Lemongrass, or lemon grass, provides significant health benefits for humans. In addition to being used in cooking, lemongrass is also utilized for medicinal purposes and beauty treatments.
Essential Facts About Lemongrass
- Characteristics and Benefits of Lemongrass
- Health Benefits of Lemongrass
- 1. Lemongrass Water as an Effective Cancer Treatment
- 2. Regulating Blood Pressure
- 3. Promoting a Healthy Digestive System
- 4. Inhibiting Bacterial Growth
- 5. Effective Detoxification
- 6. Eliminating Unpleasant Odors
- 7. Reducing Cough and Fever
- 8. Beneficial for the Nervous System
- 9. Supporting Weight Loss in Women
- 10. Anti-inflammatory Properties
- 11. Promoting Hair Growth
- 12. Beauty Benefits of Lemongrass
- Side Effects of Improper Use of Lemongrass
- Precautions for Using Lemongrass and Its Essential Oil
Characteristics and Benefits of Lemongrass
Lemongrass is one of the familiar spices in Vietnamese cuisine. It can be ground into powder or chopped to accompany a variety of dishes. Other names for lemongrass include citronella, fragrant grass, and many others, and it is a perennial plant. The stalks can grow from 1 to 1.5 meters tall, are green in color, and the leaves are rolled into layers, emitting a very pleasant aroma.
Originating from India, lemongrass is widely cultivated across Asia, including Vietnam. This plant is particularly common in the northern provinces of Vietnam. In traditional medicine, lemongrass is often used to treat various digestive issues, relieve colds, reduce fevers, and address skin diseases.
Here are some common images of lemongrass:
Image of lemongrass.
Health Benefits of Lemongrass
1. Lemongrass Water as an Effective Cancer Treatment
In every 100g of lemongrass, there are up to 24 micrograms of beta-carotene. This is a powerful antioxidant that can eliminate harmful free radicals in the body, significantly reducing the risk of cancer and preventing its progression.
2. Regulating Blood Pressure
Lemongrass contains adequate amounts of magnesium and potassium that the body needs. Potassium helps stabilize blood pressure and lowers it when it is high. Stabilized blood pressure significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, making lemongrass a popular choice among hypertension patients.
3. Promoting a Healthy Digestive System
Lemongrass has various active compounds that possess antibacterial and antioxidant properties, helping to maintain a healthy digestive system and prevent harmful diseases. It is often used as a remedy for bloating, flatulence, and indigestion.
Lemongrass promotes a healthier digestive system.
4. Inhibiting Bacterial Growth
When lemongrass is used to create essential oil, it contains methyl iso-eugenol and other compounds that can completely inhibit bacterial growth, preventing them from developing and harming the body. This is especially beneficial in treating wound infections or skin conditions.
5. Effective Detoxification
Another common use of lemongrass is for detoxifying the body. Both lemongrass and its essential oil contain diaphoretic properties that enhance sweating, promoting the elimination of toxins. The body can expel excess salt, water, and harmful fats, leading to a lighter feeling.
6. Eliminating Unpleasant Odors
The essential oil derived from lemongrass contains many fragrant and antibacterial compounds. These substances help eliminate unpleasant odors from food, clothing, or your body. You can mix lemongrass essential oil with bath water to remove body odors. However, using a large amount of essential oil may cause skin irritation.
7. Reducing Cough and Fever
Lemongrass has a warm, spicy nature. When combined with garlic and honey, it can enhance the treatment of cough and fever. Additionally, lemongrass contains strong antibacterial compounds that can help speed up recovery and prevent recurrence.
8. Beneficial for the Nervous System
The essential oil from lemongrass significantly enhances the functions of the nervous system. It improves blood circulation and minimizes the risk of neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, memory disorders, and cerebral circulation insufficiency.
9. Supporting Weight Loss in Women
Lemongrass is often used similarly to chili peppers to aid in burning excess fat. Additionally, when used properly, lemongrass can reduce calorie intake, making it easier for women to lose weight. It also promotes better blood circulation and improves the body’s metabolism.
Lemongrass supports weight loss in women.
10. Anti-inflammatory Properties
A study published on CNN in 2010 showed that lemongrass extract is an extremely effective treatment for inflammatory diseases. Researchers confirmed that the powerful antioxidants in lemongrass help reduce stress.
Another similar study by American scientists found that lemongrass is a treatment for inflammatory bowel disease due to its ability to inhibit the production of leukocytes— a type of white blood cell— from inflamed intestines.
11. Promoting Hair Growth
Using lemongrass is an effective treatment for hair growth and enhances hair development. It is rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential nutrients for both skin and hair. Regularly drinking lemongrass tea can strengthen hair follicles and prevent hair loss. According to Health & Life, lemongrass can significantly reduce dandruff within a week.
Additionally, you can use a handful of lemongrass stems boiled in 1.5 liters of water. After boiling, let it cool or dilute it further and use it for rinsing hair. Regularly doing this 2-3 times a week can help hair become smooth, strong, and reduce hair loss.
12. Beauty Benefits of Lemongrass
Lemongrass is rich in vitamin C, which has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, making the skin smoother and preventing acne. Additionally, vitamin C stimulates collagen production, helping hair become shinier. Lemongrass essential oil also contains two compounds, citral and geraniol, which kill harmful bacteria and cancer cells, allowing hair follicle cells to develop and promote hair growth.
Side Effects of Improper Use of Lemongrass
Of course, there are potential side effects if used improperly or in excess. Some possible side effects include:
- Lemongrass has a warming property, and excessive use can cause diarrhea.
- Using pure essential oil from lemongrass directly can lead to poisoning and systemic irritation. It should be diluted before use.
- Lemongrass essential oil can cause anaphylactic shock if you are allergic to certain components of lemongrass.
Precautions for Using Lemongrass and Its Essential Oil
- Pregnant women should exercise caution when using lemongrass essential oil, as it can stimulate the uterus, affect menstrual cycles, and lead to miscarriage.
- Children should not play with lemongrass essential oil as it can cause skin irritation and discomfort.
- People with weakness or poor health should avoid using lemongrass frequently, as its warming nature can deplete energy.
- If you are allergic to lemongrass, you should completely avoid it and not use lemongrass essential oil.
Convenient Lemongrass Cultivation Techniques for Every Home
The Benefits of Lemongrass Oil and How to Make Lemongrass Oil Easily at Home
Surprising Discovery of the “Hidden Companion” of the Dinkinesh Asteroid
