December 13, 2020

Lemongrass health benefits

You might have noticed that lemongrass tea has taken off as one of the latest health trends, and once you learn of the benefits of this humble beverage, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. Lemongrass tea is easy to make, as unlike green tea, there are no tea leaves to steep. Instead, you simply add lemongrass leaf powder extract to a mug of hot water. You might also want to add a few complementary flavours, like ginger, lime, and sugar.

Of course, you don’t have to drink lemongrass tea to benefit from the herb. You can also use lemongrass oil or powder topically, cook with the herb, or even take lemongrass supplements.

Lemongrass contains a whole host of vital nutrients that provide numerous health benefits. It’s rich n essential minerals like calcium, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper, all of which our bodies need for healthy functioning. It also contains vitamins, namely vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and folate. All of these vitamins are vital for our overall health.

If you’re considering adding lemongrass to your savoury meals or using lemongrass leaf powder in your tea, stay tuned to learn some of the impressive benefits of doing so.

1. Preventing cancer

Lemongrass has been found to be a treatment for several cancers. Research has found that lemongrass has anti-cancerous capabilities, and may help to treat certain types of skin cancer.


One study reported that the citral in lemongrass, a compound that has strong antimicrobial properties, prevents the growth of liver cancer, and prevents further replication of cancerous cells. In another study, the anti-proliferative effect of citral was found to effectively slow the growth of breast cancer cells.

2. Cholesterol management

lemongrass can help in cholesterol management preventing possible cardiac disorders

Studies show that regular consumption of lemongrass can significantly sustain healthy levels of bad types of fat found in the blood, called triglycerides, and reduce bad LDL cholesterol within the body. Because lemongrass can inhibit the build-up of lipids within the blood, it has been found helpful in preventing the development of atherosclerosis, a disease that can lead to serious cardiac disorders.

3. Prevents staphylococcus aureus infection

Studies have reported that lemongrass contains anti-biofilm properties, which are capable of preventing staphylococcus aureus infection. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most dangerous bacteria and can cause skin infections, pneumonia, heart valve infections, and bone infections. 


Lemongrass contains compounds called phenols, which spread through body tissue to balance levels of microorganisms in any part of the body.

4. Aids in detoxification

aids in detoxification

Experts think that the diuretic properties of lemongrass enable it to cleanse and flush out any toxins from the body. We all need detoxification for the regulation of vital organs like the kidney and the liver. 


The diuretic effect of lemongrass promotes frequent urination, and can also promote and maintain a clean digestive system.

5. Treats stomach disorders

a cup of tea can help overcome stomach pain

Lemongrass contains antibacterial and anti-microbial properties that help it to fight pathogens such as E-coli and Helicobacter pylori, both of which are responsible for stomach disorders. Studies also show that lemongrass can prevent gastrointestinal complications like gastric ulcers. 


Additionally, lemongrass has anti-inflammatory properties that aid in treating stomach aches. Drinking a soothing cup of lemongrass tea might be exactly what you need to overcome stomach pain.

6. Provides relief from respiration issues

lemongrass has vitamin c providing relief from respiration issues

Lemongrass contains vitamin C, which is beneficial in providing relief from flu, nasal blockages, and bronchial asthma. Vitamin C promotes the formation of antibodies that destroy dangerous toxins, bacteria, and viruses in our bodies before they can wreak havoc, so it’s pretty essential for supporting immune defense in general. 


Studies have found that people who take vitamin C supplements regularly might have slightly shorter colds or somewhat milder symptoms – but why not get your vitamin C from lemongrass, a natural source, instead?

7. May treat insomnia

lemongrass has mild hynotic and sedative effects

Research suggests that lemongrass has mild hypnotic and sedative effects, which may increase the quality and duration of sleep. Lemongrass tea also contains no caffeine – a big advantage for people who wish to drink it before bed and enjoy a good night’s sleep. 


Just remember that it’s a diuretic, so don’t drink it too close to bedtime if you want to void making a midnight trip to the bathroom!

8. Can reduce fever symptoms

can induce sweat which can help with fever

Lemongrass has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to cure fevers through inducing sweating. The diaphoretic and antipyretic effect of this herb makes it ideal for curing fevers. Being a mild astringent, it’s also used to kill germs, preventing fever from spreading or worsening.

9. Alleviates infections

Research has found that lemongrass has antiseptic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties, which makes it a great natural treatment for infections like ringworm, urinary tract infections, and athlete's foot. Additionally, lemongrass can heal skin conditions like eczema, acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis, through its ability to prevent pathogen growth.

10. Improves the function of the nervous system

known as a natural anti depressant

Lemongrass is a known natural antidepressant, which makes it a good treatment for reducing nervous exhaustion. It can stimulate the mind and combat nervousness, convulsions, and a number of neurological disorders. It can also be used as a treatment for people with stress-related conditions.

11. Alleviates headaches

can help alleviate headache

Lemongrass has analgesic properties that help in alleviating pain caused by migraines and headaches. The phytonutrients in lemongrass help to promote blood circulation. 


Since headaches can often be caused by poor blood circulation, especially in people with diabetes, lemongrass may help significantly to prevent headache pain in the long run.

