Lemongrass - Health Benefits, Chemical Powerhouse, Side Effects, and Uses

Americanized lemongrass is a plant used in Southeast Asia, and this fluid is not only used in curries and stir-fry dishes. This plant of the grass family has been known for a long time as possessing curative properties and is gaining popularity for the mentioned functions. Not only the root, but the stem and leaves of lemongrass contain a wealth of bioactive substances, including citral, a natural insecticide, and flavonoids that exhibit antioxidant effects. Moving on to give a deeper insight into the aspects of lemongrass, one question might ring a bell: Can lemongrass help improve health?

Nutritional Powerhouse of Lemongrass

It thus becomes clear that lemongrass has a very different scent from other herbs and that the health benefits that could be obtained from this plant are a result of the chemical makeup of this plant.

The essential oil extracted from the leaves is a powerhouse, containing several key components: 

• Citral: This gives citral its lemony notes, and it is estimated that citral accounts for as much as 80% of the essential oil; it seems to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities.

• Myrcene: This monoterpene adds a small hint of FTO’s earthy smell and may be involved in the pain-killing process and calming the body.

• Geraniol and Citronellol: These fragrant compounds add a floral note and may offer antifungal and antibacterial effects.

They, and also other phenolic compounds as well as antioxidants, are mutually beneficial to provide a variety of probable health benefits.

Lemongrass and Anxiety Relief

The fragrance of lemongrass has not only a positive effect on people’s mood but also on their state of health. It was found to possess possible anxiolytic (anxiety-decreasing) effects. 

Here's how:

• Aromatherapy: Breathing in lemongrass essential oil may cause the muscles in the body to relax and thus assist in diminishing the stress hormones associated with anxiety disorders.

• Antioxidant Power: Some of those compounds include antioxidants that can effectively combat oxidative stress, a cause of anxiety.

Remember: Although there are testimonial success stories of the use of lemongrass in anxiety treatment, as there is significant substance to this plant, more studies are required to define its efficacy and usual administering amount.

Health Benefits of Lemongrass

This peanut plant has, over the years, been used in different cultures to cure different diseases. The practice is catching much attention in modern science, and some of the above-mentioned applications can be viewed as potentially valid. 

Here's a closer look at some of the promising areas:

• Digestive Relief: Perhaps lemongrass has a mild remedy for the ailments that relate to digestion. It is said to have anti-spasmodic activity and may help in calming down stomach aches and pains. In the same respect, it might be able to fight intestinal bacterial overgrowth, which is linked with indigestion.

• Anti-inflammatory Powerhouse: Here, you will find some of the complications associated with chronic inflammation: Lemongrass contains citral and myrcene, antioxidants that relieve inflammation by eliminating free radicals that cause tissues’ deterioration.

• Pain Management: There is some experimental backing to lemongrass’s common employment as a painkiller. Lemongrass essential oil is also proven to be a natural pain reliever due to the citral found in the oil, which cures headaches and muscular pains.

• Fungal and Bacterial Defense: A study has shown that lemongrass essential oil possesses good antifungal and antibacterial potential. Studies indicate that it has efficacy against a range of fungal species, although this research concentrated on the fungi causing athlete’s foot and ringworm. Besides that, lemongrass oil has antimicrobial activity against some particular bacteria, which can support the process of wound healing.

• A Relaxing Ally: Lemongrass that has a calming smell is not just a feel-good thing. Studies suggest that inhaling lemongrass essential oil may promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.  This effect may be due to its impact on neurotransmitter chemicals that relate to mood.

• Antioxidant Powerhouse: Chronic diseases are associated with free radicals, which are dangerous compounds, and antioxidants help to eliminate them. However, flavonoids and phenolic compounds present in lemongrass have the benefit of acting as antioxidants and later protecting the body from inflammation-related diseases.

• A Potential Ally in Cholesterol Management: Some of the studies on lemongrass indicate that it has the potential to reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol while raising the levels of HDL cholesterol. This may further help in enhancing the quality of cardiovascular health.

Different Forms of Lemongrass and their Uses

Lemongrass offers a variety of forms, each with its own advantages and applications: 

• Fresh Lemongrass: The best one is fresh lemongrass stalks since they contain the maximum scent and flavor as compared with the others. The ideal color should be light green while selecting the cucumbers, and they should preferably be taken from firm stalks. Wrap them in a damp paper towel and place the dish in a refrigerator; you can consume it for a week.

• Dried Lemongrass: A convenient alternative, dried lemongrass retains its citrusy essence but with a slightly milder intensity. Store dried lemongrass in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to six months.

• Lemongrass Powder: Lemongrass powder, specifically the finely ground one, provides an intense lemongrass taste and is easily combined with spices, marinades, and rubs. It is best to store jelly in an airtight container and place it in a cool, dark place. It may last up to a year.

