The refreshing and citrus scent of lemongrass are very distinctive and it’s used in Asian cooking too as it imparts a strong unique flavor and aroma to any recipe. This perennial plant has coarse tufted stems, leaf buds with long thin leaves. Other than its distinctive lemony flavor used for the culinary purpose. The health benefits of lemongrass oil properties are just outstanding.Botanically this herb belongs to the grass family Poaceae and its scientific name is Cymbopogon Citratus. This herb is native to tropical regions of Asia and Southern India. This aromatic plant flourishes in fertile land receiving heavy rain. Now, with this herb being used in culinary purposes globally lemongrass is grown around the world at a commercial level.

Now, after discussing briefly lemongrass let us know the nutritional value of lemongrass and how it’s beneficial for overall health.

Nutrients in Lemongrass

• Proteins
• Carbohydrates
• Folate
• Niacin
• Pyridoxine
• Riboflavin
• Thiamin
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B Complex
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Copper
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Selenium
• Zinc

Lemongrass even contains several beneficial medicinal properties such which are mentioned below

• Antidepressant
• Antimicrobial
• Febrifuge
• Galactogogue
• Insecticidal
• Anti-cancerous
• Anti-Fungal
• Anti-bacterial
• Antiseptic
• Antipyretic
• Astringent
• Carminative
• Diuretic
• Sedative
• Anti-Inflammatory
• Antioxidant

12 Outstanding Health Benefits of Lemongrass

After knowing about the nutritional value and medicinal properties possesses by this citrusy herb, let’s discuss health benefits of lemongrass. There are many therapeutic benefits of this amazingly fragrant and flavourful herb which makes it’s an excellent addition to many home remedies.

1. Lemongrass for Respiratory Disorder

Lemongrass contains antimicrobial, antibacterial properties and also ample amounts of vitamin C which makes this herb an effective ingredient in treating respiratory disorders.

Lemongrass is beneficial in treating respiratory disorders like colds, cough, nasal blockage and bronchial asthma as well.

In this remedy along with lemongrass adding cinnamon and ginger will help to provide quick relief.

Cinnamon contains potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties and is also a natural expectorant.

Ginger helps to heal the body faster and even boost the immunity system naturally.

Things you need:

• Lemongrass- 2 Stalks
• Ginger- 1 Inch Piece
• Cinnamon Powder- 1 tsp
• Water- 1 Cup
• Honey- 1 tsp
• Strainer

Things you need to do:

1. Take a saucepan and place it on the heat.
2. Then add 1 cup of water into the saucepan.
3. Later peel and slice the ginger piece and add into the boiling water.
4. Then add in cinnamon powder and lemongrass into boiling water and allow the water to boil for 10 minutes.
5. Later remove the lemongrass, ginger and cinnamon tea and strain it.
6. Pour the tea into a cup and add in honey, stir.
7. Enjoy this warm lemongrass tea for relief.
8. This process must be repeated thrice a day for 2 to 3 days or until the symptoms of the respiratory disorder have abated completely.

2. Balance Cholesterol Levels with Lemongrass

Lemongrass contains anti-hypercholesterolemic and anti-hyperlipidemic properties which support healthy cholesterol levels in the blood. It is proven that including lemongrass in the diet has provided positive results in sustaining healthy levels of triglycerides and reduces LDL cholesterol in the body.

Moreover, lemongrass even is beneficial in preventing the accumulation of lipids in the blood vessels and promotes unobstructed blood flow in arteries. Thus, this amazing citrusy herb is effective in preventing cardiac disorders like atherosclerosis caused by high levels of cholesterol.

