15 Incredible Health Benefits of Lemongrass
Lemongrass, also called fever grass or citronella, is one of the healthiest foods to include in your diet. It contains numerous vitamins and minerals, including zinc, magnesium, copper, potassium, calcium, folate, phosphorous iron, and vitamins A, B, and C.
But what if you don’t like the lip-puckering sourness of lemon? Well, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Lemongrass is sweeter and less intense than its fruity counterpart, and there’s a reason for that. Although they share a similar aroma and flavor, lemons and lemongrass are unrelated. Lemons are tree fruits, whereas lemongrass is an Asian tropical herb.
Lemongrass: A Potent Healing Herb
Lemongrass, like the kind found in 8th Wonder Sparkling Green Tea, is a powerful herb that has been used for centuries to alleviate symptoms of sleep deprivation, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and a wide variety of illnesses. It is often used as a folk remedy to promote sleep, relieve pain, and boost immunity.
It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help fight infections, as well as help with inflammation. Moreover, lemongrass promotes healthy digestion, which enhances the absorption of nutrients while also removing toxins from the body.
Health Benefits of Lemongrass
Here are 15 of the most well-known health benefits of lemongrass.
1. Stress and Anxiety Relief
Many people suffer severe stress and anxiety in our modern, technologically driven society, and lemongrass may help.
A Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center study found that smelling lemongrass can help with anxiety.. So, the next time you feel stressed or unable to sleep, put a few drops of lemongrass essential oil in a diffuser and let the refreshing scent of lemongrass soothe your mind and body. If you don't have access to an essential oil diffuser, you can get a similar effect by crushing fresh lemongrass leaves and putting them in a bowl beside your bed (1).
Sipping lemongrass tea may also help relieve stress and anxiety. Fresh lemongrass can be steeped in boiling water to make or buy dried tea. If you purchase tea, make sure the brand you choose is 100% organic so you don't get any pesticides or GMOs that are bad for your health.
2. Reducing Cancer Risk
Citral found in lemongrass is thought to kill certain cancer cells effectively. Several parts of lemongrass have anti-cancer properties. This may be done by directly killing cancer cells or making your immune system more robust, so your body can fight cancer independently.
3. Regulating Cholesterol Levels
High cholesterol is a significant risk factor for heart attack and stroke. A study in the Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research said that lemongrass oil extract helped lower the cholesterol levels of animals (2). However, the reduction in cholesterol levels was dose-dependent.
In 2011, research on mice showed that taking up to 100 mg of lemongrass essential oil is safe every day (3).
There is still a need for further investigation to determine whether lemongrass tea has the same effects as lemongrass oil. However, you cannot go wrong with 8th Wonder's organic sparkling green tea with lemongrass!
4. Preventing Infection
Lemongrass is thought to be both antibacterial and antifungal, which may help prevent infections caused by these two pathogens. This herb also contains vitamin C, essential for strengthening the immune system and getting rid of infections.
In numerous research studies, lemongrass appears to lower the prevalence of thrush, a fungal illness affecting immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV. It may also reduce your risk of getting athlete's foot, yeast infections, and urinary tract infections.
You’ll need to consume it often to get the full antibacterial and antibacterial benefits.
5. Reducing Fever
Lemongrass is regarded as a febrifuge, which means it lowers body temperature.
Indeed, in Jamaica, lemongrass is widely referred to as "Fever Grass" because of its fever-reducing properties.
This plant is often used in Ayurvedic medicine to make people sweat, naturally bringing down a fever.
6. Aiding Weight Loss
The citral in lemongrass is well-known for its ability to treat and prevent obesity. This element promotes the utilization of stored energy and inhibits the buildup of belly fat.
This is good news for those struggling with their weight, as daily consumption of lemongrass may promote weight loss by accelerating the metabolism and increasing the oxidation of fatty acids in the body.
However, the weight-loss properties of lemongrass work best when combined with a healthy diet and exercise program and 8th Wonder Sparkling Green Tea. Can you imagine the combined metabolism-boosting power of green tea and lemongrass?!!!
7. Repelling Insects
Insect bites can present a health risk. For instance, the West Nile virus and the Zika virus are spread primarily by the bite of an infected mosquito. Therefore, you must try to protect yourself from insect bites, and lemongrass may help you do that.
It turns out that lemongrass is a highly effective insect repellant. Citronella grass, a type of lemongrass, is often used in candles and lotions to keep mosquitoes away.
However, direct application of undiluted lemongrass oil to the skin can cause irritation. To be safe, combine lemongrass oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond oil, before applying it to the skin. You can even use olive oil if you do not have jojoba or almond oil.
- Reducing High Blood Pressure
According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 103 million U.S. adults have high blood pressure, which is a significant risk factor for heart disease (4).
Fortunately, research suggests that lemongrass consumption may help lower your blood pressure.
In an observational study in 2012, 72 men drank either one cup of green tea or one cup of lemongrass tea. Drinkers of lemongrass tea saw a modest decrease in systolic blood pressure and a slight rise in diastolic blood pressure. Their heart rates were also markedly lower.
Even though these results are good news for people with high systolic blood pressure, people with heart problems should be careful when using lemongrass because too much of it can cause dangerously low heart rates and high diastolic blood pressure.
