Lemongrass, also known as citronella, is a tall, stalky plant with a lemony aroma. This plant with fresh citrus flavour is a common ingredient in Thai cooking and also serves as a bug repellent. Lemongrass is also used as a folk remedy to promote sleep, relieve pain, and boost immunity. One of the most popular ways to enjoy lemongrass is in tea. Lemongrass essential oil is used in aromatherapy to freshen the air, reduce stress, and uplift the mood. Here are 10 health benefits of lemon grass:
1. It has antioxidant properties
According to a study, lemongrass contains several antioxidants, which can help scavenge free radicals in your body that may cause disease. Antioxidants of note are chlorogenic acid, isoorientin, and swertiajaponin. These antioxidants may help prevent dysfunction of cells inside your coronary arteries.
2. It has microbial properties
Lemongrass tea may help treat oral infections and cavities, thanks to its antimicrobial properties. Lemongrass oil and silver ions may work together against several types of bacteria and fungus in vitro.
3. It has anti-inflammatory properties
According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, two of the main compounds in lemongrass, citral and geranial, are thought to be responsible for its anti-inflammatory benefits. These compounds are said to help stop the release of certain inflammation-causing markers in your body.
4. It may reduce cancer risk
The citral in lemongrass is also thought to have potent anticancer abilities against some cancer cell lines. Several components of lemongrass help fight cancer. This occurs either by causing cell death directly or boosting your immune system so that your body is better able to fight-off cancer on its own.
5. It promotes healthy digestion
A cup of lemongrass tea is a go-to alternative remedy for upset stomach, stomach cramping, and other digestive problems. Lemongrass has been discovered to be effective against gastric ulcers. Lemongrass leaves can help protect the stomach lining against damage from aspirin and ethanol. Regular aspirin use is a common cause of gastric ulcers.
6. It may act as a diuretic
In the world of natural health, lemongrass is a known diuretic. A diuretic makes you urinate more often, ridding your body of excess fluid and sodium. Diuretics are often prescribed if you have heart failure, liver failure, or edema.
7. It may help regulate cholesterol
High cholesterol may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. A study showed that lemongrass oil extract helped to lower cholesterol in animals. The reduction in cholesterol was dependent on the dose.
8. It may help a person lose weight
Lemongrass tea is used as a detox tea to kick-start your metabolism and help you lose weight. Since lemongrass is a natural diuretic, if you drink enough of it, you’re likely to drop some pounds. In general, replacing soft drinks and other sugar-sweetened drinks in your diet with herbal teas like lemongrass may help you reach your weight loss goals. However, you shouldn’t drink lemongrass tea exclusively. This can increase your risk of side effects. Try alternating cups of lemongrass tea with water or other unsweetened drinks.
9. It may reduce symptoms of PMS
Lemongrass tea is used as a natural remedy for menstrual cramps, bloating, and hot flashes. There isn’t any research specifically on lemongrass and PMS, but, in theory, its stomach-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties may help.
10. It may reduce systolic blood pressure
In a 2012 observational study, 72 male volunteers were given either lemongrass tea or green tea to drink. Those who drank the lemongrass tea experienced a moderate drop in systolic blood pressure and a mild increase in diastolic blood pressure. They also had a significantly lower heart rate.