Lemongrass

October 3, 2020

Overview

Lemongrass is a plant. The leaves and the oil are used to make medicine.

Lemongrass is commonly taken orally, applied directly to the skin, or inhaled as aromatherapy for many different conditions. But there is limited scientific research to support any of its common uses.

In food and beverages, lemongrass is used as a flavoring. For example, lemongrass leaves are commonly used as "lemon" flavoring in herbal teas.

In manufacturing, lemongrass is used as a fragrance in deodorants, soaps, and cosmetics. Lemongrass is also used in making vitamin A and natural citral.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Plant

Primary Functions:

Aromatherapy

Also Known As:

Abafado, Andropogon citratus, Andropogon flexuosus, British Indian Lemongrass

How Does It Work?

Lemongrass might help prevent the growth of some bacteria and yeast. Lemongrass also contains substances that are thought to relieve pain and swelling, reduce fever, improve levels of sugar and cholesterol in the blood, stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow, and have antioxidant properties.

Uses

Dandruff. Early research suggests that applying a lemongrass oil solution to the hair reduces dandruff in some people.
High cholesterol. Early research suggests that taking lemongrass oil by mouth does not reduce cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Early research suggests that applying lemongrass oil to the skin can decrease pain in adults with RA. However, more research is needed to know if this is more than just a placebo effect.
Yeast infection in the mouth (thrush). Early research suggests that drinking lemongrass tea decreases symptoms of thrush in people with HIV/AIDS.
Stomach and intestinal cramps.
Stomach ache.
High blood pressure.
Convulsions.
Pain and swelling.
Vomiting.
Cough.
Achy joints (rheumatism).
Fever.
Common cold.
Diabetes.
Exhaustion.
Headache.
Use as an antiseptic and astringent.
Other conditions.

Recommended Dosing

The appropriate dose of lemongrass depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for lemongrass. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Lemongrass Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What are the health benefits of lemongrass?

Good for Digestion.
Full of antioxidants.
Regulates High Blood Pressure.
Boosts Metabolism and Burns Fat
For Naturally Great Skin and Hair
Heals Cold and Flu
Relieves menstrual pain

What is the side effect of lemon grass?

Side Effects & Safety

Rarely, lemongrass oil might cause a rash of skin irritation when applied to the skin. However, there have been some toxic side effects, such as lung problems after inhaling lemongrass and a fatal poisoning after a child swallowed a lemongrass oil-based insect repellent.

Can you drink lemongrass tea everyday?

There isn't enough research on lemongrass tea to recommend a standard dosage for any condition. For dosing recommendations, consult your doctor or a qualified natural health practitioner. To limit your risk of side effects, start with one cup daily. If you tolerate this well, you can drink more.

Does lemongrass kill germs?

Fighting bacteria

As the lemongrass essential oil was effective in inhibiting and killing off the bacteria, it could be a complementary therapy in the future for fighting illnesses that do not respond to antibiotics.

Does lemongrass reduce belly fat?

Lemongrass tea is claimed to increase metabolism and aid weight loss. Drinking lemongrass tea on a daily basis may help you shed that unhealthy belly fat.

Is lemongrass tea good for kidneys?

Relieving bloating

Drinking lemongrass tea can have diuretic effects, which means that it stimulates the kidneys to release more urine than usual. According to a small-scale study in the Journal of Renal Nutrition, drinking lemongrass tea increases urine output more than other beverages.

What does lemongrass tea do to the body?

Lemongrass tea is your detox tea. It is packed with antioxidants that help in detoxing and cleansing you from within. It helps in removal of toxins from the body by relieving fluid retention. Lemongrass is nature's formula for taming high blood pressure.

Does lemongrass keep mosquitoes away?

Citronella oil, which comes from the lemongrass plant, is commonly used in commercial bug sprays and candles. It features a lemon-like citrusy scent that is irritating to mosquitoes, but wonderfully pleasant to people. Lemongrass can be planted outside your home as an attractive, yet effective repellent.

Is Lemon Grass good for skin?

Lemongrass skin benefits

As the herb is packed with vitamin A and C, it works hard to keep your skin and hair glossy. However, beyond that it also has astringent properties which helps to minimise your pores as well as keep your oil levels balanced – cutting back on those pesky pimples.

What happens if you drink too much lemongrass tea?

Oral: Gastrointestinal spasms, stomachache, hypertension, convulsions, pain and neuralgia, vomiting, cough, rheumatism, fever, common cold, and exhaustion. Topical: Headache, stomachache, abdominal pain, and musculoskeletal pain. Inhalation: Aromatherapy for musculoskeletal pain.

Can too much lemongrass be harmful?

Side Effects & Safety

Is Lemongrass a laxative?

Lemongrass has a cooling energy which helps to soothe your stomach and keeps your digestive functions in check. It contains a component called citral that helps to digest food. It has been used as an ancient remedy for all stomach problems in Chinese medicine like bloating, constipation or indigestion.

Is Lemongrass good for diabetes?

It may help regulate blood sugar and lipids

Lemongrass oil may help reduce blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, according to a 2007 study on rats. Results showed lemongrass oil lowered blood sugar levels.

What is lemongrass seasoning?

Lemongrass Powder provides the subtle citrus, earthy flavor of this Asian herb, conveniently dried and ground for easy and consistent use. Lemongrass Powder is used traditionally in many cuisines such as Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Thai, and Asian.

Is Lemongrass good for high blood pressure?

Lemongrass is nature's formula for taming high blood pressure. It is rich in potassium which increases the production of urine in our body, which in turn stimulates blood circulation and lowers blood pressure. By increasing blood circulation, it also helps in purifying the liver.

How do you use lemongrass tea for weight loss?

To make lemongrass tea:

Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 to 3 teaspoons fresh or dried lemongrass.
Steep for at least five minutes.
Strain the tea.
Enjoy hot or add ice cubes for iced lemongrass tea.

Is Lemongrass good for inflammation?

Lemongrass contains citral, an anti-inflammatory compound. According to a 2014 study on animals , oral lemongrass essential oil showed powerful anti-inflammatory abilities on mice with carrageenan-induced paw edema. The oil also demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects when applied topically on mice with ear edema.

Is Lemongrass the same as citronella?

Both, citronella (Cymbopogon Nardus) & lemon grass (Cymbopogon Citratus) are cousins in nature. They look similar and grow the same way, and are processed in the same manner too. But, scientists say, Citronella is not for consumption while lemon grass is known as a herbal tea drink.

Is lemon grass oil good for hair?

Lemongrass oil is an effective dandruff treatment, with one 2015 study finding that it significantly reduced dandruff after one week. Lemongrass oil for dandruff is most effective when used daily. Mix a few drops into your shampoo or conditioner daily, and make sure it's massaged into your scalp.

Does lemongrass help acne?

Lemongrass. Lemongrass also has natural astringent properties. These can help fight pimples by acting as an antimicrobial while also removing excess dead skin cells.

Is Lemongrass good for arthritis?

The citral in lemongrass essential oil may help ease pain as it relieves inflammation. According to a 2017 study on people with rheumatoid arthritis, topical lemongrass oil decreased their arthritis pain.

Is Lemon Grass good for liver?

Lemongrass is nature's formula for taming high blood pressure. By increasing blood circulation, it also helps in purifying the liver. Lemongrass is also known to limit cholesterol absorption from the intestines, thus promoting overall heart health.

Is Lemongrass toxic to cats?

Lemongrass may also help prevent blood clotting and cancer. So a nibble of lemongrass will not harm your cats, but an intense craving could indicate (rather than cause) some underlying nutritional deficiency or disease such as hyperthyroidism.