9. Detoxifying the Body
Drinking lemongrass regularly could help clean and detoxify your body. Lemongrass tea is regarded as a natural diuretic and hence stimulates urine production.
This will get rid of harmful substances, cholesterol, and uric acid. Also, urinating more often helps clean out the kidneys, liver, bladder, and pancreas.
Maintaining a body free of toxins is helpful to your general health and a fantastic way to protect your body from the hazardous elements we meet in our surroundings, food, and poor behaviors.
Remember, green tea also has strong detoxifying properties, so when you drink 8th Wonder Sparkling Green Tea that contains lemongrass, you’ll enjoy double the detox benefits!
10. Regulating Cholesterol Levels
Lemongrass contains anti-atherosclerosis and anti-cholesterol properties that reduce cholesterol absorption from the gut. Also, it helps oxidize LDL cholesterol in the blood, which stops atherosclerotic plaque from building up.
Several studies have shown that frequent consumption of lemongrass will help keep your triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels in check.
For example, in a study conducted at the University of Wisconsin, researchers found that people with high cholesterol who took 140 mg of lemongrass oil in capsule form daily saw a reduction in their cholesterol levels. They also observed a notable decrease in blood fats.
11. Improving Digestion
Lemongrass has also been shown to support healthy digestion due to its antiseptic substances that aid in eliminating parasites and harmful bacteria from the digestive tract while promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon.
When the gut is filled with beneficial bacteria as opposed to harmful bacteria, digestion is enhanced and symptoms such as indigestion, heartburn, gas, constipation, vomiting, and diarrhea are reduced.
12. Relieving Depression
Lemongrass has antidepressant properties that help alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. One reason for its mood-boosting effect is that it triggers the release of serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter responsible for your mental well-being, in the brain.
Lemongrass not only alleviates anxiety and despair, but also boosts self-esteem, combats negative moods, and enhances mental strength. The citronella present in lemongrass has a relaxing impact on the body and mind, and as a result, it even improves the quality of your sleep.
So, if you suffer from insomnia, sipping a soothing cup of lemongrass tea shortly before bedtime can ease you into effortless slumber.
13. Reducing PMS Symptoms
It may surprise you to learn that bothersome PMS symptoms, such as menstrual cramps and bloating, may be relieved by drinking lemongrass tea.
While there isn't any specific research on lemongrass and PMS, its ability to calm the stomach along with its anti-inflammatory properties could theoretically be helpful. Additionally, its mood-enhancing ability may help relieve two other common PMS symptoms: irritability, depression, and mood swings.
14. Relieving Joint Pain
Lemongrass has significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects that aid in the treatment of joint pain caused by rheumatism, arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, and other conditions.
The anti-inflammatory properties of lemongrass inhibit the activity of the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2, which contributes to the inflammation that causes joint discomfort. In addition, lemongrass is excellent at reducing sprains and muscular spasms by relaxing the muscles, hence preventing joint pain symptoms.
15. Promoting Healthy Skin
Lemongrass also works as an astringent, which tightens the skin, shrinks pores, stops oil production, and makes the skin more flexible.
It can even make your skin look younger. After all, this herb contains antioxidants that reduce the risk of premature aging by fighting wrinkles and fine lines.
Due to its antifungal, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties, lemongrass also inhibits the growth of microorganisms or bacteria on the skin.
Additionally, lemongrass functions as an astringent, which reduces pores, controls oil production, and increases skin flexibility.
How to Use Lemongrass
You can use lemongrass in many different ways.
- Consumption: Most health food stores sell teabags with dried lemongrass already in them. Making lemongrass tea is quick and easy, and you can enjoy its mild lemony flavor hot or cold. Lemongrass can also be used to make a variety of dishes.
- Topically: You can also apply lemongrass essential oil topically, just be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil before rubbing it on your skin.
- Aromatherapy: Add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to a diffuser, or add a few drops to a cotton ball or a handkerchief and breathe in the soothing yet refreshing aroma.
- Supplements: Lemongrass dietary supplements can be found at your local health food store or purchased online in capsule and powder form.
Potential Side Effects of Lemongrass
Lemongrass is generally thought to be safe to eat, breathe in, and put on the skin, but it can still have a number of negative effects for some people. Therefore, before using lemongrass, it is strongly recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider or a nutritionist.
Rare side effects may include one or more of the following:
- Dry mouth
- Severe hunger
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Increased urination
- Dizziness
Some people are allergic to lemongrass, so if you notice any of the symptoms below, discontinue use and seek immediate medical attention:
- Skin rash
- Labored breathing
- Itching
- Rapid heart rate
Avoid using lemongrass and its oil if you have any medical conditions, are pregnant, have low potassium levels, have a slow heartbeat, or take any prescription diuretics.
Summary
Lemongrass is typically safe for use. It is simple to cultivate and widely available in natural food stores. Studies on animals and in the laboratory have demonstrated that lemongrass possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer effects. Lemongrass may also aid in weight loss, cholesterol regulation, blood sugar control, and much more.
However, you should always consult with your healthcare provider or nutritionist before adding this or any other herb to your diet or beauty routine.
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References
1- https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/lemongrass
2- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217679/#ref61
3- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278691511002699?via%3Dihub
4- https://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/05/01/more-than-100-million-americans-have-high-blood-pressure-aha-says