Lemongrass - A Boon for Human Health

Lemongrass, also known as fever grass, is a perennial plant with thin, long leaves that is indigenous to many Asian countries. As the name implies, lemongrass smells like lemon, but it tastes milder and sweeter. This herb is used in several Asian cuisines as a flavoring agent due to its potent flavor.

Nutritionally, lemongrass is a good source of vitamins A and C, folate, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and manganese. It also has minute traces of B vitamins. Along with its culinary uses, lemongrass is useful in alternative or complementary remedies for a wide range of ailments.

Lemongrass contains several flavonoids that function as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. In their antioxidant capacity, flavonoids prevent damage to the cells that can lead to long-term diseases such as heart disease or arthritis. One flavonoid in lemongrass - ‘Luteolin’ has the ability to slow the growth and hasten the death of certain types of cancer cells, according to a research paper published in the August 2012 issue of the “European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.” Luteolin also has such strong anti-inflammatory abilities that it may be able to treat some symptoms of multiple sclerosis, as well as lung infections or acute lung injury.

The essential oils of lemongrass add to these benefits, as they also slow the growth of cancer cells, especially in liver and breast cancers as well as leukemia, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Many people grow this grass in their gardens so that they can make the most of it. This grass has amazing medicinal properties and is used since ages. As mentioned earlier as well, this grass is known as fever grass. Do you know why? Well, this grass helps to get rid of a fever and is thus known as fever grass. Its scientific name is Cymbopogon and it is also referred as Citronella sometimes. Read further to uncover some more health benefits provided by lemongrass.

Health Benefits of Lemongrass

·         Helps to cope with fever

·         Helps to cope with cough and cold

·         Helps to cope with stress

·         Makes coping with high blood pressure easier

·         It lowers the cholesterol level

·         Helps to cleanse the body by eliminating toxic substances

·         Cleanses other organs of our body, including kidney, pancreas, liver, bladder etc.

·         Helps to improve the digestive system

·         Helps to improve blood circulation

·         Helps to cope with excessive fats in the body

·         Helps to deal with menstrual problems in females

·         Proves beneficial to cope with acne and pimples

How to Consume Lemongrass?

Lemongrass can be included in the diet in a myriad of ways. Many people make use of lemongrass oil to add its flavor to food. It can also be consumed in the form of tea by boiling it with water and sugar. It gives a good flavor when added to normal tea along with ginger.

You can also prepare an extraordinary and medicinal drink with lemongrass. Just take few fresh strands of lemongrass, two to three cloves, a small piece of cinnamon stick, and turmeric powder and boil it with milk. After this mixture is properly boiled, drain it and drink it when it cools down to get relief from cough and cold.

Lemongrass has antibacterial and antifungal properties which help to deal with a lot of health problems. It is a herb which is used in many homes to cope mainly with cough, cold and fever. However, a lot of individuals are unaware that this wonderful herb can provide lots of health benefits.

This amazing plant is easily available in the market in dried as well as fresh form. However, it is advisable to make use of fresh lemongrass. The best way to make it easily available is to plant in our own garden and make use of it whenever needed. So as you know all the qualities of this medicinal grass, store some of the strands in your kitchen cabinet right away.

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, reduce fever, stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow, and are packed with antioxidant properties.