10 Benefits of Lemon Grass
Article Sources
- 1. Costa, Celso A R A, et al. 'Cholesterol Reduction and Lack of Genotoxic or Toxic Effects in Mice after Repeated 21-Day Oral Intake of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus) Essential Oil.’ Food and Chemical Toxicology : an International Journal Published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21693164
- 2. Kumar, V R Santhosh, et al. 'Protective Effect of Lemongrass Oil against Dexamethasone Induced Hyperlipidemia in Rats: Possible Role of Decreased Lecithin Cholesterol Acetyl Transferase Activity.’ Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Aug. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21914547
- 3. Adukwu, E C, et al. 'The Anti-Biofilm Activity of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Flexuosus) and Grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi) Essential Oils against Five Strains of Staphylococcus Aureus.’ Journal of Applied Microbiology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Nov. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22862808
- 4. Ohno, Tomoyuki, et al. 'Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils against Helicobacter Pylori.’ Helicobacter, U.S. National Library of Medicine, June 2003, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12752733
- 5. Silva, Cristiane de Bona da, et al. 'Antifungal Activity of the Lemongrass Oil and Citral against Candida Spp.’ The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18553017
- 6. Bachiega, Tatiana Fernanda, and José Maurício Sforcin. 'Lemongrass and Citral Effect on Cytokines Production by Murine Macrophages.’ Journal of Ethnopharmacology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Sept. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21782918
- 7. Modak, Tamonud, and Abhilash Mukhopadhaya. 'Effects of Citral, a Naturally Occurring Antiadipogenic Molecule, on an Energy-Intense Diet Model of Obesity.’ Indian Journal of Pharmacology, Medknow Publications, May 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3113383/
- 8. '75 Exceptional Herbs for Your Garden.’ Google Books, Google, books.google.co.in/books?id=zAMiGwoAfQ4C&pg=PA135&dq=lemongrass for fever&hl=en&sa=X&ei=FSEZUZ6QK4KErQeG4IHoCw&ved=0CDoQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=lemongrass for fever&f=false
- 9. Shah, Gagan, et al. 'Scientific Basis for the Therapeutic Use of Cymbopogon Citratus, Stapf (Lemon Grass).’ Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research, Medknow Publications Pvt Ltd, Jan. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217679/
- 10. Boukhatem, Mohamed Nadjib, et al. 'Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon Citratus) Essential Oil as a Potent Anti-Inflammatory and Antifungal Drugs.’ The Libyan Journal of Medicine, Co-Action Publishing, 19 Sept. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4170112/
- 11. 'Medicinal Plants.’ Google Books, Google, books.google.co.in/books?id=QiAu1c8YGbQC&pg=PA354&dq=lemongrass as insect repellent&hl=en&sa=X&ei=JxEaUZetOInPmgWZmoGYBg&ved=0CFkQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=lemongrass as insect repellent&f=false
- 12. ‘The Earthwise Herbal.’ Google Books, Google, books.google.co.in/books?id=RfoJsFHFSnMC&pg=PA231&dq=lemongrass for skin&hl=en&sa=X&ei=UA0aUZvTMY-HmQWH64D4CQ&ved=0CDwQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=lemongrass for skin&f=false
- 13. 'Aromatherapy: Scent and Psyche.’ Google Books, Google, books.google.co.in/books?id=GHt6AlrwNdIC&pg=PA196&dq=lemongrass for body odor&hl=en&sa=X&ei=UgoaUYrYKu6gmQWI1IGoDw&ved=0CC0Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=lemongrass for body odor&f=false
- 14. 'The Little Herb Encyclopedia.’ Google Books, Google, books.google.co.in/books?id=P7IKgTkTHIcC&pg=PA133&dq=lemongrass for bronchitis&hl=en&sa=X&ei=D8QYUdb1Cs3JrAfxl4GQDQ&ved=0CFQQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=lemongrass for bronchitis&f=false
Scientifically referred to as Cymbopogon citratus, lemongrass has a unique aroma and taste. This perennial herb is native to Asia's tropical regions and India. Lemongrass has culinary and medicinal uses. The herb boasts antimicrobial and antiinflammatory properties.
In the world of natural health, lemongrass is used to help the body deal with infections, fever, and stomach disorders. It also boosts immunity through antioxidant activity. Based on some research studies, lemongrass may help protect against Staphylococcus aureus, which can be resistant to many antibiotics. Lemongrass may also help curb high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and skin health problems, although more research is needed for confirmation.
