oil in the diffuser make a good night’s sleep. Sleep is essential for a healthy mind and body.

5. Analgesic (Pain Relief)

Lemongrass has analgesic properties that calm the pulse in your head when you experience headaches or migraines. Lemongrass contains phytonutrients that are very effective in treating spasms and muscle cramps. Athletes should continue to use lemongrass in their diet as it enhances recovery.

6. Immunity Booster

A strong immune system can guarantee a healthy life. Lemongrass has many healing properties. Helps heal the body of respiratory, heart, anemia and other diseases. This helps the body build a strong immunity. Cytokines are the signaling molecules in the body. Lemongrass calms these molecules by reducing any inflammation in them.

7. Skin Care

Lemongrass has astringent and antiseptic properties that are very useful for treating skin conditions such as acne and preventing further outbreaks. It is an ingredient used in night oils and serums to prevent skin inflammation. It is essential to always use the diluted version of lemongrass oil in your skin care routine as it has quite a strong effect on its own.

8. Healthy Cells

Due to its antioxidant properties, it is very effective in slowing down the process of cell degeneration. Increases the elimination of infected blood cells from the body. Potassium and folic acid help in cell division and DNA synthesis.

9. Therapy

Lemongrass oil has many calming properties. It is an oil that has been used in aromatherapy for anger. also diffuses while treating patients suffering from anxiety and depression as it helps to calm the mind and think clearly.

10. Treatment of Arthritis

Lemongrass essential oil is very useful in treating arthritis pain. Used especially for massage in the joints is rheumatoid arthritis. Eating lemongrass also helps to calm inflation in the joints.

11. Diabetes

It has a positive effect on type II diabetes. helps relieve symptoms and regulate blood sugar levels. Lemongrass contains citral which is very effective in maintaining the right level of insulin in the blood.

12. Breathing

Aromatherapy with lemon essential oil is effective in managing a stuffy nose. Ayurvedic medicine uses lemongrass to treat colds, flu and coughs. The vitamin C present in lemongrass helps relieve any respiratory ailments.

13. Fever

It is often referred to as “fever grass” because of its feverish properties. It has antipyretic and astringent action on fever and reduces it immediately like conventional medicine. In Ayurvedic medicine, it cures fever by causing sweating.

14. Cancer Prevention

Contains antioxidants such as citral that kill cancer cells in the body and boost immunity. Lemongrass has been shown to help eliminate liver cancer cells from the body and also inhibits the further expansion of cancer cells.

15. Digestion

It is very effective in reducing intestinal inflammation. helps to ensure a healthy bowel movement and the proper elimination of feces from the body. Lemongrass oil has antimicrobial properties that prevent gastrointestinal diseases and promote overall intestinal health. It is also useful in treating diarrhea and constipation

Conclusion

It has tremendous health benefits, including cancer prevention. It has also been observed to have a positive impact on improving the cognitive abilities of the human brain. It is considered a tonic for the brain as it helps prevent convulsions and various other nervous disorders.

Lemon grass Nutrition Facts

One tablespoon of fresh lemon grass provides about five calories, most of which come from carbohydrates (fiber) and protein, according to USDA data.

Minerals in lemon grass include calcium (3 mg), potassium (34 mg), manganese (0.2 mg), magnesium (2.9 mg) and iron (0.4 mg). Lemongrass also provides certain vitamins (in very small amounts), including vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, and niacin. However, consuming lemongrass will not have a significant impact on your daily vitamin needs.

Keep in mind that lemongrass flavored oil provides significantly more calories because it is usually a combination of cooking oil (such as rapeseed oil) and lemongrass extract. For example, one popular brand of lemon grass flavored oil spray provides 40 calories per serving (1 teaspoon) and 4.5 grams of fat.

Lemon Grass Selection, Preparation and Storage

Lemongrass is becoming easier to find in grocery stores, although in some areas of the country you may need to go to a special Asian market to find it. When choosing lemon grass, look for firm green stems with healthy-looking onions. Some stores may sell lemon grass with most of the hills removed. This is fine for most uses. Most recipes require you to use the bottom of a stopwatch or light bulb.

If you want to use lemongrass in teas, soups, broth or other liquids, crush the bottom of the stems to release the aromatic oil. Then immerse the pieces in the liquid to release the aromatic oils. Remove the stopwatch before eating or drinking.

In other recipes, you may need to chop or chop the onion or the bottom of the stalks before adding them to the curry, salad, marinade or frying pan.

Lemon Grass Side Effects

Lemongrass is probably safe for most people when consumed in the typical amounts found in food. However, there may be some concerns when used for medical purposes.

Sensitive lemon grass can cause skin irritation. In addition, consuming large amounts of lemongrass can cause dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive urination and increased appetite.

According to the Cancer Center Memorial Sloan Kettering, large amounts of lemon grass can damage the liver and gastric mucosa, and excessive tea intake from lemon grass can also affect kidney function.

The medical center also warns that pregnant women should avoid lemongrass, as some ingredients in lemongrass have caused birth defects in rats when consumed in large quantities. In addition, people undergoing chemotherapy should avoid lemongrass as it may interfere with some chemotherapeutic agents.

Common questions

• Can I freeze lemon grass?? Yes, lemongrass can be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for two to three weeks or frozen for up to 6 months.
• What is a suitable substitute for lemon grass in recipes? The best (and most easily available) substitute for lemon grass is lemon peel.