13/07/2019
25 Surprising Benefits Of
Lemongrass
by Meenakshi Nagdeve last updated - July 11, 2019
Medically reviewed by Vanessa Voltolina (MS, RD)
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The health benefits of lemongrass are
numerous and include relief from insomnia ,
stomach disorders, respiratory disorders,
fever , pain, swelling, and infections. The
antioxidant activity of the lemongrass herb
maintains the immune system and protects
against antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus. It even helps in maintaining optimum
cholesterol levels , managing type 2 diabetes ,
and promoting healthy skin . It is extensively
used in aromatherapy and helps combat
fatigue, anxiety, and body odor .
Lemongrass – An Aromatic Healer
Cymbopogon citratus , also known as
lemongrass, is an herb which belongs to the
grass family of Poaceae . It is utilized for its
distinct lemon flavor and citrusy aroma. It is a
tall, perennial grass native to India and
tropical regions of Asia. It is a rough and
tufted plant with linear leaves that grow in
thick bunches. They emerge from a strong
base and stand about 3 meters high with a
meter-wide stretch.
In addition to its culinary usage, this
herb offers an array of medicinal benefits and
is in extensive demand due to its anti-
bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial
properties across Southeast Asia, Africa and
America.
The genus Cymbopogon comprises 55 species
of grasses, two of which are referred to as
lemongrass. These are Cymbopogon citratus,
which is famously preferred for culinary use
and Cymbopogon flexuosus, used in the
manufacturing of fragrances because of its
extended shelf life, owing to the low amount
of myrcene in that variety.
Watch Video: 10 Benefits Of
Lemongrass
Nutrition Facts
Lemon grass (citronella), raw
Serving Size :
Nutrient Value
Water [g] 70.58
Energy [kcal] 99
Protein [g] 1.82
Total lipid (fat) [g] 0.49
Carbohydrate, by difference [g] 25.31
Calcium, Ca [mg] 65
Iron, Fe [mg] 8.17
Magnesium, Mg [mg] 60
Phosphorus, P [mg] 101
Potassium, K [mg] 723
Sodium, Na [mg] 6
Zinc, Zn [mg] 2.23
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg] 2.6
Thiamin [mg] 0.07
Riboflavin [mg] 0.14
Niacin [mg] 1.1
Vitamin B-6 [mg] 0.08
Folate, DFE [µg] 75
Vitamin B-12 [µg] 0
Vitamin A, RAE [µg] 0
Vitamin A, IU [IU] 6
Vitamin D (D2 + D3) [µg] 0
Vitamin D [IU] 0
Fatty acids, total saturated [g] 0.12
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated
[g]
0.05
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated
[g]
0.17
Fatty acids, total trans [g] 0
Cholesterol [mg] 0
Sources include : USDA
Lemongrass Nutrition Facts
Lemongrass contains antioxidants, flavonoids
and phenolic compounds such as luteolin,
glycosides, quercetin, kaempferol, elemicin,
catechol, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid,
which help in providing an impressive range
of medicinal aids. The main component of this
fragrant herb is lemonal or citral, which has
antifungal and anti-microbial qualities.
Lemongrass is an aromatic storehouse of
essential nutrients providing an array of
health benefits. The USDA National Nutrient
Database shows that it is a source of essential
vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A , B-
vitamins , folate, and vitamin C , potassium ,
magnesium , phosphorous, manganese , zinc ,
and iron , which are required for the healthy
body function
Health Benefits of Lemongrass
Let us look, in details, at some of the most
well-known health benefits of lemongrass:
Lowers Cholesterol
Research published in 2011 in Food and
Chemical Toxicology journal revealed that
lemongrass possesses anti-hyperlipidemic and
anti-hypercholesterolemic properties that
support healthy cholesterol levels. One
animal study has also shown that regular
consumption may assist in sustaining healthy
levels of triglycerides and reducing LDL or
bad cholesterol. This may help in preventing
the accumulation of lipids in the blood vessels
and promoting an unobstructed flow of blood
in the arteries, thereby preventing various
cardiac disorders, such as atherosclerosis .
Detoxifies the Body
According to a 2003 animal study, lemongrass
may help in cleansing and flushing harmful
toxic wastes from the body, as a result of its
diuretic properties. Detoxification helps in the
regulation of various organs of the body,
including the liver and kidneys, while also
helping to lower the levels of uric acid. The
diuretic effect of the herb helps in increasing
the quantity and frequency of urination,
which helps in maintaining digestive health
and detoxifying the body.
Anticancer Potential
Lemongrass may be effective in preventing
the growth of cancer cells without affecting
the healthy cells of the body. Research
conducted to assess the anticancer activity of
lemongrass has shown promising outcomes in
the prevention of skin cancer. This is mainly
because of the presence of a chemical
compound called citral.