Things you need:

• Lemongrass Stalks- 4 Nos
• Sugar or Honey- Optional- 4 tsp
• Ginger- ¼ Inch Slice
• Water- 1 litre
• Teapot
• Strainer

Things you need to do:

1. Firstly take a large saucepan and put it on the heat.
2. Then add 1 litre of water into the saucepan and allow it to boil.
3. Later clean the stalks of lemongrass plain water and discard the green part of the lemongrass as in this tea only the white part of the lemongrass is useful.
4. Then smash the lemongrass stalks with the back of a knife or a hammer.
5. Add this smashed lemongrass stalks and ginger slices into a teapot.
6. Later pour boiling water over the lemongrass stalks in the teapot.
7. Allow the lemongrass stalks and ginger to steep in boiling water for 5 minutes.
8. Then pour in lemongrass tea in a cup and add in 1 tsp sugar or 1 tsp honey as per taste- this is completely optional.
9. Drink this aromatic lemongrass tea warm for best results.
10. This process must be repeated once daily to lower cholesterol levels substantially.

3. Prevent Cancer with Lemongrass

Lemongrass is known to possess potent anti-cancerous and an antioxidant property called as citral. This component gives lemongrass its distinctive lemony scent and this property causes apoptosis or cell suicide.

In fact, researchers have proven that lemongrass acts as a chemotherapy treatment by killing the cancer cells in the body, and in near future lemongrass oil can be used as an effective and inexpensive treatment for cancer.

Lemongrass oil is even considered as an effective treatment for killing colon cancer cells, promyelocytic leukemia cells and neuroblastoma cells by its apoptosis action while leaving healthy normal cells unharmed in the body.

Things you need to do:

• It is recommended to drink at least 8 cups of steeped lemongrass tea in a day especially for patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
• One can even intake lemongrass extract with food or in capsule form to treat cancer.

4. Treat Symptoms of Viral Fever with Lemongrass

Amongst the various health benefits of Lemongrass, one benefit is that it helps to reduce fever or even viral fever easily and for this quality it is also called as fever grass. This herb contains antipyretic and diaphoretic effect which induces sweating to cure fever effectively.

Method- 1 Lemongrass Drink

Things you need:

• Lemongrass leaves- 10 Nos
• Ginger- 1 Slice
• Sugar- 1 tsp
• Water- 2 Cups
• Strainer

Things you need to do:

1. Take a saucepan and put it on the heat.
2. Then add in 2 cups of water and allow it to boil.
3. Later add lemongrass leaves, sugar, and ginger slice into boiling water and allow it to steep for 5 minutes.
4. Then remove lemongrass tea from heat and strain the leaves and ginger slice.
5. Drink 1 cup of warm lemongrass tea immediately to reduce fever.
6. This process must be repeated every 8 hours until the fever has completely abated.

Method- 2 Effective Lemongrass paste

Lemongrass is rich in vitamin C, iron and even contains powerful antibacterial properties which are highly beneficial for improving the immunity system and treat symptoms of cold and flu.

Along with lemongrass adding cloves, cinnamon, turmeric powder and milk is an excellent home remedy to alleviate the symptoms of cold and flu.

Cloves assist in reducing fever and help to treat cold symptoms easily.

Cinnamon induces perspiration to combat flu and its anti-bacterial properties help to treat cold.

Turmeric contains potent antimicrobial and antiviral properties that have a direct effect on treating cold and flu symptoms.

Things you need:

• Lemongrass Leaves- 1 to 2 Nos
• Cloves- 2 to 3 Nos
• Cinnamon Powder- ¼ tsp
• Turmeric Powder- ½ tsp
• Milk- 1 Glass
• Strainer

Things you need to do:

1. Take a saucepan and put it on the heat.
2. Then add milk in a saucepan and add cloves, cinnamon powder, lemongrass and turmeric powder.
3. Stir well and allow it to boil for 5 minutes on low heat.
4. Then strain the milk and pour the lemongrass and spice infused milk into a cup.
5. Drink this lemongrass infused milk warm for instant relief.
6. This process can be repeated twice a day for combating signs of cold and flu easily.

