How to Use Lemongrass for Your Healthcare
Citronella, aka lemongrass, is a tall, stalky plant and has long leaves like seagrass. Its stalks are commonly used in Asian cuisines, especially in Thailand. The stalks have a strong citrus flavour and a fresh, lemony aroma, for which it is frequently called lemongrass. In aromatherapy, lemongrass essential oil is commonly used to freshen the air, uplift the mood and reduce stress and anxiety. Moreover, in folk remedies, lemongrass boosts immunity, improves sleep, and relieves pain.The most popular way to benefit from lemongrass is to drink it in the form of tea but it's been also used in skincare products. This article will discuss more benefits of lemongrass, and you will learn how to use lemongrass for your healthcare. So, keep reading till the end.
Benefits of Lemongrass
In folk remedies, lemongrass is considered a valuable herb with multiple health benefits; however, researchers have little evidence to support these claims. Followings are some proven or generally believed health benefits of lemongrass;
Lemongrass in a Strong Antioxidant
A study published in 2018 concluded that lemongrass contains several antioxidants that help scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other free radicals in our bodies. Chlorogenic acid, swertiajaponin, and isoorientin are some of the antioxidants present in lemongrass.
ROS are also one of the major causes of many skin conditions such as chronic inflammation, wrinkles, dark spots, itchiness and irritation, premature ageing etc. If you suffer from such a condition, try body milk and lotions containing strong antioxidants such as Dr Hauschka Lemon Lemongrass Vitalising Body Milk, which has proven results in relieving skin issues due to oxidative stress.
It has Antimicrobial Properties
Lemongrass helps fight against infections due to its potent antimicrobial properties; hence, it boosts your immunity. According to a 2018 study, lemongrass essential oil showed antimicrobial abilities against S. aureus and E. coli, the bacteria responsible for skin, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary tract infections.
Moreover, other in vitro studies proved that lemongrass oil and silver nanoparticles displayed activity against several types of bacteria and fungus.
It Possesses Powerful Anti-inflammatory Properties
Inflammation due to infections, injury, irritants, or auto-immune situations may progress to life-threatening conditions, including heart disease and stroke. Lemongrass contains citral and geranial that have powerful anti-inflammatory benefits.
It Acts as an Anti-Cancer Agent
The citral is a powerful bioactive compound of lemongrass that has anticancer abilities against some cancer cell lines. A recently published study has proven this potential anticancer effect of lemongrass.
This anticancer property is attributed to its ability to directly cause cell death or help your immune system fight against cancer. Sometimes, lemongrass tea is used as an adjuvant during radiation and chemotherapy to kill cancer cells.
It Helps with Stomach Ulcer
Lemongrass tea helps relieve stomach cramping, upset stomach, and other digestive problems. A 2017 study on rodents revealed that lemongrass is effective against gastric ulcers and promotes gastric healing. The gastric healing activity of lemongrass may be due to its anti-inflammatory properties, and its bioactive ingredients reduce the activity of gastric pumps that cause stomach acidity.
It Reduces Systolic Blood Pressure
A 2015 study suggested that massage with lemongrass essential oil positively affects mood, emotional, and sensational state. Moreover, this massage helps reduce diastolic blood pressure. However, it did not affect systolic blood pressure or heart rate.
It Regulates Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a known risk factor for stroke and heart attack. A 2011 study showed that lemongrass oil extract could reduce blood cholesterol levels in animals. However, the reduction in cholesterol was dose-dependent.
Excellent for a Variety of Skin Conditions
Lemongrass oil is said to possess antifungal and antibacterial properties, and it has mosquito repellent activities. A review published in 2016 described that lemongrass has efficacy to treat acne, excessive perspiration, athlete’s foot, oily skin, and scabies.
Combined with other essential oils such as castor oil, jojoba seed oil, sunflower seed oil, etc., lemongrass oil can do wonders with your skin. Try Dr Hauschka Lemon Lemongrass Vitalising Bath Essence and body oil that contain all ingredients mentioned above and have promising results.
It Helps in Weight Loss
Lemongrass tea is widely used as a detox to kick-start your metabolism and help you shed pounds. However, this concept is anecdotal with no strong scientific evidence. Nevertheless, it may be lemongrass’s diuretic effect, and if you drink enough, you may drop some pounds.
How to use Lemongrass for Your Healthcare
Lemongrass Tea
Regarding standard dosage, there is no recommended dose for any condition. For safe dosing, please consult a certified herbal medicine practitioner.
To start with, have one cup a day. Then, if you do not feel any side effects, you may increase it to two cups. However, if you feel increased heart rate, dizziness, or other unusual symptoms, stop drinking lemongrass.
To make lemongrass tea:
- Boil one cup water and add 1 to 3 teaspoons fresh or dried lemongrass
- Cover the pot and leave it for five minutes
- Strain the tea
- You may use it plain or add honey
- For iced lemongrass tea, add ice cubes
Lemongrass Essential Oil
For massage, you may get lemongrass essential oil from a pharmacy or a herbal store. Several skincare products also contain lemongrass oil extract to reduce inflammation and oxidative injury. To get the best skincare products containing lemongrass oil, try Dr Hauschka Lemon Lemongrass Vitalising Body Oil, bath essence, and body milk.
Conclusion
Lemongrass stalks, tea, and essential oil have a great aroma and flavour, making your food and drink delicious and offer multiple health benefits. Most studies on lemongrass bioactive compounds are small-scale or lab-based; however, no one can deny the vast benefits of this herb. We hope this article helped you learn how to use lemongrass for your healthcare.