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Lemongrass herb
has numerous health benefiting essential oils, chemicals, minerals and vitamins
that are known to have anti-oxidant and disease preventing properties.
The primary
chemical component in lemongrass herb is citral or lemonal, an aldehyde
responsible for its unique lemon odour. Citral also has strong anti-microbial,
and anti-fungal properties.
In addition, its
herb parts contain other constituents of the essential oils such as myrcene,
citronellol, methyl heptenone, dipentene, geraniol, limonene, geranyl acetate,
nerol etc. These compounds are known to have counter-irritant, rubefacient,
insecticidal, anti-fungal and anti-septic properties.
The herb is very
low in calories; contains 99 calories per 100 g but contains no cholesterol.
Its leaves and
stems are very good in folic acid (100 g leaves and stems provide about 75 mcg
or 19% of RDA). Folates are important in cell division and DNA synthesis. When
given during peri-conception period can help prevent neural tube defects in the
baby.
Its herb parts
are also rich in many invaluable essential vitamins such as pantothenic acid
(vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) and thiamin (vitamin B-1). These
vitamins are essential in the sense that body requires them from external
sources to replenish.
Fresh herb is
also containing small amounts of anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin-C and
vitamin-A.
Lemon grass herb
parts, whether fresh or dried, are rich source of minerals like potassium,
zinc, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Potassium is an
important component of cell and body fluids, which helps control heart rate and
blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the
antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.
Lemongrass contains antioxidants, flavonoids
and phenolic compounds such as luteolin, glycosides, quercetin, kaempferol,
elimicin, catecol, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid, all of which help in
providing an impressive range of medicinal aids. The main component of
lemongrass is lemonal or citral, which has anti-fungal and antimicrobial
qualities, while also providing a distinct lemony smell. Some of the most well-known
health benefits of lemongrass include:
Cholesterol: Lemongrass possesses anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hypercholesteraemic
properties that support healthy cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that the
regular consumption of lemongrass has shown significant results in sustaining
healthy levels of triglycerides and reducing the LDL cholesterol in the body.
This helps in preventing the accumulation of lipids in the blood vessels and
promotes the unobstructed flow of blood in the arteries and prevents various
cardiac disorders such as atherosclerosis.
Detoxification: Lemongrass helps in cleansing and flushing harmful toxic wastes
out of the body, as a result of its diuretic properties. Detoxification helps
in better regulation of various organs of the body, including the liver and
kidney, while also helping to lower the levels of uric acid. The diuretic
effect of lemongrass helps in increasing the quantity and frequency of
urination, which helps in maintaining digestive health, eliminating accrued
fats, and assisting in maintaining a clean system.
Cancer: Lemongrass is effective in treating various types of cancers
without affecting the healthy normal cells of the body. Research conducted to
prove the anti-cancerous activity of lemongrass has shown promising outcomes in
the prevention of skin cancer. Studies have shown that a certain component,
citral, which is present in lemongrass, helps in inhibiting the growth of
hepatic cancer cells during the initial phases and prevents any further
production of cancerous cells. Another study has provided supporting evidence
regarding the anti-proliferative effect of citral in impeding the growth of
human breast cancer cells and the induction of apoptosis.
Staphylococcus
aureus: Studies have shown that lemongrass essential oil has an
anti-biofilm capacity and is beneficial against the infection caused by
Staphylococcus aureus. It contains phenols which possess the capability to
spread quickly through the body tissues and cure biofilms located anywhere in
the body. It disrupts the growth and communication of germs which helps in
inhibiting the formation of biofilms. The essential oil of lemongrass is useful
for application both topically as well as internally in the diseases diagnosed
with biofilms, such as Lyme disease.
Stomach Disorders: Studies have shown that lemongrass essential oil has
anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties which help in fighting the
infections caused by various pathogens such as Helicobacter pylori and
Escherichia coli. It is beneficial in the prevention of gastrointestinal
disorders such as gastric ulcers, helps in stimulating the bowel function, and
improves digestion. The anti-inflammatory properties of lemongrass are
beneficial for treating constipation, ulcerative colitis, diarrhoea, nausea and
stomach aches.
Insomnia: Lemongrass aids in calming the muscles and nerves which helps in
inducing deep sleep. Research has shown that lemongrass tea has sedative and
hypnotic properties which help in increasing the duration and quality of sleep.
Respiratory
Disorders: Lemongrass is widely used in Ayurvedic
medicine for its healing effects in treating coughs and colds. Along with other
beneficial components, the vitamin C content present in it helps in providing
relief from nasal blockages, flu and other respiratory disorders such as
bronchial asthma.
Fever: Lemongrass is a febrifuge and is also known as the ‘fever
grass’, owing to its beneficial effects in lowering fevers. The anti-pyretic
and diaphoretic effect of lemongrass is extensively used in Ayurvedic medicine
for curing fevers by inducing sweating.
