Lemongrass Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects

Ayurveda, the ancient healing wisdom, merely relies on herbs in the form of powders, decoctions, extracts, teas, or ointments. Depending on the body type and the disease, different herbs are used that, through their healing capacity, help a patient to heal, recover, and stay healthy.

Today, in this blog, we are going to discuss one of such herbs that is quite in trend these days. But if we look back in time, this herb was already in use in Ayurvedic practices and healing measures, and was often used by our ancestors for healing and culinary purposes.

-- And this herb is Lemongrass.

Historical value, Scientific and Other Names

Lemongrass has been used as a prime ingredient in many Ayurvedic medicines for thousands of years. Well, not just in India, the Lemongrass plant is also widely used in several other countries due to its medicinal properties and calming effects.

The scientific name of lemongrass is Cymbopogon flexuosus; however, due to its grass-like appearance, it is commonly called “Lemongrass”. In Indian villages, folks often call it “Nimbu ghass or Neebu ghass,” which is the extract translation of lemongrass in Hindi.

Ayurvedic Perspective

Lemongrass is known as Bhustrna (भूस्तृण) in Ayurvedic textbooks. It has a katu (pungent) and tikta (bitter) rasa that stimulates digestion and helps to attain trisodha balance. However, if you take it in excess or not as per the guidance of an Ayurveda expert, it can aggravate Vata dosha in the body.

Being laghu (light), trikshan (sharp), and ruksha (dry) in nature, its usage helps to cure kapha and also eliminates the harmful toxins from the body. Vaidyas often advise drinking lemongrass tea for respiratory and digestive ailments as it works marvelously due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.

Lemongrass Nutritional Value:

Lemongrass contains many such nutrients through which overall physical and mental health is uplifted. The nutritional breakdown of 100 grams of lemongrass is as follows:

How to use Lemongrass?

Well, you can use lemongrass in several ways. The usage of lemongrass mainly relies on the purpose, whether you are using it for any health condition, culinary reasons, or aromatic purposes. Here are some potential ways through which you can use lemongrass:

1. Lemongrass Juice: You can make lemongrass juice, as it is a healthy beverage packed with several healthy antioxidants and healing properties.

2. Lemongrass tea: Instead of your routine tea and coffee, you can have the healthier version, which is lemongrass tea. For a better taste, you can even try cocktails and iced tea made with lemongrass.

3. Lemongrass oil: For topical application, inhalation, DIY sprays, and cleaning purposes, the use of lemongrass essential oil can be done. Its calming aura & healing nature will surely help you improve your mood as well as your health.

4. Salad Dressing: You can also include fresh and chopped stalks of lemongrass in your salad. It will surely enhance the nutritional content of it.

5. Soups: During winters or low temperatures, you can also make warm lemongrass soup. Being warm, this soup will prevent you from getting cold, and additionally, it will also boost your digestive power.

6. Stir-fry: Properly washed, boiled, finely chopped, and the inner core of stalks can be stir-fried and added to your routine meals.

7. Diffuser: Using lemongrass oil or extract, you can also create a natural diffuser to get a calming and pleasing fragrance or aroma.

Properties of Lemongrass

There exist some particular healing properties through which lemongrass benefits your body. These properties are:

1. Anti-inflammatory: You can attain many such nutrients in lemongrass that help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. That's why it can be highly helpful for arthritis, skin, and digestive disorders.

2. Anti-fungal: Studies have also found anti-fungal traits in this amazing herb - lemongrass. The application of Lemongrass oil kills the harmful fungus and prevents its further growth.

3. Anti-Bacterial: Yes! Lemongrass is also anti-bacterial. In fact, Vaidyas use it widely in several modern medicines and Ayurvedic formulations meant for treating or preventing bacteria.

4. Anti-microbial: Well, if you are dealing with yeast or fungal infection, then also the use of lemongrass can be beneficial. Being anti-microbial, it will surely help you.

5. Anti-stress & Anti-cancer agent: Due to its charismatic aroma and healing nature, the usage of lemongrass eventually works as a natural stress and anxiety reducing agent. Some experts even say that lemongrass also contains anti-cancer agents. However, studies are still ongoing to confirm it.

Benefits of Lemongrass

When utilized in an effective manner and as per the guidance of an Ayurveda expert or an experienced dietitian, lemongrass can help you a lot to improve your overall health, both physically and mentally. A brief explanation of the benefits of lemongrass:

1. Manages Cholesterol: If you have high cholesterol, then surely add lemongrass to your diet. On one side, it reduces (LDL), which we call bad cholesterol, and triglycerides, and on the other hand, it increases (HDL), also called good cholesterol. All this eventually results in an improved lipid profile.
   