5. Sleep Well and Treat Insomnia with Lemongrass

Lemongrass is highly beneficial in treating insomnia as this herb helps to relax the muscles and nerves in the body thereby induces deep sleep.

According to research it has been proven that lemongrass tea has sedative and hypnotic properties which increase the duration and quality of sleep.

Moreover, lemongrass is even an effective treatment for reducing stress levels which is again beneficial for insomnia.

Things you need to do:

• Drink a cup of lemongrass tea before sleeping to ensure deep sleep and to regularize sleep patterns to treat insomnia.

6. Treat Stomach Disorder with Lemongrass

Lemongrass contains antimicrobial and antibacterial compounds which help to fight infections caused by various pathogens like helicobacter pylori and E Coli. Thus, lemongrass helps to treat gastrointestinal or stomach disorders such as gastric ulcer stimulate bowel function and improves digestive functions.

Lemongrass even contains an anti-inflammatory property which is beneficial in treating ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, heartburn, stomach aches, nausea, bloating, flatulence, vomiting, and constipation as well.

Things you need to do:

• Drink 1 cup of lemongrass tea daily once regularly helps to maintain a healthy digestive tract and prevent stomach disorders.

7. Prevent and Treat Aches with Lemongrass

Lemongrass contains potent anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. These compounds of lemongrass suppress the activity of cyclooxyenase-2 which is enzyme causing inflammation and pains.

Thus, this citrusy herb alleviates and relaxes the muscles to reduce aches and pains caused by arthritis, joint pains, gout, rheumatism, and osteoarthritis.

Things you need:

• Lemongrass Oil- 10 Drops
• Epsom Salt- 1 tbsp
• Coconut Oil- 1 tbsp

Things you need to do:

1. Firstly take a bowl and add in 10 drops of lemongrass oil.
2. Then add in Epsom salt and coconut oil into lemongrass oil.
3. Mix well and rub this mix all over the body, then massage in circular motions for 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Then rinse off the application with warm water and pat the skin dry.
5. This process must be repeated once a day regularly for relief from pains and aches.

8. Get Rid of Infections with Lemongrass

Lemongrass contains antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

These properties are very effective in treating dermatological infections such as yeast, athlete’s foot, scabies, urinary tract infection and yeast infections as well. The beneficial properties of lemongrass inhibit the growth of pathogens to treat various infections.

Things you need:

• Lemongrass Oil- 2 Drops
• Coconut Oil- 15 to 20 Drops

Things you need to do:

1. Take a small bowl and add 2 drops of lemongrass oil.
2. Then mix in 15 to 20 drops of coconut oil into lemongrass oil.
3. Mix well and apply this oil on the skin infection.
4. This process must be repeated twice a day to heal the wounds and skin infection faster.

9. Boost your Immune System with Lemongrass

Lemongrass is beneficial in restoring the operations of vital systems in the body such as respiration, digestion, nervous system and excretion.

These amazing herb aides the body in the absorption of nutrients and strengthens the defence mechanism of the body.

The antioxidant properties present in lemongrass helps to protect white blood cells from free radicals. Regular consumption of lemongrass boosts the immunity and prevents the body from diseases and infections.

Things you need:

• Lemongrass Leaf- 1 to 2 Nos
• Rosemary Sprig- 1 Nos
• Water- 1 to 2 Cups
• Tea Pot

Things you need to do:

1. Firstly bring 1 to 2 cups of water to a boil.
2. Then fill the teapot with rosemary and lemongrass leaves.
3. Pour the boiling water over herbs in the teapot.
4. Allow the herbs to steep in boiling water for about 5 minutes.
5. Keep sipping the tea all day long and when the tea is finished add in more boiling water over the herbs.
6. This process can be repeated throughout the day for boosting the immunity as an everyday routine.

10. Natural Treatment for Type-2 Diabetes with Lemongrass

One of the main health benefits of lemongrass is to treat Type-2 Diabetes.

