SUPPLEMENT: Lemongrass

Lemongrass, also called fever grass, 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. 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. 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. Fresh and dried lemongrass are readily available in the market. You can also get lemongrass essential oil and supplements. Lemongrass tea is most often used in home remedies for various health issues. You can brew the tea by steeping one teaspoon of fresh or dried lemongrass in a cup of hot water for about 10 minutes. Strain, add coconut sugar or Muscovado sugar and your tea is ready. You can also buy ready-to-use tea bags.

1. Helps Digestion

Lemongrass has antiseptic compounds that effectively kill bad bacteria and parasites in the digestive tract and repopulate the good bacteria in the colon. This in turn helps treat digestive health problems like indigestion, constipation, heartburn, diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, stomach spasms, vomiting and cramps. Plus, lemongrass has antimicrobial properties that help relieve gastroenteritis. For a healthy digestive tract, drink lemongrass tea or take 2 capsules on regular basis. Lemongrass tea, however, is not recommended for small children.

 

2. Controls Cholesterol Levels

The anti-cholesterol and anti-atherosclerosis action of lemongrass helps reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine. A University of Wisconsin study in 1989 found that people with high cholesterol who took 140-milligram capsules of lemongrass oil daily noticed reduction in bad cholesterol levels. They also experienced a significant decrease in blood fats. The high potassium content in lemongrass also helps lower and regulate blood pressure.

 

3. Cleanses and Detoxifies

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. Plus, its cleansing properties help purify the liver, kidneys, bladder and pancreas. It also plays a key role in increasing blood circulation, which is important for overall health

 

4. Heals Colds and Flu

Lemongrass is loaded with vitamin C that boosts your immune system to fight infection. You can use lemongrass oil to relieve pain in muscles and joints, as well as headaches resulting from a cold or the flu. Also, lemongrass can be effective in breaking down mucus and phlegm buildup, which can alleviate problems with breathing. This is mainly beneficial when suffering from bronchitis or asthma. You can make the following medicinal drink with lemongrass. Boil a few fresh strands of lemongrass, two or three cloves, a small piece of cinnamon stick, one teaspoon of turmeric powder in one cup of milk. Strain and drink it when it cools down. Drink this once a day for a few days.

 

5. Fights Cancer

Research at Ben Gurion University in Israel has shown that lemongrass tea can help fight 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. In fact, to help the healing process, cancer patients in Israel are encouraged to take fresh lemongrass tea while undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatments.

 

6. Reduces Arthritis Pain

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. Lemongrass helps to alleviate muscle spasms or sprains by relaxing the muscles, which in turn reduces the pain-related symptoms. You can mix lemongrass oil with coconut oil in a 1:2 ratio and rub it over the affected area. Leave it on for a few hours before rinsing it off. Do this daily for a few weeks. You can also take 2 capsules of lemongrass twice daily for best results.

 

7. Benefits New Mothers

Lemongrass has galactogogue properties that help increase breast milk production. Its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties also help nursing babies remain healthy and free from infections. Lactating mothers can drink one to two cups of lemongrass tea daily. Note that lemongrass should be avoided during pregnancy.

 

8. Fights Depression

The herb 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. Lemongrass also contains citronella, which is well known for its calming effect on the mind and body therby helping you to sleep better.

 

9. Reduces Body Odor

Beauty experts find lemongrass oil more effective than many of the synthetic deodorants available in the market. The main chemical component found in lemongrass is citral, which is aromatic. Plus, it has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that help control excessive sweating and destroy or inhibit microorganisms that cause body odor. In addition, lemongrass will not cause skin irritation or exacerbate skin allergies.

 

10. Keeps Skin Healthy

Lemongrass can help alleviate various skin issues, from large pores to fungal infections. Due to its antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal properties, lemongrass helps limit bacterial or microbial growth on the skin. This in turn helps keep your skin free of infections as well as lessen issues caused by bacterial or fungal infections. Plus, its acts as an astringent, helps minimize pores, limits the secretions of oil and makes the skin firm. Dilute lemongrass oil with water or another base, such as olive oil, before use. Mix one-half cup of freshly sliced lemongrass in one cup of olive oil and heat it for five minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool before applying on skin.