Lemongrass is a medicinal plant that is rich in citral, limonene and geraniol. These are bioactive compounds with antioxidant action which work to fight excess free radicals. They can help prevent conditions like cancer, gastritis and high blood pressure.

In addition, lemongrass contains great quantities of myrcene, which is a bioactive compound with analgesic properties. It can help to relieve mild pain, like cramps, muscular soreness and headaches.

Lemongrass has a lemon-like aroma and can be found in fresh or dried forms at supermarkets. It can be used to prepare tea, dressings, juices, cakes or fruit jellies. Its essential oil is sold at natural health stores and can be used to heal wounds.

This content is solely for informative purposes and should not replace a medical consultation. Do not interrupt your current treatment without seeking medical guidance.

Health benefits

Because it is rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds, lemongrass can be used for:

1. Promoting weight loss

Because it contains diuretic properties, lemongrass promotes the elimination of accumulated fluid. This can help reduce abdominal bloating, making it an interesting option to include in a weight loss diet. Check-out other weight loss teas that you can prepare at home.

2. Treating gastritis

Lemongrass can help with the treatment of gastritis, as it contains great quantities of flavonoids and tannins. These compounds contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action that neutralize and decrease stomach acid to help with the treatment of acid reflux and gastritis.

Lemongrass also has bactericide properties, which can make it beneficial as a compliment to the medical treatment of H. pylori. This bacteria lives in the stomach and can cause gastritis, peptic ulcers and even some types of cancer.

3. Relieving pain

Because it contains myrcene and citral (which are bioactive compounds with analgesic properties), lemongrass can be used as a compliment to the treatment of headaches, muscular pain, stomach aches and rheumatism.

4. Reducing LDL cholesterol

Lemongrass is rich in antioxidants, like limonene and geraniol, which help to fight free radicals and prevent fat cell oxygenation. This can help to reduce LDL cholesterol levels as well as triglyceride levels, and can prevent conditions like heart attack, stroke and atherosclerosis.

5. Managing blood pressure

Because it contains diuretic properties, lemongrass promotes the elimination of excess sodium through the urine. This can aid in the management of blood pressure.

In addition, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds found in lemongrass (like citral, lemonene and geraniol) decrease inflammation and promote vasodilation. This improves circulation and can prevent high blood pressure. Read about other natural remedies for high blood pressure that you can incorporate into your lifestyle.

6. Preventing cancer

Lemongrass is a medicinal plant that is rich in antioxidants, that help to strengthen the immune system and prevent the growth and development of cancerous cells.

7. Managing insomnia and anxiety

Lemongrass contains compounds with sedative action (like cirtral), which act on the immune system to improve sleep quality.

Lemongrass contains soothing and relaxing action which can aid the treatment of stress and anxiety. See the other herbs for anxiety and stress that you can use to reduce symptoms and promote relaxation.

8. Healing wounds

Lemongrass essential oil contains potent antimicrobial action and therefore can be applied directly to the skin to speed-up wound healing.

9. Treating yeast infections

Lemongrass contains fungicide properties, which can help to combat Candida albicans, which is a type of fungus that is responsible for vaginal yeast infections and oral thrush.

In addition, lemongrass can help to aid the treatment of other types of fungal infections, like mycosis and athlete’s foot.

10. Treating bad breath

Because it contains bactericide and antiseptic properties, lemongrass can be used in preparations like teas and mouth gargles to combat bad breath caused by gingivitis and gum inflammation caused by bacteria between the teeth. Check-out other tips for getting rid of bad breath.

11. Repelling insects

Lemongrass can be used to keep bugs away, as its smell is irritating to flies and mosquitos. See some other natural insect repellents that you can make at home.

How to use it

Lemongrass can be used to prepare teas and juices, or it can be used in wound dressings. Lemongrass essential oil can also be applied to the skin to treat wounds and yeast infections.

Lemongrass bandage: Soak a piece of gauze or clean cloth in lemongrass tea and apply on the wound or irritated skin, Allow to sit for at least 15 minutes.
Lemongrass essential oil: Mix 3 drops of essential oil in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (like coconut, jojoba or olive oil) and place on the wound or yeast infection. You should avoid sun exposure for at least 6 hours after applying this oil to prevent skin irritation.

Lemongrass essential oil can be used as a bug repellent or as a room fragrance. Just add 3 to 5 drops of essential oils in a diffuser.

Lemongrass can also be used in recipes for juices, cakes, fruit jelly and ice cream.

How to make lemongrass tea

Lemongrass is easy to make and can be consumed 3 to 4 times per day.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon of fresh leaves
1 cup of boiling water

How to prepare

Place the fresh leaves in a cup and cover with the boiling water. Cover, steep for 5 to 10 minutes, strain and drink.

Side effects

Lemongrass can cause dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, nausea, dry mouth and low blood pressure, which can lead to fainting.

Contraindications

Lemongrass is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It should also not be taken by children under 18 years of age, nor by anyone with a history of heart disease, liver disease or kidney disease.

People who use relaxant medications or blood pressure medication should also speak to their doctor before taking lemongrass.