Components of Lemongrass
There are two types of lemongrass: Cymbopogon citratus and Cymbopogon flexuosus. Cymbopogon citratus is mainly used for culinary purposes. Cymbopogon flexuosus is used to make fragrances due to its long shelf life, which is a result of its low myrcene content. The primary components of lemongrass are citral and lemonal, which have antimicrobial properties.
From the culinary standpoint, lemongrass contains many nutrients, including folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, zinc and vitamins A, B and C. It contains antioxidants and flavonoids, as well as phenolic compounds such as elemicin and quercetin.
May Help Lower Cholesterol Levels & Detoxify the Body
Lemongrass might have anti-hypercholesterolemic and anti-hyperlipidemic properties that help balance cholesterol levels.1Costa, Celso A R A, et al. ‘Cholesterol Reduction and Lack of Genotoxic or Toxic Effects in Mice after Repeated 21-Day Oral Intake of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus) Essential Oil.’ Food and Chemical Toxicology : an International Journal Published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21693164 According to one animal study, lemongrass helps to sustain healthy triglyceride levels and reduce bad cholesterol.2Kumar, V R Santhosh, et al. ‘Protective Effect of Lemongrass Oil against Dexamethasone Induced Hyperlipidemia in Rats: Possible Role of Decreased Lecithin Cholesterol Acetyl Transferase Activity.’ Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Aug. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21914547 This may help to prevent certain cardiac disorders.
Lemongrass is well known in fold medicine for its diuretic properties that assist in flushing or cleansing the body of toxins. Diuretic compounds increase the frequency and quality of urination. These detoxifying properties help the body promote healthy function of various organs, including the liver and kidney.
May Fight Staphylococcus Aureus
The essential oil in lemongrass appears to have an anti-biofilm activity, possibly helping protect against infection by Staphylococcus aureus. Besides antimicrobial oils, this herb contains other compounds that disrupt the growth of germs and prevent the development of infections caused by some harmful bacteria.3Adukwu, E C, et al. ‘The Anti-Biofilm Activity of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Flexuosus) and Grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi) Essential Oils against Five Strains of Staphylococcus Aureus.’ Journal of Applied Microbiology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Nov. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22862808
According to some preliminary studies, the essential oil in lemongrass may also have antimicrobial properties that aid in fighting against Escherichia coli and Helicobacter pylori infections.4Ohno, Tomoyuki, et al. ‘Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils against Helicobacter Pylori.’ Helicobacter, U.S. National Library of Medicine, June 2003, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12752733 This helps to reduce symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders and inflammation.
May Help Treat Infections
Lemongrass can be used as an antiseptic. It may help manage symptoms of athlete's foot and urinary tract infections due to its anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antimicrobial properties. It can help manage some skin infections, such as yeast infections, by preventing the growth of pathogens.
According to some studies, lemongrass may be more effective than other herbal remedies, such as cedar wood oil and thyme, to fight various microbes.5Silva, Cristiane de Bona da, et al. ‘Antifungal Activity of the Lemongrass Oil and Citral against Candida Spp.’ The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18553017 Lemongrass may help manage symptoms of vaginal and oral candidiasis.
May Help Mitigate Inflammation & Type 2 Diabetes
Lemongrass extracts may help mitigate inflammation caused by cytokines. These are the signaling molecules that cells use to communicate with the rest of the body. According to some studies, lemongrass has some anti-inflammatory properties, and the citral in the herb may inhibit the production of cytokines.6Bachiega, Tatiana Fernanda, and José Maurício Sforcin. ‘Lemongrass and Citral Effect on Cytokines Production by Murine Macrophages.’ Journal of Ethnopharmacology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Sept. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21782918
Lemongrass also helps to manage type 2 diabetes. The citral in lemongrass may assist the body with optimizing its insulin levels and improve its glucose tolerance. However, further research is required to fully understand these effects.
