Lemongrass has proven to be a friend to almost everyone who has used it. It is historically, and even currently, used the most throughout many Asian countries where you can easily find it in a restaurant menu or market.
In this article, we’ll go over the reasons why lemongrass essential oils are so healthy and how you can use it yourself.
What Makes Lemongrass So Healthy?
The best way to introduce someone to lemongrass is to start with its many benefits. Like anything, it is possible to have an allergy to lemongrass, which is why consultation from a doctor is always invaluable.
However, in this case, it's pretty safe to try herbs like lemongrass even if you don’t know whether or not you’re allergic since a lemongrass allergy is very rare, and most doctors will approve the use of lemongrass for its healthy components and compounds.
What Is Cymbopogon?
The plant we call lemongrass is technically known as “Cymbopogon.” Two forms of Cymbopogon are used for medical, therapeutic, and dietary applications.
The first is Cymbopogon Citratus, the plant used for eating to gain all of its benefits. It contains a number of vitamins: vitamins A, B, and C, folate, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, and iron.
The second form is Cymbopogon Flexuosus, and this is the form of lemongrass most commonly used in aroma products and treatments that will be discussed later, as well as some of the best ways to integrate the citratus form into your diet.
Compared to “Cymbopogon,” lemongrass is a little easier to pronounce and associate with the plant since its appearance suits its name perfectly and is always accompanied by a distinct citrusy smell. This smell, and the bulk of the grass’s benefits, comes from its oils, which serve as a healthy ingredient for a variety of essential oils.
What Is Cymbopogon?
The oils that come from lemongrass can be referred to as lemongrass oils, or Cymbopogon oils but are most popularly referred to as Cochin oil.
This is because there is high demand for this oil throughout the world, but the place that contains the most abundant of the oil is the Cochin port in India. In fact, if you’re using a product with this oil in it, then at least a piece of it probably came from India since 90% of this oil is shipped from the Cochin port.
During the peak of the discovery of lemongrass and its healthy attributes, it was produced and exported the most from India, which remains true to this day. It is a readily available plant whose benefits contribute to a farmer’s lifestyle. It helps them by providing supplements to mulch and fertilizer, and its roots are strong and rich in vitamins which increases the soil quality and aids in water conservation.
Does Lemongrass Benefit Everyone?
So, as it turns out, lemongrass is good for everyone. The only exception would be lemongrass’s presence in Mexico but to no fault of the plant. After being manually planted there, lemongrass is classified as a weed and is technically an invasive species.
In Mexico, lemongrass grows very rapidly and begins to choke out the life of other neighboring plants, making it a nuisance to farmers. This is a common result of humanity planting or moving species from their original homes.
However, lemongrass oils aren’t something you want to pass up without trying.
Fragrance and Flavor
Whatever you want to call it, Cochin oil or lemongrass oil, it is a healing agent to multiple facets of the human body. It's filled with antioxidants that keep us healthy, safe and always support our immune systems.
These antioxidants serve to keep bacteria at bay, which means lemongrass oil is used to protect more than just humans. The aroma, known as citral or citronella, has been proven to ward off various insects and pests, making it an ingredient in some repellents, especially as a non-harmful option for our pets.
The aroma may be loathed by some insects but we love it. Lemongrass is frequently used as a tool for aromatherapy. Both its oils and its scent are very soothing to most people, similar to the effects of lavender. It can help to ease discomfort and tightness in muscles.
You can go to the nearest home decor store and find scented candles made with lemongrass to test it out for yourself and see if it relaxes you.
Lemongrass doesn’t stop there, however. Here’s a short list of some of the healing effects and health benefits of lemongrass:
- Temporary fever relief
- Temporary relief from muscle aches
- Helps reduce redness and swelling
- Fights infections thanks to anti-fungal properties
- Supports Metabolism
- Maintains healthy blood sugar levels and lowers high cholesterol levels
- Reduces high blood pressure
- Boosts Antioxidants
- Stomach and digestive symptom relief
For women specifically, lemongrass is a healthy, easy way to help bring relief to the uterus.
Lemongrass contains natural stimulants that can help to ease pain in the uterus and also encourage regulation in menstrual flow. Using lemongrass during menstruation can take away a lot of usual nausea or cramps, but you should ingest the lemongrass in proper therapeutic doses.
You can always talk to your doctor about what amount is safe for your unique body, and keep in mind that lemongrass may not be safe to take orally during pregnancy due to the risk of miscarriage.
How To Enjoy Lemongrass Tea
The best and easiest way to take your dosage of lemongrass is to incorporate lemongrass leaves into your tea. A cup of lemongrass tea will give your body a boost of vitamins and minerals and help fill up your whole system with all of those important antioxidants. It will also make your skin feel smooth and refreshed.
This beverage is easy enough to make! It would require a packet of dried lemongrass, but most stores will probably have a pack available in the tea section.
From there, you can pour the mixture into some hot water to make hot tea, or you can simply mix it into some cold water and let it chill for some iced, lemongrass tea. Both will provide you with the nutrients, vitamin C, and detox that lemongrass has to offer, along with a pleasant citrus taste.
Ginger root, mint, and chamomile help to vary the tea’s flavor if the citrus is too strong or you’re looking to alter the flavor in some way.
The Takeaway
Lemongrass tea is an old, safe remedy known to chase away sicknesses. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties help deplete many minor symptoms quickly.
Common colds usually don’t stand a chance if you keep up on the tea. It can also relax your body and combat cases of insomnia. The tea is typically safe for anyone to drink, but you can start to develop a rash or irritation after drinking in rare cases.
Click here to learn more at Healthy Directions.
Sources:
Lemongrass: Top Benefits, Uses, & Side Effects | Organic Facts
Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) | CABI