This herb contains hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect. These properties are proven to aid in maintaining amounts of glucose, lipoproteins, and cholesterol in the body.

In fact, lemongrass even helps to maintain an optimal level of insulin in the blood and even improves the tolerance of glucose in the body.

Things you need:

• Lemongrass Oil-  3 to 5 Drops
• Coriander Oil- 3 to 5 Drops
• Cinnamon Oil- 3 to 5 Drops
• Water- 12 oz

Things you need to do:

1. Take water in a large glass and add in lemongrass oil, coriander oil, and cinnamon oil into the water.
2. Mix well and drink this mixture immediately.
3. This process must be repeated 2 to 3 times a day to treat type-2 diabetes and maintain glucose levels.

11. Try Lemongrass for Obesity

Lemongrass is an effective herb for boosting the metabolism of the body to burn calories and enhances the oxidation of fatty acids in the body. This herb is a diuretic which helps to flush out excessive water from the body to remove toxins and excess fat.

Citral present in lemongrass is even proven to be advantageous for preventing accumulation of abdominal fat and promotes the use of stored energy thus combating obesity.

Things you need:

• Lemongrass Stalks- 3 Large Nos
• Sugar or Honey- 3 tsp
• Water- 4 Cups
• Ice Cubes- 2 to 3 Nos
• Strainer

Things you need to do:

1. Firstly clean and wash the lemongrass stalks thoroughly with plain water.
2. Then cut the lemongrass stalks into 1-inch pieces.
3. Later take a saucepan and put it on the heat.
4. Then pour water into the saucepan and allow it to simmer on a slow flame.
5. Later add in the chopped lemongrass stalks into the water.
6. Then when the water starts to boil, reduce the heat to low setting and cover the pan with a lid.
7. Allow the lemongrass infused water to simmer for 1 ½ hour or until the water thickens and turns greenish.
8. Then remove the pan from heat and add in sugar or honey and stir well until the sugar is well dissolved.
9. Later strain the lemongrass juice and allow it to cool down to room temperature.
10. Pour the juice into a glass, add ice cubes and enjoy this lemongrass juice.
11. This process can be repeated before meals to suppress appetite and after meals to improve the digestive function daily, until the desired weight loss results have been achieved.

12. Diminish Body Odour with Lemongrass

Yes, this may sound absolutely crazy but lemongrass can actually help you smell better!

The fragrant chemical component called citral in lemongrass which is an antimicrobial and antibacterial property. These properties of lemongrass aid to destroy the microorganism and flushes out the toxic material from the body to prevent body odour.

This lemony herb is even an excellent remedy to control excessive sweating to maintain personal hygiene.

Things you need:

• Lemongrass Oil- 10 Drops
• Lavender Oil- 15 to 20 Drops
• Baking Soda- ¼ Cup
• Glass Jar with wide mouth
• Spoon

Things you need to do:

1. Firstly take a glass jar and add in the baking soda.
2. Then add 10 drops of lemongrass oil and 15 to 20 drops of lavender oil on baking soda.
3. Close the lid and shake it well.
4. Then open the lid and smell it, if you desire a strong scent you can add an essential oil to the baking soda.
5. Then when the desired scent is achieved add a spoon and close the lid.
6. For usage, after shower takes a spoonful of this DIY lemongrass and lavender deodorant into your palms and pats it onto the armpits.
7. Pat until the powder is no longer visible, make sure not to rub on the skin and just pat it.
8. Always shake the jar well every time before usage.
9. This process can be repeated twice a day after a shower to prevent body odour and feel fresh naturally.

So, after knowing about the miraculous health benefits of lemongrass a lemon grass herb everyone will definitely try this herb in their culinary and home remedies.

Lemongrass remedies are completely natural, inexpensive and the mentioned home remedies do not possess any side effects.

In spite of trying these lemongrass home remedies if the health concern still prolongs it’s a must to consult a specialist.