Lemongrass, also known as citronella, is a kind of grass that is often used for cooking and making herbs, and it has a zesty lemony scent, hence the name. Commonly used in South East Asia for cuisines and to make lemongrass tea, the grass has found its way to other parts of the world where it is also used for other things, including fragrance in soaps and cosmetics.
But what makes lemongrass stand out is not its scent or flavour but rather its health and medicinal benefits. That is why it is a common ingredient in local herbs for treating and managing conditions like cough, rheumatism, diabetes, and so on.S
Some of the nutrients in lemongrass include magnesium, potassium, iron. Vitamin A and C, niacin, and more. The body benefits from all of these, although there are studies still being conducted to determine how it works in the body and for what.
In this post, we would be looking at some of the health benefits of lemongrass.
10 Outstanding Health Benefits Of Lemongrass
Here are 10 amazing health benefits of lemongrass that you should know:
1. Removes free radicals from the body
Lemongrass contains antioxidant properties, like isoorientin, that help to fight free radicals, preventing them from infecting cells. This helps to reduce inflammation in the body. Numerous studies have bolded stated that lemongrass had capabilities of destroying free radicals. [1]
2. Lowers cholesterol levels
Another health benefit of lemongrass is that it helps to lower cholesterol levels in the body. However, this depends on the dose taken. So, one would have to take a lot of lemongrasses to see a reduction in their cholesterol levels. Lemongrass has also been said to be good for the heart. [2]
3. Improves oral health
Chewing lemongrass can have a lot of impact on your oral health. It prevents the formation of cavities on your teeth and also keeps your mouth clean and fresh, eliminating odor. One study experimented with lemongrass as a mouthwash. They found out that lemongrass was effective in removing plaques, and cavities. [3]
4. Boosts the production of red blood cells
Lemongrass also boosts the production of red blood cells, increasing haemoglobin concentration and cell volume. This is thought to be a result of its antioxidant properties. This was the result of a study involving 105 people over 30 days. [4]
5. Aids healthy digestion
Taking lemongrass could also promote healthier digestion by relieving stomach upset and cramping. It is also effective against gastric ulcers. It contains essential oils that protect the stomach lining against damage from certain medications. [5]
6. Aids weight loss
Drinking lemongrass tea can detoxify your body. This is because of its status as a natural diuretic, helping you to shed a few pounds by making it easy for you to pass out waste.
7. Treats malaria
In West African countries like Nigeria, taking lemongrass alone or with some other herbs can help to cure malaria and help relieve symptoms of fever. This is done by boiling the leaves and extracting the juice, and drinking it. A 2016 study attested to this. They claimed that lemongrass has strong anti-malarial properties. [6]
8. Relieves cold and cough
Drinking lemongrass extract also helps to relieve cold, cough, and flu. It contains antioxidants like vitamin A and C, which help strengthen the immune system, keeping germs at bay. [7]
9. Regulates blood pressure
Lemongrass contains potassium which helps to stimulate blood circulation, lowering blood pressure. This also helps purify the liver.
10. Great for skin and hair
Lemongrass contains vitamin A and C, which helps to maintain radiant skin and hair since it stimulates blood circulation, which helps to control the breakage of acne and other things that ruin the skin. [8]
You can easily buy lemongrass essential oil in Nigeria.
Bottom Line
Lemongrass is a popular plant which was used in ancient times for it’s medicinal properties. However, it is full of so many nutrients which makes it useful today. The health benefits of lemongrass includes it’s ability to boost digestive health, prevent cancer, enhance the skin, among others. Lemongrass essential oil and lemongrass tea are ways you can use lemongrass, so that you can derive these amazing health benefits of lemongrass.
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Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