• Lemongrass Paste: In Southeast Asian meals, lemongrass paste consists of lemongrass and other spices such as shallots, galangal, and chillies. This tasty paste is perfect for MARINATING and intensifying the FLAVOUR of CURRIES, STIR FRIES and SAUCES. The commercially prepared paste should be refrigerated, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging. The homemade lemongrass paste should ideally be used within a week, as the quality may deteriorate after that; however, it can be frozen for up to three months.

• Lemongrass Essential Oil: Intensely fragrant and highly concentrated, lemongrass essential oil is mostly incorporated in aromatherapy. It should not be consumed and should be taken externally by first diluting it with a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond oil. Lemongrass essential oil should be stored in a dark glass container so that it cannot be affected by direct sunlight or the heat of the climate.

Applications of Lemongrass

Lemongrass’ uses are not limited to the kitchen, despite its common use as an herb for cooking.

Here are some fascinating ways it's utilized: 

• Insect Repellent: Synergistic findings indicate that lemon grass oil may be of benefit as an essential oil insecticide. This may serve to repel mosquitoes and other insects. Citral is one of the ingredients.

• Household Deodorizer: The smell of lemongrass, which is somewhat invigorating, makes it an ideal additive for freshening up the house. For a diffuser, use lemongrass essential oil by diluting it or drop a few parts in a homemade cleaning solution.

• Aromatherapy for Relaxation: It is believed that inhaling lemongrass essential oil may help one relax as well as decrease stress levels. You can sprinkle it or include a couple of drops in your warm water and shower for the best bath.

Safety and Side Effects of Lemongrass 

While lemongrass is generally safe for most individuals when consumed in moderation or used topically, there are some important considerations: 

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Lemongrass may also affect the uterus, and due to this, it should not be taken by pregnant women. One should preferably avoid the consumption of lemongrass during this time. However, since there is insufficiency in the safety data, it is preferable not to use lemongrass while breastfeeding.

• Skin Sensitivity: It is also important to note that lemongrass oil is phototoxic and hence should not be applied to the skin if one is planning to move to a place where they will come across light within the next 12 hours. This oil also has the tendency to cause skin inflammation when used in high concentrations. There is usually a need to blend lemongrass oil with other oils, especially coconut oil, before applying it to the skin. It is advised that, before applying this product on a large scale, a patch test should be done on the skin.

• Drug Interactions: Possible interactions can be traced to the consumption of lemongrass extracts and some drugs, such as those that thin the blood and those that promote the production of urine. Before using lemongrass, it is highly recommended that you consult your doctor, particularly if you are on certain medications.

Growing and Storing

Of course, if you want the supply of fresh lemongrass to never run dry, consider taking it upon yourself to grow the herb! Lemongrass is best grown in areas with good sunshine and temperatures that are slightly warm, and it loves soil with good drainage. Begin with planting lemongrass from store-bought stalks with good roots or buy plants from nurseries.

If lemongrass is cut, it should be stored in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to a week following harvest. If you want to store lemongrass for a longer time, it is recommended to chop it and freeze it. Quantities of dried lemongrass leaves can be easily bought in most supermarkets and are a convenience food that will give lemongrass flavor.

The Future of Lemongrass Research

Despite the numerous possibilities of lemongrass for health improvement, it is critical to mention that constant studies must be done to discover more concerning the utilization of this natural product and factors that might lead to its being hazardous for health. It must be tested for specific health conditions with large study groups in order to prove its worth. However, the possibilities of the interaction with medicines need to be investigated further.

Sustainable Practices: Growing Your Own Lemongrass

For the home gardener, growing your own lemongrass is a very fulfilling process. 

Here's a quick guide:

• Climate: Growing lemongrass, which is native to Asia, is a tropical plant that prefers warmer places with direct sunlight. But for those people residing in areas that have extreme cold, one may opt for container gardening and move indoors during the winter season.

• Planting: You can start with healthy lemongrass stalks, or you can also buy a seedling from an expert nursery. Grow them in loose soils that do not retain moisture, and ensure you water them often.

• Harvesting: It is advisable to cut the lemongrass when it is about 12 inches tall, though it can get taller depending on the location. Trim the stalks either close to the ground to encourage the plant to grow more stalks or to the desired length for a sapling.

Conclusion: 

Lemongrass has a unique taste and fragrance; in addition, it holds some rather interesting health properties as well. Starting with seasoning your dishes with lemon grass to brighten up your plate, helping you with your relaxation period, and even managing digestion difficulties, lemon grass is a friend to have around. Although more studies have to be conducted to determine the effectiveness of using lemongrass, adding this spice to the diet and investigating other uses of the herb can be fun and might make you healthier. It is pertinent to seek the advice of a doctor if you intend to use lemongrass in any medicinal form or if you are sick or on medication.

Disclaimer: Thus, the material published in this article serves only as a reference and should not be considered medical advice. Patients should consult their doctors prior to using lemongrass in any therapeutic ways since some information may be intertwined.

 

 

 

 

Edit This Article