Lemongrass – Health Benefits And All You Need To Know

Lemongrass is a popular plant in most parts of the country, this simple plant does a lot more than just making our fried rice or salad look good, it is actually useful to the body in numerous ways you can’t imagine.

Lemongrass is known for its use in treating digestive tract spasms, high blood pressure, fever, common cold and exhaustion among other illnesses. Used as an essential oil, it can be inhaled for muscle pain. Some apply it directly to the skin for a headache, stomach aches, and spasms.

Good For Lactating Mothers

A cup or two of this brewed tea daily can greatly increase breast milk production as it has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that also help babies remain healthy and free from infections. It has galactagogue properties that help in increasing milk production. However, it is not advisable for pregnant (expectant mothers).

It Reduces Cholesterol

Lemongrass promotes the unobstructed flow of blood arteries and prevents various cardiac disorders such as atherosclerosis. It also helps sustain a good level of triglycerides and reducing cholesterol in the body.

Treatment For Stomach Disorders

Lemongrass
It is beneficial in the prevention of gastrointestinal disorders such as gastric ulcers, improves digestion, stimulates the bowel function, and it is beneficial in treating diarrhea, nausea and stomach aches.

Studies have however shown that lemongrass has anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties that help in fighting infections caused by various pathogens such as Helicobacter pylori and Escherichia coli.

Can Be An Anti-Depressant

Lemongrass contains citronella, which is well known for its calming effect on the mind and body. Its anti-depressant properties treat depression and it releases serotonin that helps the brain combat depression.

It relieves anxiety, improves mental strength and boosts self-esteem.

Reduces Body Odor

As an essential oil it can be diluted and applied as an effective deodorant, it is much more effective than many of the synthetic deodorants available in the market. The citral found in lemongrass is all you need, it gives you an aroma and it contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties which help control excessive sweating and destroy microorganisms that cause body odor. The upside to this is it doesn’t cause skin irritation or skin allergies.

Lemongrass Keeps The Skin Healthy

Lemongrass
Due to its antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties, it helps limit the growth of bacterial or microbial on the skin, keeping your skin free of infections and reduce activities of bacterial and fungal infections.

Here are simple steps to making an effective Lemongrass skin rub:

Mix ½ cup of freshly sliced lemongrass in a cup of olive oil and heat for five minutes.
Remove from heat and allow it to cold before applying it to the skin.
You can also:

Drink one or two cups of freshly brewed lemongrass tea daily. As explained earlier this is not advisable for pregnant women.