Lemongrass is one of our favorite herbal teas. Numerous ailments can be treated with it, including digestion, stress and anxiety, infection and pain, heart disease, and many more.
Lemongrass, also named as Cymbopogon, is a tall, stemmed plant. It is famous for its fresh lemon aroma and citrus flavor. Thai cuisine uses this ingredient to repel insects and it is common in the country. Lemongrass is usually cultivated in many tropical climates and mainly in East Asia.
Uses of Lemongrass:
- Lemongrass is generally taken orally by people.
- Its direct impact on the skin is also very beneficial.
- It is also inhaled for aromatherapy in a variety of medical conditions.
- Lemongrass is used as a lemon flavoring in herbal teas.
- In manufacturing companies, it is practiced as a fragrance in soaps, deodorants, and cosmetics.
- Lemongrass is also utilized to make vitamin A and natural citral.
Benefits of Lemongrass
Antioxidant properties:
Lemongrass contains many antioxidants, which can help neutralize free radicals in your body that can contribute to disease. Notable antioxidants are chlorogenic acid, isoorientin, and swertiajaonin. Such antioxidants can help to prevent the dysfunction of cells within the coronary arteries.
Antimicrobial properties:
Infections and cavities in the mouth can be treated with it. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health in 2012, lemongrass essential oil has antimicrobial properties against Streptococcus mutant bacteria (which causes tooth decay).
Reduce the risk of cancer:
Lemongrass citral is also believed to have anti-cancer solid potential against several cancer cell lines. Lemongrass contains several ingredients that can help fight cancer. By strengthening the immune system or causing direct cell death, the body is equipped to fight cancer on its own. Generally, Lemongrass is also recommended as adjuvant therapy in chemotherapy and radiation. However, It is recommended that it be used as adjuvant therapy only under the proper instruction of an oncologist.
Anti-inflammatory properties:
The inflammation process appears to play an essential role in many conditions, including heart disease and stroke. As per the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, two significant lemongrass compounds, citral, and geranium may cause anti-inflammatory benefits.
Boost Healthy digestion:
The study research discovered that lemongrass leaf essential oil helped protect the stomach lining from damage caused by aspirin and ethanol. Regular use of aspirin is a common cause of stomach ulcers.
Although Lemongrass is very healthful for us, there are some precautions to be kept in mind; they are mentioned below:
- It is suggested that Lemongrass should not be taken internally without proper instruction of medical professionals as consumption of lemongrass essential oil can induce toxic effects.
- Before consuming Lemongrass, pregnant and lactating women, children, people with liver and kidney disease, and other health problems should consult their healthcare provider.
Lemongrass can also be grown at home so you can reap its benefits regularly.