12. Treats type 2 diabetes

Studies show that the citral compound in lemongrass plays a role in helping the body to maintain an optimal level of blood glucose, while also improving glucose tolerance level. This may help people with type 2 diabetes to better manage their condition.

health benefits of lemon grass

13. Boosts the immune system

Lemongrass tea can help to restore the vital systems in the body that control respiration, digestion, the nervous system, and excretion. It can also aid in the absorption of nutrients, which can strengthen the body’s immune defense system. 


Lemongrass can benefit the inflammatory activities of cytokines, which are responsible for cell communication and response.

14. Can be used as a skin cleanser

can be used as a skin cleanser

Lemongrass has antiseptic and astringent qualities that make it an ideal skin cleanser. Astringents may help cleanse the skin, tighten pores, and dry out oil. 


They can also cleanse irritants from the skin, preventing blockages in the pores that could lead to acne. Many skin gels and cleaners contain lemongrass because of its ability to minimize pores and keep oil levels balanced.

15. Promotes cellular health

protects body from free radicals that can lead to early aging

Lemongrass is an antioxidant and protects the body cells from free radicals that can damage DNA and lead to early skin ageing and cancer. Lemongrass supports the production of white blood cells and helps the spleen to dispose of unnatural red blood cells. It can also stimulate the regeneration of healthy cells.

16. Popular aromatherapy scent

has a scent that's very calming

Lemongrass tea has a scent that many people find very calming and stress-relieving. It contains ingredients like heptenone, geraniol, dipentene, myrcene, citronellol, and nerol, which have antiseptic and anti-fungal properties act as therapeutic agents when inhaled.


Additionally, the astringent qualities of lemongrass stimulate blood circulation. Lemongrass’s therapeutic properties aid in body revitalization.

17. Weight-loss properties

can help with weight loss

The citral found in lemongrass is thought to help with weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. It helps the body to use stored energy, preventing it from being stored as fat. It also promotes healthy metabolism and enhances fatty acid oxidation, both of which can help you lose weight more rapidly.

18. Wards off body odour

drinking a cup of tea can purge the body of bad odors from the inside

The antibacterial properties of lemongrass make it incredibly effective at combatting body odour by preventing bacterial and fungal infections that are responsible for the bad smell. Regularly drinking a cup of lemon tea will help purge the body from any bad odours from the inside out.

19. May reduce high blood pressure

can reduce highblood pressure

Lemongrass is rich in potassium, which increases the production of urine in our body, which in turn stimulates blood circulation and lowers blood pressure. By increasing blood circulation, it also helps to purify the liver. 


Lemongrass oil is particularly used to treat high blood pressure medically, thanks to its ability to relax the blood vessels.

20. Treats indigestion

Having a cup of lemongrass tea may be all you need to reduce indigestion problems, as lemongrass can improve digestion and facilitate bowel movement. The citral found in lemongrass is very useful in food digestion. 


Having a cup of lemongrass tea after dinner is often recommended to help deal with uncomfortable issues like constipation, bloating, and indigestion.

21. Soothes arthritis joint pain

can help relieve joint pain

Lemongrass has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties that suppress the activity of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase-2, which is responsible for inflammation, swelling, stiff movement, and pain associated with arthritis.

22. Treats gastritis and heartburn

Gastritis can be caused by many factors, including stress, eating spicy foods, and certain autoimmune and chronic conditions. Lemongrass tea has traditionally been used as a remedy for this ailment, as it can soothe stomach distress and curb excess acid production. 


It can also treat common symptoms associated with gastritis, including heartburn, nausea, reflux, and indigestion.

23. May benefit new mums

has properties that will benefit breastfeeding moms

Lemongrass contains properties that are very useful for mums who are in the stage of breastfeeding. It can help to stimulate the flow of a mum’s milk, which is especially useful for mums who have a low milk supply. 


Additionally, as lemongrass has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, unhealthy bacteria are restricted from being transmitted to the new-born. It’s important to note that women who are still pregnant shouldn’t ingest lemongrass.

24. Promotes thicker and healthier hair

promotes thicker and healthier hair

Lemongrass is rich in vitamin C and A, which are vital for the growth of thick, healthy hair. These vitamins ensure that healthy cells are produced rapidly, especially for hair, the fastest growing tissue in the body. They also help your body to absorb iron, a mineral necessary for hair growth.


When applied as a topical treatment, lemongrass oil has been found to strengthen hair follicles, while adding shine and relieving scalp irritation and itchiness. A recent study also found that lemongrass hair tonic effectively reduced dandruff.

Lemongrass Side Effects

As always, it’s wise to be aware of the side effects of any naturally occurring herb before using it yourself. Lemongrass is safe for ingestion for most people, but if you’re a pregnant mother, you should avoid it. 

In some cases, lemongrass has been found to increase menstrual flow and cause miscarriage. You might also experience stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and fever if you drink too much lemongrass tea.

Applying lemongrass oil or powder topically to your skin should be fine, providing you follow the directions listed on the product. Make sure to stop using it if you show signs of an allergic reaction, like skin irritation, redness, itchiness, or a rash.

Lemongrass essential oil

Conclusion

Lemongrass is a fantastic natural ingredient to make the most of on a daily basis. Whether you prefer to drink lemongrass tea, apply it topically to your skin, or just use it for cooking, there are many reasons to love this underrated herb.

About the author

Tim Russell

I am passionate about health and wellbeing and have writing for over 10 years on the subject. I have a BSc Hons Degree and undertake vigorous research to help people improve their lives and live more a healthy and happy life.

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