Research conducted on the effects of citral on
cancer cells shows its efficacy in inhibiting the
growth of hepatic cancer cells during the
initial phase and prevents further growth of
cancerous cells. Another study provides
supporting evidence regarding the anti-
proliferative effect of citral in impeding the
growth of human breast cancer cells and the
induction of apoptosis (programmed cell
death).
Fights Staphylococcus aureus
Research published in the Journal of Applied
Microbiology has shown that lemongrass
essential oil has an anti-biofilm capacity and
is beneficial against the infection caused by
Staphylococcus aureus . It contains phenols and
essential oil , which may disrupt the growth of
infections and germs and help inhibit the
formation of the biofilms.
Stomach Disorders
Studies have shown that lemongrass essential
oil has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial
properties which help in fighting the
infections caused by various pathogens such
as Helicobacter pylori and Escherichia coli .
It is beneficial in assuaging gastrointestinal
disorders and reducing inflammation; it may
be helpful to consume to improve digestion
and if you suffer from gastric ulcers,
constipation , ulcerative colitis, diarrhea ,
nausea and stomach aches
Relieves Insomnia
Lemongrass tea is considered to be helpful in
calming muscles and nerves that may aid
in promoting sleep . Research has shown
that its herbal tea has sedative and hypnotic
properties, which can help in increasing the
duration of sleep.
Respiratory Disorders
Lemongrass is widely used in Ayurvedic
medicine for its healing effects in treating
cough and cold. Along with other beneficial
components, the vitamin C content present in
it may help in providing relief from nasal
blockages, flu and other respiratory disorders
such as bronchial asthma .
Reduces Fever
Lemongrass is a febrifuge also known as the
‘fever grass’, due to its beneficial effects in
lowering fever. The antipyretic and
diaphoretic effect is extensively used in
Ayurvedic medicine for curing fevers by
inducing sweating.
Helps Treat Infections
Lemongrass works as an antiseptic and is
effective in treating infections such as
ringworm, sores, Athlete’s Foot, scabies, and
urinary tract infections (UTI) because of its
antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties.
Studies have shown that the herb exerts
healing effects on dermatological infections,
such as yeast infections , by inhibiting the
growth of pathogens. Another study provides
supporting evidence that demonstrated the
efficacy of lemongrass over thyme, patchouli,
and cedarwood oil in the treatment of various
diseases such as oral or vaginal candidiasis.
Reduces Aches
Lemongrass may alleviate the pain and
discomfort caused by headaches and
migraines due to its analgesic properties. The
phytonutrients present in it improve blood
circulation and help in relieving spasms,
muscle cramps , sprains, and backaches . It is
also valuable in treating sports wounds,
including dislocations, internal injuries, and
bruises .
Nervous System
Lemongrass is nervine and is considered to be
a tonic for the nervous system. It stimulates
the mind and helps in combating convulsions,
nervousness, vertigo, and various neuronal
disorders. It is used in therapeutic baths,
which assist in calming the nerves and
alleviating the symptoms of anxiety and
fatigue caused by stress .
Type-2 Diabetes
Lemongrass has been shown to have
beneficial implications for managing type-2
diabetes. An animal stud y indicates that the
citral present in lemongrass may help
maintain optimum levels of insulin and
improve the tolerance of glucose in the body.
However, more research needs to be
conducted on a human population to truly
understanding the effects.
Relieves Pain & Inflammation
Lemongrass is effective in relieving the pain
and discomfort caused by rheumatism. It can
be applied topically on both lumbago and
sprains and helps in relieving neuralgia.
Boosts Immunity
Lemongrass extracts have a beneficial effect
on the inflammatory actions of cytokines,
which are the signaling molecules through
which the cells communicate and respond to
the body. Studies have shown that lemongrass
exerts anti-inflammatory action and its
constituent, citral, may be the cause of its
inhibitory effect on cytokine production.
Skin Care
Lemongrass has been treasured as a skin tonic
and makes an effective cleanser for oily or
acne-prone skin, due to its astringent and
antiseptic qualities. It helps in strengthening
the skin tissues and toning up the pores while
also sterilizing them. Care should be taken
while using lemongrass products, as the
undiluted application might lead to dermal
irritation in some cases.
Cellular Health
Lemongrass possesses antioxidant qualities
and helps in protecting the body cells from
oxygen-derived free radicals.
Antioxidant power can help with the
regeneration of new cells and with discarding
of the old. The folate and potassium content
in the stem and leaves of lemongrass aids in
DNA synthesis and promotes cell division.
Relief from Edema
Lemongrass is effective in providing relief
from the condition of water retention or
edema . It has a cleansing effect on lymphatic
congestion and helps soothe the swelling.
Aromatherapy
