Lemongrass, also called fever grass, is a perennial plant with thin, long leaves that is indigenous to many Asian countries. As the name implies, lemongrass smells like lemon, but it tastes milder and sweeter. This herb is used in various Asian cuisines as a flavoring agent due to its potent flavor.

Nutritionally, lemongrass is a good source of vitamins A and C, folate, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and manganese. It also has minute traces of B vitamins.

It has many beneficial medicinal properties including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antipyretic, antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, astringent, carminative, diuretic, febrifuge, galactogogue, insecticidal, sedative, and anti-cancer properties. The leaves, stems and bulb of lemongrass are used in various treatments.

 Fresh and dried lemongrass are readily available in the market. You can also get lemongrass essential oil and supplements.

Lemongrass tea is most often used in home remedies for various health issues. You can brew the tea by steeping one teaspoon of fresh or dried lemongrass in a cup of hot water for about 10 minutes. Strain, add any desired sweetener and your tea is ready. You can also buy ready-to-use tea bags.

Here are the top health benefits of lemongrass.

1. Helps Digestion

Lemongrass promotes healthy digestion. It has antiseptic compounds that effectively kill bad bacteria and parasites in the digestive tract and repopulate the good bacteria in the colon.

This in turn helps treat digestive health problems like indigestion, constipation, heartburn, diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, stomach spasms, vomiting and cramps. Plus, lemongrass has antimicrobial properties that help relieve gastroenteritis.

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For a healthy digestive tract, drink lemongrass tea on regular basis. Lemongrass tea, however, is not recommended for small children.

2. Controls Cholesterol Levels

The anti-cholesterol and anti-atherosclerosis action of lemongrass helps reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine. Plus, it helps in the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol in the blood, which in turn helps prevent atherosclerotic plaque buildup.

A University of Wisconsin study in 1989 found that people with high cholesterol who took 140-milligram capsules of lemongrass oil daily noticed reduction in cholesterol levels. They also experienced a significant decrease in blood fats.

The high potassium content in lemongrass also helps lower and regulate blood pressure.

Simply drink a cup of lemongrass tea everyday to help lower your cholesterol level and reduce blood pressure. You can also take this herb in supplement form after consulting your doctor.

3. Cleanses and Detoxifies

Regular consumption of lemongrass tea helps cleanse and detoxify the body. The diuretic nature of lemongrass helps remove toxins, uric acid and bad cholesterol from the body by increasing the frequency and quantity of urination. Urination also helps clean out the kidneys.

Plus, the cleansing properties of this herbal tea help purify the liver, kidneys, bladder and pancreas. It also plays a key role in increasing blood circulation, which is important for overall health.

Drink lemongrass tea on a regular basis to help your body get rid of harmful elements.

4. Heals Colds and Flu

Lemongrass has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help your body cope with coughs, fever and other cold and flu symptoms. Plus, it is loaded with vitamin C that boosts your immune system to fight the infection.

You can use lemongrass oil to relieve pain in muscles and joints, as well as headaches resulting from a cold or the flu.

Plus, lemongrass can be effective in breaking down mucus and phlegm buildup, which can alleviate problems with breathing. This is mainly beneficial when suffering from bronchitis or asthma.

You can make the following medicinal drink with lemongrass.

Boil a few fresh strands of lemongrass, two or three cloves, a small piece of cinnamon stick, one teaspoon of turmeric powder in one cup of milk.

Strain and drink it when it cools down.

Drink this once a day for a few days.

5. Fights Cancer

Research at Ben Gurion University in Israel has shown that lemongrass tea can help fight cancer. A component called citral found in lemongrass causes apoptosis in cancer cells without damaging healthy cells. Simply put, it causes the cancer cells to commit suicide.

In fact, to help the healing process, cancer patients in Israel are encouraged to take fresh lemongrass tea while undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatments.

Another study published in 2009 in the journal Fundamentals of Clinical Pharmacology found that citral in lemongrass slows the growth of breast cancer cells in the laboratory.

Plus, there are several antioxidant properties in lemongrass that help lower your risk of cancer by fighting free radicals.

6. Reduces Arthritis Pain

Due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, lemongrass helps treat arthritis, rheumatism, osteoarthritis, gout and other types of joint pain. Its anti-inflammatory properties help suppress the activity of cyclooxygenase-2, an enzyme involved in inflammation that causes pain, especially in joints.

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Plus, lemongrass helps to alleviate muscle spasms or sprains by relaxing the muscles, which in turn reduces the pain-related symptoms.

You can mix lemongrass oil with coconut oil in a 1:2 ratio and rub it over the affected area. Leave it on for a few hours before rinsing it off. Do this daily for a few weeks.

You can also drink lemongrass tea twice daily for best results

7. Benefits New Mothers

Lemongrass is highly beneficial for new mothers who are breastfeeding their babies. It has galactagogue properties that help increase breast milk production. Its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties also help the babies remain healthy and free from infections.

Lactating mothers can drink one to two cups of lemongrass tea daily.

Note: Lemongrass should be avoided during pregnancy.

8. Fights Depression

The antidepressant properties of lemongrass help treat depression. The herb also activates the release of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that combats depression. Lemongrass relieves anxiety, boosts self-esteem, uplifts spirits, gives confidence and improves mental strength.

Lemongrass also contains citronella, which is well known for its calming effect on the mind and body. It also helps you to sleep better.

Drink a cup of lemongrass tea, whenever you feel depressed or have a low mood. The tea will help you keep calm and cool.

9. Reduces Body Odor

Lemongrass oil in a diluted form works as an effective deodorant. In fact, beauty experts find lemongrass oil more effective than many of the synthetic deodorants available in the market.

The main chemical component found in lemongrass is citral, which is aromatic. Plus, it has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that help control excessive sweating and destroy or inhibit microorganisms that cause body odor. In addition, lemongrass will not cause skin irritation or exacerbate skin allergies.

To sum up, to enjoy these health benefits of lemongrass, drink one to two cups of lemongrass tea daily. However, do not consume it if you are pregnant or taking any medications.

Dr. ENOCK APPIAH (ND/CHA)

appiahinok@gmail.com

+233245643615

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