The Wonder Herb You Aren't Using

Lemongrass is one of the important element of Asian and Caribbean cuisine. There exist several varieties of lemon grass but Cymbopogon citratus is the pungent and aromatic grass that is used for cooking. Lemongrass is a popular herbal medicine which is commonly used to treat 'cough and cold' in India and other Asian countries. Lemongrass is an invariable part of Thai food. Here is an overview of health benefits of lemongrass.

Health Benefits of Lemongrass

Lemongrass tea is known for its refreshing aroma and taste. This tea from the eastern world has gained immense popularity among westerners for its medicinal properties. Lemongrass carries anti-bacterial and antifungal properties which are useful in treating various skin conditions. Here is a list of uses and benefits of lemongrass plant.

• 'Detoxification of liver, pancreas, kidneys, bladder and the entire digestive tract' is one of the important benefits of lemongrass tea.

• Lemongrass tea helps relieve nausea and severe menstrual cramps.

• The tea acts as a diuretic as well.

• The tea helps maintain normal cholesterol levels in the body.

• It promotes removal of toxins and excessive fat from the body.

• The tea helps improve digestive health and in turn the overall health.

• Lemongrass tea helps relieve common cough and cold. It helps relieve nasal and chest congestion.

• Regular intake of lemongrass tea helps prevent acne and other skin problems.

• Lemongrass is used to manufacture herbal soaps, lotions, perfumes and deodorants.

• Since everyone cannot get the fresh herb, lemongrass essential oil is used in several ways, as it also carries medicinal properties.

• Lemongrass oil is used in aroma therapy as it comes with a light and fresh citrus fragrance.

• Benefits of lemongrass essential oil are attributed to its analgesic, anti-bacterial, carminative (relieves gas), deodorizing, febrifuge (alleviating fever), fungicidal, antiseptic, antidepressant, astringent, diuretic, galactagogue, insecticidal, antipyretic (alleviating fever), antimicrobial and sedative properties.

• Lemongrass oil helps calm and relax the muscles. It works great for jet lag and stress.

• One of the significant lemongrass oil uses is that it helps relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety and panic attacks.

• It is used to treat edema (because of diuretic property), gas and acidity.

• It improves digestive health by relieving constipation.

• It helps prevent internal as well as external infections.

• Use of lemongrass oil helps prevent excessive sweating and body odor.

• Experts believe that lemongrass kills cancer cells without destroying healthy cells. But more research is needed to prove this.

• The oil carries analgesic and sedative properties. So it offers relief from headaches, migraines, menstrual cramps and muscle strains.

• Lemongrass oil helps soothe broken or inflamed skin. When applied topically, it speeds up the process of blood clotting and helps prevent excessive loss of blood.

• Lemongrass oil carries astringent properties. It therefore encourages contraction of gums, hair follicles, muscles, skin and blood vessels. In this way it helps prevent loosening and fall of teeth and hair. It helps maintain flow of blood through vessels. You can thus reap the benefits of lemongrass for hair. Regular use of lemongrass can help lower the cholesterol levels and improve blood circulation.

Lemongrass uses also include use of lemongrass oil as an insecticide, disinfectant and household cleaning and deodorizing agent. You can put some drops of oil in an oil burner or vaporizer, and it will work as a refreshing room deodorizer. When applied on pet's coat, it helps prevent fleas and ticks. Citronellal in the oil makes it a good insect repellent. The oil also works as an effective mosquito repellent and a food preservative. Lemongrass is commonly available and easy to grow, even in a small pot. So, bring home a lemongrass pot or get a bottle of lemongrass oil and enjoy the benefits.