   

   

2. Good for Blood Pressure: Lemongrass has diuretic Properties and it is also a good source of potassium. These help to reduce blood pressure by increasing the flow of urine. Additionally, it also helps your blood vessels to relax. All these eventually contribute to improved circulation and cardiovasular health.
   

   

3. Supports Digestive Health: If you are dealing with digestive issues, then the lemongrass plant can be helpful for you. In fact, it is used as a natural remedy to treat constipation, gas, bloating, indigestion, etc. Well, that's not all. Additionally, lemongrass also stimulates digestive enzymes, which in turn, protect the stomach lining from damage caused by aspirin and alcohol.
   

   

4. Improves Skin Health & Glory: There could be a long list stated for describing the lemongrass benefits for skin. It has antimicrobial, antifungal, and astringent properties through which it combats acnes, fades blemishes, and minimizes the appearance of pores. Also, if your skin is irritated, red, or oily, then lemongrass can also be used. Well, for skin-related problems, lemongrass in oil form is the best.
   

   
   Lemongrass oil benefits for skin:

• Removes tanning of the skin
• Provides relief from oily skin
• Controls acne and blemishes
• Enhance skin glow
• Protect your skin from fungal infection

5. Boosts Immunity: Being rich in Vitamin A & C, Lemongrass strengthens your overall immune system. A strong immune system provides enough strength to your body to fight off infections and prevent fungi, bacteria, etc.
   
   

   

6. Promotes Detoxification: Lemongrass, through its diuretic properties, eliminates harmful waste materials from your body via urine. helpful and supporting kidney health and functioning.
   

   

7. Encourage Hair Health and Growth: There are a number of lemongrass benefits for hair, such as strengthened hair follicles, reduced dandruff, and shiny or long hair. Additionally, if you are dealing with dandruff and scalp dryness, then using lemongrass oil can prove really beneficial.
   

   

8. Reduces Stress: The calming aroma of lemongrass essential oil may help reduce stress and anxiety when inhaled or diffused. Well, the benefits of lemongrass just not end here. It also helps your body to relax, boost concentration, and improve mood.
   

   

9. Heal Pain & Swelling: Lemongrass can also be a good option for arthritis patients. As it contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, through which relief can be attained from problems like muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, and menstrual cramps.
   

   
   

   Lemongrass Side Effects

   
   Well, lemongrass is beneficial in several ways. However, judging lemongrass merely on the basis of its benefits is not entirely right. So, here through some pointers we are sharing the possible side effects of lemongrass, so that one can have a clear idea whether lemongrass is helpful for them or not.

1. Upset stomach: Sometimes, the excessive consumption of lemongrass can cause many digestive problems. Some common digestive issues that are linked with lemongrass are nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and uneasiness.

2. Allergic reactions: Yes, it is possible that certain people could be allergic to lemongrass. Whenever such people consume or even come in contact with lemongrass, they face problems. These problems mainly include skin rashes, hives, itching, and sometimes even difficulty breathing.

3. Dry mouth: Besides upset stomach and allergic reactions, if you are using lemongrass in excess amounts, then you may also experience dryness of the mouth.

4. Increased Urination: The people have also complained about excessive and frequent urinary calls, which sometimes may interrupt their normal routine.

5. Excessive appetite: Intake of lemongrass in more than the required dosage can increase your hunger significantly, which eventually emerges as a side effect.

Precautions for Using Lemongrass

Despite being helpful for many health conditions, experts have specified certain precautions for those who want to use lemongrass. Below are some conditions where one should avoid using lemongrass:

1. During Pregnancy: It is possible that lemongrass can stimulate the uterus in pregnant women. In severe conditions, it can even cause miscarriage or premature labor.

2. Breastfeeding: Also, if you are a new mother or breastfeeding, then you should also avoid using lemongrass.

3. Allergic reactions: If you are allergic to lemongrass, then also avoid using it.

4. Pre-existing conditions: Well, there is also a need to avoid lemongrass if you are dealing with any pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, low bp, kidney, or liver problems.

Takeaway

Well, Lemongrass is extremely beneficial. But only when you are using it in the right way, and in the right manner, and as per the guidelines suggested by the experts, but using it without guidance or using it in excess can even harm your overall health. Be wise, and make sure to follow all the precautions suggested so that you can really obtain the amazing benefits of Lemongass.