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LEMONGRASS:

Lemongrass Nutrition Facts

Lemongrass contains antioxidants, flavonoids and phenolic compounds such as luteolin, glycosides, kaempferol, elemicin, catechol, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid, which help in providing an impressive range of medicinal aids.  The main component of this fragrant herb is lemonal or citral, which has antifungal and anti-microbial qualities. 

Lemongrass is an aromatic storehouse of essential nutrients providing an array of health benefits.  It  is a source of essential vitamin and mineralssuch as vitamin A, B-vitamins, folate, and Vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, zinc, and iron, which are required for the healthy body function

Health Benefits of Lemongrass

Let us look, in details, at some of the most well-known health benefits of lemongrass:

Lowers Cholesterol

Lemongrass possesses anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic properties that support healthy cholesterol levels. One animal study has also shown that regular consumption may assist in sustaining healthy levels of triglycerides and reducing  bad cholesterol. This may help in preventing the accumulation of lipids in the blood vessels and promoting an unobstructed flow of blood in the arteries, thereby preventing various cardiac disorders, such as atherosclerosis.

Detoxifies the Body

Lemongrass may help in cleansing and flushing harmful toxic wastes from the body, as a result of its diuretic properties. Detoxification helps in the regulation of various organs of the body, including the liver and kidneys, while also helping to lower the levels of uric acid. The diuretic effect of the herb helps in increasing the quantity and frequency of urination, which helps in maintaining digestive health and detoxifying the body.

Anticancer Potential

Lemongrass is effective in preventing the growth of cancer cells without affecting the healthy cells of the body. This is mainly because of the presence of a chemical compound called citral.

Fights Staphylococcus aureus

 Lemongrass essential oil has an anti-biofilm capacity and is beneficial against the infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus.  It contains phenols and essential oil, which may disrupt the growth of infections and germs and help inhibit the formation of the biofilms.

Stomach Disorders

Lemongrass essential oil has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties which help in fighting the infections caused by various pathogens such as Helicobacter

It is beneficial in assuaging gastrointestinal disorders and reducing inflammation; it is helpful to consume to improve digestion and if you suffer from gastric ulcers, constipation, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, nausea and stomach aches

Relieves Insomnia

Lemongrass tea is  helpful in calming muscles and nerves that may aid in promoting sleep. Research has shown that its herbal teahas sedative and hypnotic properties, which can help in increasing the duration of sleep.

Respiratory Disorders

Lemongrass is widely used for its healing effects in treating cough and cold. Along with other beneficial components, the vitamin C content present in it may help in providing relief from nasal blockages, flu and other respiratory disorders such as bronchial asthma.

Reduces Fever

Lemongrass is a febrifuge also known as the ‘fever grass’, due to its beneficial effects in lowering fever. The anti-pyretic and diaphoretic effect is extensively used in curing fevers by inducing sweating.

Helps Treat 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.

Reduces Aches

Lemongrass  alleviates the pain and discomfort caused by headaches and migraines due to its 8 analgesic properties.

The phyto-nutrients present in it improve blood circulation and help in relieving spasms, muscle cramps, sprains, and backaches. It is also valuable in treating sports wounds, including dislocations, internal injuries, and bruises.

Nervous System

Lemongrass is nervine and is a tonic for the nervous system. It stimulates the mind and helps in combating convulsions, nervousness, vertigo, and various neuronal disorders. It is used in therapeutic baths, which assist in calming the nerves and alleviating the symptoms of anxiety and fatigue caused by stress.

Type-2 Diabetes

Lemongrass  has beneficial implications for managing type-2 diabetes. However, more research needs to be conducted on a human population to truly understanding the effects.

Relieves Pain & Inflammation

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.

Boosts Immunity

Lemongrass extracts have a beneficial effect on the inflammatory actions of cytokines, which are the signaling molecules through which the cells communicate and respond to the body.  Lemongrass exerts anti-inflammatory action and its constituent, citral, may be the cause of its inhibitory effect 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 helps in protecting the body cells from oxygen-derived free radicals.

Antioxidant power can help with the regeneration of new cells and with discarding of the old. The folate and potassium content in the stem and leaves of lemongrass aids in DNA synthesis and promotes cell division.

Relief from Edema

Lemongrass is effective in providing relief from the condition of water retention or edema. It has a cleansing effect on lymphatic congestion and helps soothe the swelling.

Aromatherapy

Lemongrass consists of beneficial ingredients, most notably essential oils such as neroli, citronellol, myrcene, dipentene, geraniol, and methyl heptenone. These possess anti-fungal, insecticidal, and antiseptic properties. Lemongrass oil is extensively used in aromatherapy due to its therapeutic effects, which help in revitalizing the body.

The cooling effect of lemongrass oil is beneficial for the body during hot weather. This oil possesses natural astringent and toning qualities that help stimulate blood circulation and tone up the dermal tissues. It is also thought to help in tightening, uplifting and firming sagging skin.

Reduces Obesity

Lemongrass contains citral, which has been shown to be effective against obesity. It lessens 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.

Eliminates Body Odor

Lemongrass is used in the manufacturing of deodorants due to its cleansing and anti-bacterial properties. Deodorants help combat unpleasant body-odor and prevent fungal and bacterial infections. It can also be added to footbaths 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 possibly Lyme disease. Studies have provided supporting evidence regarding the anti-malarial and anti-protozoan properties of lemongrass, which makes its oil an effective ingredient in mosquito 



Lemongrass 

is an aromatic storehouse of essential nutrients providing an array of health benefits.


Written by:
Ntomchukwu Ukachukwu

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