May Relieve Insomnia & Fever
Lemongrass tea may help to calm nerves and muscles, and in turn improve sleep. Research suggests that it may have sedative properties that may help a person to sleep for longer periods.7Modak, Tamonud, and Abhilash Mukhopadhaya. ‘Effects of Citral, a Naturally Occurring Antiadipogenic Molecule, on an Energy-Intense Diet Model of Obesity.’ Indian Journal of Pharmacology, Medknow Publications, May 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3113383/
Furthermore, the herb is known in folk medicine as a febrifuge. It's also referred to as fever grass because some people have reported that it helps in reducing fevers. Lemongrass has a diaphoretic and antipyretic effect, so it's used in Ayurvedic medicine to induce sweating as a way to mitigate fever.8‘75 Exceptional Herbs for Your Garden.’ Google Books, Google, books.google.co.in/books?id=zAMiGwoAfQ4C&pg=PA135&dq=lemongrass for fever&hl=en&sa=X&ei=FSEZUZ6QK4KErQeG4IHoCw&ved=0CDoQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=lemongrass for fever&f=false
May Reduce Aches & Relieve Edema
Raw lemongrass and many of the products it's derived from may be effective in relieving body aches and headaches. One 2018 study suggests that lemongrass oil may have therapeutic effects for various forms of body aches, including muscle aches.9Shah, Gagan, et al. ‘Scientific Basis for the Therapeutic Use of Cymbopogon Citratus, Stapf (Lemon Grass).’ Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research, Medknow Publications Pvt Ltd, Jan. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217679/
Moreover, lemongrass may be effective in relieving edema, a condition that involves excess water retention in body tissue. This herb may have a cleansing effect that may ease lymphatic congestion and aid in curbing the swelling.10Boukhatem, Mohamed Nadjib, et al. ‘Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon Citratus) Essential Oil as a Potent Anti-Inflammatory and Antifungal Drugs.’ The Libyan Journal of Medicine, Co-Action Publishing, 19 Sept. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4170112/
Aromatherapy
The aroma in lemongrass comes from its essential oils and other useful compounds, such as citronellol and dipentene. The oil is suitable for aromatherapy because it has a vigorous citrus scent that may help to rejuvenate a worn-out body.11‘Medicinal Plants.’ Google Books, Google, books.google.co.in/books?id=QiAu1c8YGbQC&pg=PA354&dq=lemongrass as insect repellent&hl=en&sa=X&ei=JxEaUZetOInPmgWZmoGYBg&ved=0CFkQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=lemongrass as insect repellent&f=false
The lemongrass oil also has a cooling effect that is beneficial to the body in hot weather. It naturally possesses toning and astringent qualities that may aid in blood circulation and improve skin health.
Aids Skin Care & Eliminates Body Odor
Lemongrass has antiseptic and astringent properties that may help cleanse oily skin that's prone to acne. It may strengthen skin and sterilize pores. However, caution should be taken while using lemongrass skin products as it may cause skin irritation in those with sensitive skin.12‘The Earthwise Herbal.’ Google Books, Google, books.google.co.in/books?id=RfoJsFHFSnMC&pg=PA231&dq=lemongrass for skin&hl=en&sa=X&ei=UA0aUZvTMY-HmQWH64D4CQ&ved=0CDwQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=lemongrass for skin&f=false
The herb is also used to make deodorants thanks to its antimicrobial properties. These products help with body odor and prevent infections related to fungi or bacteria. Lemongrass may be added to footbaths to alleviate smelly feet and sores.13‘Aromatherapy: Scent and Psyche.’ Google Books, Google, books.google.co.in/books?id=GHt6AlrwNdIC&pg=PA196&dq=lemongrass for body odor&hl=en&sa=X&ei=UgoaUYrYKu6gmQWI1IGoDw&ved=0CC0Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=lemongrass for body odor&f=false
May Help Mitigate Respiratory Disorders & Obesity
Lemongrass is believed to have healing properties. Therefore, it's used in Ayurvedic medicine for managing colds and coughs. Vitamin C and many other nutrients in lemongrass may help to provide relief for symptoms of bronchial asthma and other respiratory disorders.
The citral in lemongrass may help curb obesity because it shows the potential to lower abdominal fat accumulation. This helps to reduce weight gain. Lemongrass may also facilitate healthy metabolism and boost fatty acid oxidation.14‘The Little Herb Encyclopedia.’ Google Books, Google, books.google.co.in/books?id=P7IKgTkTHIcC&pg=PA133&dq=lemongrass for bronchitis&hl=en&sa=X&ei=D8QYUdb1Cs3JrAfxl4GQDQ&ved=0CFQQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=lemongrass for bronchitis&f=false
