Know about the Medicinal Properties and Benefits of Lemon Grass

2022-03-28 00:00:00

Lemongrass is a medicinal herb that is a perennial grass grown mostly in South-East Asia. Its length is longer than that of common grass. About 75% of citral is found in it due to which its aroma is like lemon. Hence it is widely used medicinally like ginger in tea. Lemongrass oil is also used in beauty products and beverages. It is rich in vitamins, fibre and other nutrients. Apart from this, rich medicinal properties are also found in lemongrass that helps control cholesterol and keep the heart-healthy. Therefore, adding lemongrass to your daily routine has a positive effect on physical and mental health.

Nutritional Elements of Lemon Grass

• Water
• Protein
• Fat
• Vitamin C
• Carbohydrate
• Potassium
• Zinc
• Copper
• Manganese
• Fibre
• Phosphorus
• Amino acids
• Selenium
• Calcium

Medicinal Properties of Lemongrass

Lemongrass is an Ayurvedic medicine. Many types of nutritious substances are found in it which make the body disease-free. In Ayurvedic medicine, lemongrass helps in fighting many diseases. Lemongrass has antioxidant (reducing the effects of free radicals), anti-bacterial (fighting against bacteria), anti-inflammatory (reducing inflammation) and antifungal (fighting against fungus) properties.

Benefits of Lemon Grass

For cholesterol-

The increase in cholesterol in the body causes diseases like heart disease and heart attack but lemongrass tea proves to be very helpful in avoiding such diseases. According to a study report, regular consumption of lemongrass helps reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride. In this form, lemongrass works to reduce LDL ie bad cholesterol, and increase HDL ie good cholesterol.

For cancer cells-

Anticancer properties are found in lemongrass or its oil which help to keep the risk of cancer away and prevent cancer-causing cells from growing. Therefore, using lemongrass can prove beneficial to reduce the risk of cancer.

For Digestive Power-

Consuming lemongrass is a great remedy to overcome the problem of digestion and acidity. It helps in increasing digestive power. The anti-oxidant properties present in it protect against oxidative stress. Along with this, they work to prevent stomach ulcers and other problems related to the stomach. Sip the decoction made from it and drink it, digestion power improves.

Helpful in increasing immunity-

Lemongrass helps increase the immunity of the body. It has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the body from many infections and diseases. Apart from this, the vitamins and minerals present in it also work to boost the immune system.

Beneficial in joint pain and arthritis-

Lemongrass has an anti-arrhythmic effect which helps in relieving joint pain and arthritis. Lemongrass reduces the symptoms of arthritis by improving blood pressure. At the same time, its anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing the pain and swelling caused by arthritis. For this, massaging the affected area with a few drops of lemongrass oil is beneficial.

Helpful in relieving insomnia-

There are many reasons behind insomnia. Including anxiety, stress, depression etc. In such a situation, it is good to consume lemongrass tea. It has sedative, hypnotic properties which help increase the duration and quality of sleep. In addition, it also has antidepressant properties which prove to be effective in reducing stress and depression which leads to good sleep. For this, it is good to get aromatherapy done by putting a few drops of lemongrass oil in a diffuser.

For nervous system-

The nutrients present in lemongrass prove to be very effective for the nervous system. It is rich in magnesium which works to protect against neurodegenerative diseases. However, in neurodegenerative disease, the neurons of the brain begin to die. Apart from this, lemongrass tea also helps in keeping the mind sharp and strengthens memory.

For asthma-

The medicinal properties of lemongrass help to protect against allergic asthma. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties which prevent infected cells from going to the lungs. In this way, lemongrass tea is also beneficial for asthma.

For acne-

Lemongrass helps prevent the growth of bacteria that cause acne because it has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which work to keep acne and pimples away from the face and skin. For this, use lemongrass paste or oil.

Uses of Lemon Grass

• Lemongrass is used as a tea-like green tea. Apart from this, it can be used in place of ginger or cardamom in tea.
• Lemongrass paste is used to enhance the taste of vegetables.
• While making chicken, you can use a little lemongrass paste. By doing this it gives a distinct flavour to the chicken.
• You can also drink lemongrass by making soup.
• Lemongrass can be used in place of lemon zest in food.

Side effects of Lemon Grass

Lemongrass is very beneficial but using it excessively can be harmful which are the following-

• Excessive hunger and thirst.
• Dizziness.
• Dry mouth.
• Excessive urination.
• Feeling more tired.

Apart from this, the following problems can also arise due to the use of lemongrass oil in excess-

• Burning and rash on the skin.
• Irritation of the eyes when it enters the eyes.
• Problems in the digestive system due to swallowing.
• Respiratory tract infection etc.