Infections: Lemongrass works as an antiseptic and is effective in treating
infections such as ringworm, sores, Athlete’s Foot, scabies, and urinary tract
infections because of its antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties. Studies
have shown that lemongrass exerts healing effects on dermatological infections,
such as yeast infections, by inhibiting the growth of pathogens. Another study
provided supporting evidence that demonstrated the efficacy of lemongrass over
thyme, patchouli and cedar wood oil in the treatment of various diseases such
as oral or vaginal candidiasis.
Aches: Lemongrass helps in alleviating the pain and discomfort caused
by headaches and migraines due to its analgesic properties. The phytonutrients
present in it improve the blood circulation and help in relieving spasms,
muscle cramps, sprains, and back aches. It is valuable in treating sports
wounds, including dislocations, internal injuries and bruises.
Nervous System: Lemongrass is a nervine and has been proven to be an excellent
tonic for the nervous system. It stimulates the mind and helps in combating
convulsions, nervousness, vertigo and various neuronal disorders such as
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. It is used in therapeutic baths, which
assist in calming the nerves and help in alleviating the symptoms of anxiety
and fatigue caused by stress.
Type-2 Diabetes: Lemongrass has been proven beneficial in treating Type-2
diabetes. Studies have shown that the citral present in it helps to maintain
optimum levels of insulin and improves the tolerance of glucose in the body.
Rheumatism: Lemongrass is effective in relieving the pain and discomfort
caused by rheumatism. It can be applied topically on both lumbago and sprains
and helps in relieving neuralgia and other painful sufferings.
Immune System: Lemongrass helps in restoring the vital systems which are
operational in the body, including digestion, respiration, excretion and
nervous system. This assists in better absorption of nutrients and strengthens
the immune defence mechanism of the body. Lemongrass extracts have a beneficial
effect on the inflammatory actions of cytokines, which are the signaling
molecules through which the cells communicate and respond in the body. Studies
have shown that lemongrass exerts anti-inflammatory action and its constituents
such as citral may be the cause behind its inhibitory effects on cytokine
production.
Skin Care: Lemongrass has been treasured as a skin tonic and makes an
effective cleanser for oily or acne-prone skin, due to its astringent and
antiseptic qualities. It helps in strengthening the skin tissues and toning up
the pores while also sterilizing them. Care should be taken while using
lemongrass products, as the undiluted application might lead to dermal
irritation in some cases.
Cellular Health: Lemongrass possesses antioxidant qualities and help in
protecting the body cells from the oxygen-derived free radicals. It also helps
in the cleansing of blood and strengthens the spleen to discard the tarnished
red blood cells. It supports the function of the thymus glands which helps to
produce white blood cells. It helps in stimulating regeneration of cells. The
folate and potassium content in the stem and leaves of lemongrass aids in DNA
synthesis and promotes cell division.
Edema: Lemongrass is effective in curing the
condition of water retention or edema. It has a cleansing effect on lymphatic
congestion and helps to soothe the swelling.
Aromatherapy: Lemongrass consists of the beneficial ingredients of essential
oils such as nerol, citronellol, myrcene, dipentene, geraniol and methyl
heptenone which possess anti-fungal, insecticidal and antiseptic properties.
Lemongrass oil is extensively used in aromatherapy, due to its therapeutic effects,
which help in revitalizing and refreshing the body. The cooling effect of
lemongrass oil is beneficial for the body during hot weather and promotes the
revival of both the mind and soul. This oil possesses natural astringent and
toning qualities which help in stimulating blood circulation and tones up the
dermal tissues. It also helps in tightening, uplifting and firming lethargic or
sagging skin.
Obesity: Lemongrass contains citral, which has been proven to be
effective in combating obesity. It prevents the accumulation of abdominal fat
and promotes the use of stored energy, which helps in preventing diet-induced
weight gain. It aids in healthy metabolism and enhances the oxidation of fatty
acids in the body.
Body Odour: Lemongrass is used in the manufacturing of deodorants due to its
cleansing and antibacterial properties which help to combat unpleasant body odour
and prevent fungal and bacterial infections. It can also be added to foot baths
to for sanitizing sore and odorous feet.
Insect Repellent: Lemongrass is used as a natural insect repellent and helps in
preventing the occurrence of insect-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue and
Lyme disease. Studies have provided supporting evidence regarding the
anti-malarial and anti-protozoan properties of lemongrass, which makes
lemongrass oil an effective ingredient in mosquito repellents.
Culinary Usage: Apart from folk medicines, lemongrass is commonly used in Asian
cuisines, especially those of Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. It is used for
adding flavour to beverages such as teas, curries and soups, and also finds
extensive use in the preparation of pudding, meat products, candies and baked
goods
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